By Ben Kerrigan-
British prime minister, Rishi Sunak(pictured) vowed to continue fighting for his party to win the next elections, after hinting at the likelihood of a hung Parliament following bad losses at the recent local elections.
However, Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos polling company, dismissed Sunak’s projection, labelling it “for the birds.” Page pointed to Labour’s decisive victory in the Blackpool South by-election and the unprecedented nature of the recent local election results as indicators contrary to Sunak’s assertions.
Page cautioned that while Starmer’s personal ratings might not be stellar, discontent with the Conservatives was palpable among voters.
Tory rebels have called for a shift in political strategy following recent defeats in local polls after the conservative party suffered one of its worst defeats in recent times, as multiple seats were lost, indicating plummeting ratings with the British public.
The Tories lost control of 10 councils, more than 470 council seats and a totemic loss of West Midlands mayor Andy Street.
However, the prime minister said he was “absolutely determined to fight” in the run-up to polling day, to show the government was making a difference to people’s lives on issues including the economy and migration.
In an interview with The Times, Sunak suggested that while Labour may fall short of winning outright, voters may not want to witness Sir Keir Starmer leading a coalition government propped up by the SNP or smaller parties.
Speaking from a charity in north London, Mr Sunak said: “Well, the independent analysis shows whilst of course, this was a disappointing weekend for us, that the result of the next general election isn’t a foregone conclusion and indeed actually is closer than the situation is closer than many people are saying.”
Mr Sunak also paid tribute to the almost 500 Tory councillors who were unseated over the weekend, as well as West Midlands mayor Andy Street.
“Well, obviously disappointing to lose Conservative councillors and a fantastic mayor for the West Midlands in Andy Street,” the prime minister said. Sunak emphasized the need for decisive action to reverse what could become a worrying trend leading up to the next general elections.
He asserted the Conservatives as the sole party with a coherent plan to address the nation’s priorities.
Speaking on Sunday, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said Mr Sunak’s plan was “not working”, 24 hours after she expressed regret in ever backing the prime minister.
“There is no disguising the fact these have been terrible election results for the Conservatives,” Mrs Braverman said during an interview with the BBC.
Mr Sunak must “change course” towards more right-wing policies in order to win back Tory voters who are “on strike”, she added.
Questions remain over Sunak’s methodology, particularly regarding his inclusion of voters from Scotland and Wales in predicting a hung Parliament, a query that Health Minister Maria Caulfied struggled to address under BBC scrutiny.
Conservative moderates caution against a sharp rightward turn, with outgoing West Midlands mayor Andy Street emphasizing the importance of winning from the center ground.
Damian Green, chairman of the One Nation Group of Tory moderates, echoes this sentiment, urging a balanced approach to retain broader voter appeal.
Mr Sunak said: “I’m absolutely determined to fight incredibly hard for what I believe and for the future country that I want to build, and that’s what I’m going to do.
“Fight for this country, fight for the things I believe and deliver for everyone on the things that matter to them.”