Demoralised and in opposition, party delegates are showing little enthusiasm for the candidates – or the event itself
n Tuesday, from a conference stage in Birmingham, four candidates will make their pitches to lead the Conservative party. Their immediate challenge after theStarting on Sunday, the annual gathering of the Tory faithful – the first in 14 years to be held from opposition – is expected to be a low-key affair. The evening schedule, ordinarily packed with corporate receptions, is sparse.
Demonstrating their popularity with the Conservative grassroots at conference will be a core objective for all four candidates, although only a tiny minority of party members attend the gathering. For Conservative campaign headquarters , the objectives for this conference are clear: to raise cash and minimise the potential for infighting and acrimony. But the resulting format has fostered resentment in some of the leadership contenders’ camps.
There is also growing frustration among party insiders who think the extended contest is self-indulgent and politically damaging. “It feels like four people are competing to be the head of deckchairs on the Titanic,” another Tory source said.“Labour is getting away with murder as we are spending our conference talking to ourselves about ourselves.
“The only time I can remember anything like this is when we installed Margaret Thatcher as leader. What will matter is not so much the flamboyance and flimflam of speeches at conference as what ideas the candidates will bring.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Harris-Trump debate live: Presidential candidates go head-to-head ahead of US electionPresidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are facing off as the race for the White House continues to heat up. Follow live.
Read more »
Trump-Harris debate live: Fracking and immigration in spotlight as candidates go head-to-headPresidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are facing off as the race for the White House continues to heat up. Follow live.
Read more »
Promising types go head to head in fresh start as geldingsFour-year-old Cassiel and three-year-old Admitted return for their first runs as geldings for two of the biggest stables in Australia at Hawkesbury on Thursday.
Read more »
Cruise ship collides with iceberg off AlaskaOne passenger aboard described the vessel unexpectedly striking floating ice as a &x27;Titanic moment&x27;.
Read more »
‘It’s my last dance’: Titanic star announces shock retirementOscar winner and Titanic star Kathy Bates has confirmed her new role in the reboot of the legal drama series Matlock will be her final acting performance.
Read more »
Celine Dion Survives Titanic in Hilarious Off-Broadway Musical 'Titanique''Titanique' imagines a world where Celine Dion survives the Titanic and narrates her version of events, blending comedy, parody, and love story. This off-Broadway musical turned cult hit is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of pop culture references and contemporary humor.
Read more »