The Current Ideology and Policies of the Conservative Party: A Critical Analysis

The current Conservative Party in the United Kingdom is often criticized for its lack of coherent ideology and its focus on self-interest. The party has been described as a vehicle for the wealthy and Tory MPs, engaging in policies that prioritize the interests of the elite at the expense of the broader public. Key figures, such as Boris Johnson, have positioned themselves as leaders dedicated to protecting the interests of asset-rich individuals.

The Conservative Party: A Critical Overview

Some argue that the Conservative and Unionist Party, as erroneously named by Michael Heseltine, is not a true conservative party. Instead, it is seen as a coalition of interest groups with little unity beyond securing power. The party's roots in the 17th century, as a group of "robbers and outlaws," has apparently influenced their rapid policy changes to suit political circumstances. This has been exemplified by their handling of Brexit.

Core Policies and Ideologies

Power: The party prioritizes staying in power, ensuring the jobs of MPs and government ministers, and preparing for re-election. This is evident in their 2020 manifesto and their willingness to make concessions to maintain their position. Tabloids: The Conservative Party retains close ties with tabloids, particularly those owned by Rupert Murdoch and Paul Dacre, to maintain support for their newspapers. Westminster: The party supports the Westminster system and the first-past-the-post electoral system, often engaging in practices that benefit wealthier donors. Democracy: They restrict voting rights and oppose proportional representation, favoring a system that benefits their party's interests. Countries and regions: The party focuses on the interests of England, with London often taking precedence over other regions, reflecting a regional divide. Empire: Though often portrayed in modern terms, the party has a long-standing commitment to maintaining the British Commonwealth. Europe: The Conservative Party has embraced Brexit, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability, and is openly indifferent to the public's views on the matter. Commerce: They maintain business ties, providing support and opportunities for high-paying jobs in private companies and industry. Defence: The party prioritizes defence spending, particularly on the renewal of nuclear weapons (Trident), while downplaying conventional forces. Infrastructure: This is given low priority, often left to private companies rather than public investment. Environment: The party withdrew environmental policies in 2015, reflecting a focus on short-term economic interests over environmental sustainability. Health: They encourage businesses to exploit the NHS, often at the expense of public health. Royalty: The party uses the monarchy to deflect negative press and maintain public support. Style: They seek to present themselves as a more polished and distinguished party when compared to their rivals.

Conclusions and Critiques

The current policies of the Conservative Party reflect a narrow and self-serving ideology, prioritizing the interests of the wealthy and elite over the broader public. This is evident in their tax policies, defence spending, infrastructure investments, and environmental commitments. Critics argue that this approach is not only out of touch with the needs of the majority but also damaging in the long term.

While the party claims to be rooted in traditional conservative values, their actions showcase a willingness to abandon these principles in pursuit of short-term gain. The focus on maintaining power, supporting the tabloids, and prioritizing specific interest groups over the general public raises significant questions about their commitment to genuine conservatism and democracy.

As the party continues to navigate a rapidly changing political landscape, it is essential to hold them accountable for their actions and policies, ensuring that they prioritize the needs and interests of all citizens rather than a select few.