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Is there still a Conservative Party?

(185 Posts)
Glorianny Fri 02-Jun-23 12:41:13

Chris Patten on QT said there isn't one any more. Is he correct? He said "I was the chairman of the conservative party when there was one"

Casdon Sat 03-Jun-23 09:53:16

MaizieD

^ Core principles morph slowly don’t they, rather than change dramatically?^

On those grounds alone would you say that the tory party of today is anything like the tory party of a decade ago?

I think it depends what you define the Tory party as MaizieD. There’s a clear divide in the party at the moment, and the right wing have assumed precedence in the last few parliaments since 2010. Lots of their MPs are uncomfortable/disillusioned however with the direction, as are many voters. It’s a crossroads I think, who knows what will happen next - but my money would be on the moderates winning out eventually.

MaizieD Sat 03-Jun-23 09:47:59

I can't see the tories winning the next election, Oreo, but I can see tactical voting and more wins for the Lib Dems. Starmer might have to be a bit more conciliating about co-operating with other parties.

MaizieD Sat 03-Jun-23 09:44:24

^ Core principles morph slowly don’t they, rather than change dramatically?^

On those grounds alone would you say that the tory party of today is anything like the tory party of a decade ago?

Oreo Sat 03-Jun-23 09:43:06

To anyone who doesn’t feel the Labour Party is left wing enough, look if Labour voters don’t vote cos they don’t like Keir Starmer then the Conservatives will get in yet again next election, is this what you want? FGS just give Starmer a chance.

Casdon Sat 03-Jun-23 09:27:25

MaizieD

GrannyGravy13

There is definitely a Conservative Party, just as there is a Labour Party and Liberal Democrat Party along with numerous others.

Political Parties like the U.K. are constantly evolving and they are learning a very hard lesson that you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Put it another way, GG13. Is what is called 'The Conservative Party' the same as the party you have supported over the years?

Do you not think that parties should have core principles that shouldn't change?

I agree with GrannyGravy13, I think all political parties do evolve over time, and go through dynamic and dire periods too. Core principles morph slowly don’t they, rather than change dramatically?

ronib Sat 03-Jun-23 09:26:50

MaizieD well not necessarily. I have become aware that some people are a bit hesitant to contribute to discussions….. not that I am 😤

MaizieD Sat 03-Jun-23 09:18:53

Iam64

ronib

MaizieD well is Gnet a safe space for ‘actual Tories’? Does Gnet encourage or welcome discussion from ‘actual anyone who isn’t left wing’?
However that’s not the topic of the thread…..

You’re having a laugh

It's ronib's modus operandi.

MaizieD Sat 03-Jun-23 09:17:36

GrannyGravy13

There is definitely a Conservative Party, just as there is a Labour Party and Liberal Democrat Party along with numerous others.

Political Parties like the U.K. are constantly evolving and they are learning a very hard lesson that you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Put it another way, GG13. Is what is called 'The Conservative Party' the same as the party you have supported over the years?

Do you not think that parties should have core principles that shouldn't change?

GrannyGravy13 Sat 03-Jun-23 09:10:35

There is definitely a Conservative Party, just as there is a Labour Party and Liberal Democrat Party along with numerous others.

Political Parties like the U.K. are constantly evolving and they are learning a very hard lesson that you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Galaxy Sat 03-Jun-23 09:02:26

Oh I dont know I have always assumed Grany is a Tory.

ronib Sat 03-Jun-23 08:55:21

Iam64 not the topic of the thread….

Iam64 Sat 03-Jun-23 08:44:51

ronib

MaizieD well is Gnet a safe space for ‘actual Tories’? Does Gnet encourage or welcome discussion from ‘actual anyone who isn’t left wing’?
However that’s not the topic of the thread…..

You’re having a laugh

ronib Sat 03-Jun-23 08:03:14

MaizieD well is Gnet a safe space for ‘actual Tories’? Does Gnet encourage or welcome discussion from ‘actual anyone who isn’t left wing’?
However that’s not the topic of the thread…..

MaizieD Sat 03-Jun-23 07:48:53

It would be interesting to hear from some actual tories...

There's only one poster on this thread who I suspect is one.

Katie59 Sat 03-Jun-23 07:30:09

“they became the SELFSERVATIVES ,only interested in themselves and their like “

Of course the majority of voters are self serving, they will vote for what benefits them, only a minority vote for principles.

The Tory party has a large block of right wing extremists that holds the moderates to ransom, current problems stem from the ERG forcing Cameron to commit to a Brexit referendum.
They would never have got the majority they have without the chaos around leaving the EU.

ronib Sat 03-Jun-23 06:42:07

I get the impression that political parties are in the game of reinvention- getting in touch with media focus groups and saying what suits. Floating ideas to see what gets the biggest bite. Still working it out, waiting for social researchers. No core beliefs.

The latest political miscalculation has left Boris Johnson in a strong position - it’s the bounce back kid back on the block.
Beginning to feel surreal.

nightowl Fri 02-Jun-23 22:58:29

‘Chavs’ is indeed a very good book Glorianny, and well worth reading. It is educational in terms of social history and I found it very powerful. I encouraged my son to read it (he still has it) as a way of understanding his own family history.

I was sent a copy by a very lovely gransnetter, whom I had never met, in the early days of gransnet, after we had corresponded via PM about some background we had in common.

Glorianny Fri 02-Jun-23 22:05:23

MayBee70

Grany

KS and those that run the party do not want anyone left or moderate left. Video Starmer goes FULL DICTATOR Owen Jones. A politician Ian Driscoll very capable man serving mayor who has worked tirelessly for his community including achieved Very Many Good Things, a driving force for a Green Industrial revolution The party banned him. Because he is not on the right of the Labour Party.

If Owen Jones doesn’t like Keir that’s even more of a reason for me to support him. He doesn’t, for some reason, want a Labour government but just wants to remain in permanent opposition meaning about everything….I don’t buy The Guardian because he writes in it. He isn’t a journalist. He’s just a very silly boy.

He's actually a very clever and astute writer and broadcaster. "Chavs: the demonisation of the working class "is a well written, carefully thought out book.

Grantanow Fri 02-Jun-23 21:59:14

To the original question I hope not!

Iam64 Fri 02-Jun-23 21:55:01

Great description of Owen Jones there maybee70

Casdon Fri 02-Jun-23 21:54:31

We know you hate what Labour stands for now, but it’s fine Grany because you have already told us you are voting Green, I’m waiting to hear which of their policies you support and which you don’t.

MayBee70 Fri 02-Jun-23 21:43:19

Grany

KS and those that run the party do not want anyone left or moderate left. Video Starmer goes FULL DICTATOR Owen Jones. A politician Ian Driscoll very capable man serving mayor who has worked tirelessly for his community including achieved Very Many Good Things, a driving force for a Green Industrial revolution The party banned him. Because he is not on the right of the Labour Party.

If Owen Jones doesn’t like Keir that’s even more of a reason for me to support him. He doesn’t, for some reason, want a Labour government but just wants to remain in permanent opposition meaning about everything….I don’t buy The Guardian because he writes in it. He isn’t a journalist. He’s just a very silly boy.

Anniebach Fri 02-Jun-23 21:40:11

When Labour members were campaigning to remain, come the televised leaders debate Corbyn went on holiday

Oreo Fri 02-Jun-23 21:35:13

MayBee70

I’m moderate left wing and left the party because I was never left wing enough for my local branch. So I’m happy, having rejoined the party, to support Keir. Especially as, when I was campaigning to remain in the EU I there didn’t seem to be many from the far left supporting us. We live in strange times, politically and the electorate obviously didn’t want a socialist government. If Labour and Keir turn out to be as awful as some people on here seem to think they’re going to be then I’ll hold up my hands and say I was wrong but I’m prepared to give him a go.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Grany Fri 02-Jun-23 21:28:41

KS and those that run the party do not want anyone left or moderate left. Video Starmer goes FULL DICTATOR Owen Jones. A politician Ian Driscoll very capable man serving mayor who has worked tirelessly for his community including achieved Very Many Good Things, a driving force for a Green Industrial revolution The party banned him. Because he is not on the right of the Labour Party.