Former Home Secretary Urges Change in Conservative Strategy After Local Election Losses

Suella Braverman, a former Home Secretary, has called for a strategic shift within the Conservative Party following significant losses in the recent local elections. Braverman highlighted the need for change and urgency for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address the party’s declining fortunes.

Expressing concerns about the current course of the party, Braverman emphasized that Sunak’s plan was not yielding desired results. She stressed the necessity for a pivot towards right-leaning policies to win back the trust of disenchanted voters.

While Braverman urged for a change in approach, Transport Secretary Mark Harper defended the Prime Minister’s strategy, insisting that the plan was indeed working despite the recent setbacks.

The recent local elections saw several key losses for the Conservative Party, including control of councils and seats. Notable outcomes included Ben Houchen‘s re-election in the Tees Valley and Andy Street‘s defeat in the West Midlands mayoral race to Labour’s Richard Parker.

Pat McFadden, Labour’s campaigns chief, hailed the party’s impressive results, particularly in winning key mayoral races. McFadden acknowledged Labour’s evolving stance on critical issues but noted that their position on the Middle East had impacted some local election outcomes.

As the Conservative Party grapples with internal challenges following the local election losses, discussions around Sunak’s leadership and the party’s direction are likely to intensify. Maria Caulfield, a Health Minister, emphasized the importance of delivering on conservative values to address voter frustrations.

The close margin in the West Midlands mayoral race, with Street losing by a narrow margin, underscores the ongoing debate within the Conservative Party regarding the most effective ideological approach. The differing opinions, including calls for both a more radical and a moderate Conservative strategy, present a complex dilemma for Prime Minister Sunak as he navigates the party’s future direction.