Internal Divisions in the Conservative Party: A Longstanding Battle

The UK's Conservative Party has a long history of internal divisions, which come to the forefront during significant events like the Brexit referendum or election campaigns. While these conflicts are not new, recent events have brought them into sharp relief, highlighting the tense dynamics within the party.

Historical Context and the Thatcher Era

My belief is that there has always been a significant internal division within the Conservative Party, and this has been evident since the days of the Thatcher Administration. These divisions have been exacerbated in recent times, particularly with the emergence of extreme vs. moderate factions such as Braverman and Badenoch on one side, and Tugenhat and other moderates on the other. This is not a new phenomenon. It has been described as a 'power grab' by individuals who are perceived as unreliable or distrustful.

Current Internal Split

At present, the Conservative Party is already split. This is not an unusual state for the party, as each election cycle necessitates a search for common ground to campaign on a shared manifesto. Despite the current split, the limited support the party has means these disagreements are unlikely to affect the electoral outcome significantly. Internal factions include the New Conservatives, The European Research Group (ERG), The Northern Research Group (NRG), and so on. Alongside these groups, there are single-issue pressure groups such as the Net Zero Scrutiny Group and the Free Enterprise Group.

Public vs. Private Disagreements

While these divisions are well-known to insiders, they are often kept under wraps by parties in power. For example, the Labour Party may face similar ideological conflicts but keeps them buttoned up to maintain a united front. However, the Conservative Party's struggles have become more public due to the party's current position and the intense pressure it faces.

Historical Jokes and Modern Reality

The old saying, 'If Parliament was to blow up and everyone was to die except for two surviving Tory MPs, the party would still be bitterly divided,' epitomizes the internal conflicts within the Conservative Party. While this is a humorous exaggeration, it highlights the real tension that exists among party members. Political parties often experience divisions, but the Conservative Party's conflicts are seen as particularly pronounced, partly due to the heightened scrutiny they face.

Nevertheless, the lasting durability of the party and its ability to remain cohesive despite these internal divisions is a testament to its strength and resilience. The current situation may be a test of that strength, but many believe the Party can weather the storm. Time will tell, but the battle within the Conservative Party is far from over.