Who Among the Conservative Leadership Candidates is Best Suited to Lead Post-May and Why?

The resignation of Theresa May as the UK's Prime Minister in July 20191 sent ripples through the Conservative party, leaving many to wonder who would emerge as the next leader. However, as the years have passed, questions such as who will lead the Conservative party and how they will address the pressing issue of Brexit have become increasingly relevant. This article delves into the challenges facing the Conservative leadership and assesses the candidates' suitability in navigating these issues.

Understanding the Current Political Landscape

Since May's departure, a series of leaders have taken the reins, each leaving their mark on British politics. The Conservative party, which is currently in power, has faced considerable internal and external pressures, making it a critical time for the party to find a new leader who can navigate the complex landscape ahead.

The Central Issue: Brexit

Post-Maya's resignation, the most significant issue confronting the next Prime Minister is Brexit. As of May 2023, with the lingering effects of Brexit still being felt, the pressure to find a resolution is immense. The Conservative base, particularly the right-wing faction, demands either a hard Brexit or a deal that is deemed unreasonable by the EU. This situation leaves little room for maneuver, pushing candidates to take a firm stance on this divisive issue.

Dealing with the Brexiteers

One of the primary challenges for any aspiring leader is to manage the expectations and demands of the Brexiteers. These hardline conservatives believe that either a strict no-deal Brexit or a negotiated deal that aligns with their vision is the only acceptable outcome. The tension between the hardliners and those who advocate for a smoother exit is a delicate balance that any new Prime Minister must master.

The Elimination of Candidates

Despite the stark reality faced by the Conservative party, certain candidates have been eliminated from the race due to their positions on Brexit. Notably, Rory Stewart, a diplomat and MP, was one of the few candidates to argue that the brexit demands from the conservatives were unreasonable. However, his stance came at a cost, as he was eliminated early in the process. Many hypothesized that Rory Stewart's position was due to strategic voting by Boris Johnson supporters, further highlighting the divisions within the party.

Implications for Future Leadership

!The selection of the next Conservative leader will likely be influenced heavily by their ability to navigate the Brexit conundrum. Any candidate who can showcase the skills to turn the ship of state while reconnecting with the Brexiteers will have a significant advantage.

Opting for a Hard Brexit

!The winning candidate is likely to be someone who has stated that the unreasonable demands for hard Brexit are acceptable. This will give them the option to deliver a hard Brexit and hope for a milder outcome, or shift the blame onto others. However, this also means potentially facing an election and risking a loss, given that a hard Brexit is not well-received by many segments of the population.

Leadership According to Style

!The Conservative party can be best understood as a vessel containing both moderate and extreme wings of the political spectrum. Whether a leader is 'better' is subjective and largely depends on the voter's political leaning. Those favoring a more moderate approach may look for someone with a balanced perspective, while those on the extreme right may prefer someone willing to push for a hard Brexit.

Conclusion

!The Conservative party faces a challenging future, with the issue of Brexit at the forefront. The selection of the next leader will significantly impact the UK's political direction. As the party navigates these turbulent waters, voters and the media will watch closely to see how the leaders position themselves in the face of such challenging circumstances.

References

1. BBC News. (2019, July 23). Conservative Party chairman resigns after leadership row.