EDITORIAL
FLYING back from COP26 in a private jet to go to an all men’s club for a Telegraph dinner? That’s the Tories.
Trying to change parliamentary rules to ensure one of your own gets off Scot-free?
That’s the Tories.
Still being ahead in the polls after yet another disastrous week in politics?
You guessed it – that’s the Tories.
This week in Westminster perhaps signalled the end of Boris Johnson. The British public have let him off with an excessive amount during his time in office.
But when the traditional supportive press turn on No10, it may signal that Mr Johnson’s time is up.
But make no mistake – this isn’t indicative of a coronation for Keir Starmer after the next General Election.
In fact, it’s far more likely that another Conservative will replace Johnson, prove competent while maintaining a populist sheen and run away with the vote.
After absolutely everything, this is perhaps the closest Labour have come to challenging the Tories in the polls. If the parties were reversed, it’s likely the Tories may be some 20 points ahead in opposition.
Starmer may have responded quickly to the Paterson incident – with a strongly worded Guardian article – but it’s too little, too late. There’s no authority in the Labour party anymore – and the public know that.
Most likely to replace Johnson is Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Some of the magic has come off due to this year’s budget, but he still offers some semblance of a vision – and certainly more than anything from Starmer’s camp.
And that’s the danger for anyone left of centre. Johnson is a fantastic campaigner, but in office, the populist rhetoric hasn’t been enough to cover up the blithering errors.
It’s possible that with Sunak – and a return to sensible, populist Conservatism – Labour will truly be wiped out in the next General Election.
And just like in Virginia this week, it may be progressives that will be blamed. And the cycle carries on.
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Countries on frontline to climate change worry influence may be reduced at COP26
Countries on the frontline of climate change worry their influence at COP26 will be diluted by exclusion from key agenda-setting meetings and prohibitive logistical challenges limiting their attendance in Glasgow.
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