Sunak's Last Hurrah!
Sunak Didn't Hang Around at Tory Conference in Brum.
Rishi Sunak did not make the traditional end-of-conference speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. Against a blacked-out backdrop, Sunak made His 'swansong' (last speech) at the conference.
First Mr. Sunak said, "I'm sorry I could not deliver the results that your efforts demanded", someone in the audience shouted, "It wasn't you Rishi"! The thing is, it was him, he knows it, and that is why he owned up. Who else could it be? Sunak was the wrong man, in the wrong place in political history! Sunak was the fall guy for 14 years of Conservative mismanagement. Sunak became the sacrificial lamb for all the Tory's sins over 14 years. Hence their massive loss was greater than their loss in 1997.
With a Starmer government for the next 5 years, the Tories are licking their wounds. With 121 MPs only, the party is ruminating in which direction it should go. The Tories have admitted they cannot take for granted, that in 5 years time, they will be re-elected. They face a huge Labour majority that may or not get back into power in 5 years. They face a re-energised Lib Dems under their clown-like leader: Ed Davey. Reform under Nigel Farage, is snapping at their heels. So, the Conservatives are in a hole, a hole of their own making. An unsure future that may see them out of office for years.
Sunak said the division, backbiting, and squabbling must end. That the party must get behind his replacement, whoever, that replacement might be.
Sunak made jokes about Starmer receiving a free pair of designer glasses, just as Farage did at the Reform conference. He also said like a smeary pair of glasses, the shine was coming off Starmer. Sunak made it clear that he would not be making the traditional end speech. He wouldn't be hanging around. Why would he? What would be the point? At least for all of Sunak's faults, he has the honesty to admit he is now the past, history! Not to distract the eye of the conference from the new candidates who are vying to replace him.
Sunak will remain an MP for his constituents in Yorkshire. He will now be wheeled out on 'Remembrance Day" when we remember the fallen of past wars. Walking out as a past Prime Minister with all the others to pay their respects to the fallen of two world wars and other conflicts. He will stand in silence beside his Tory predecessors and previous Labour Prime Ministers. As silence is observed, he will be a past Prime Minister, standing with the others, hopefully focusing on the fallen. Perhaps even thinking what might have been had he been re-elected. However, Sunak was a one-time Prime Minister, a one-trick pony out of ideas and out of time.
The candidates who hope to replace Mr. Sunak have made their pitches and laid out their stalls at the conference. Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, and Robert Jenrick. The favourites, if you were a betting person and wished to put down a wager, are Badenoch and Jenrick. Badenoch is in the lead as many see her as a continuation of Thatcherism. Jenrick seems to have positioned himself on the right of the party. Although, isn't Thatcherism a philosophy on the right?
So as Sunak bid his farewell to shouts of "Rishi", "Rishi" the sun has set on the Sunak era and will rise on another. Sunak will always be okay financially with his acquired fortune and his wife's. Like he said, "At 42, I didn't think I would be an elder statesman" but that's history Rishi, with its twists and turns.
the
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
Keep reading
More stories from Nicholas Bishop and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Qassem: Vows Defiance.
No doubt about it, Hezbollah has taken a pasting from Israel. The death of their Secretary General Hasan Nasrallah, the deaths of senior commanders, Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters taken out, and exploding communication devices, to mention but a few of their calamities. Lebanese civilians have died both in Beirut and in other parts of the country. Lebanese by the thousands have fled southern Lebanon under the Israeli bombardment.
By Nicholas Bishopabout a year ago in The Swamp
Germany’s Nationalist AfD Party Hopes to Take Power in 2026
Germany’s political landscape is facing a potential shift as the nationalist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party sets its sights on the 2026 elections. Known for its right-wing populist agenda, anti-immigration rhetoric, and Euroscepticism, the AfD has steadily gained traction over the past decade. While mainstream parties continue to dominate national politics, analysts warn that the AfD’s growing influence could reshape Germany’s policy direction and challenge the country’s longstanding commitment to liberal democracy. The Origins of the AfD Founded in 2013, the AfD initially positioned itself as a Eurosceptic party, opposing the European Union’s handling of the eurozone crisis. Over time, the party shifted its focus toward nationalist and anti-immigration policies, tapping into public frustration over migration, globalization, and perceived threats to German cultural identity. The party has also adopted a strong stance against climate regulations and progressive social policies, appealing to conservative voters who feel alienated by Germany’s traditional political parties. These positions have allowed the AfD to carve out a niche in Germany’s fragmented political landscape. Recent Electoral Gains The AfD has seen steady growth in regional and national elections. In the 2021 federal elections, the party captured around 10% of the vote, becoming the third-largest party in the Bundestag. Its support is particularly strong in eastern Germany, where economic disparities, historical resentment, and dissatisfaction with mainstream politics have contributed to its rise. Political analysts note that the AfD’s success is not only electoral but also cultural. By dominating media narratives on immigration and national identity, the party has shifted public debate and forced mainstream parties to respond to issues they might otherwise have avoided. The 2026 Ambitions Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, the AfD aims to increase its share of seats and, potentially, enter government coalitions at both state and federal levels. Party leaders have emphasized a platform focused on reducing immigration, reforming the European Union, and rolling back environmental regulations. Some strategists within the party believe that growing concerns over energy costs, economic inequality, and social change could bolster voter support. By framing itself as a defender of “traditional German values,” the AfD hopes to attract both its core base and disillusioned voters from the center-right spectrum. Controversies and Criticism The AfD’s rise has not been without controversy. Critics accuse the party of promoting xenophobia, undermining democratic norms, and fostering extremist tendencies. Multiple AfD members have faced scrutiny for inflammatory remarks, associations with far-right groups, and attempts to normalize nationalist rhetoric. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has labeled parts of the AfD as “suspected extremist,” monitoring its activities closely. Opposition parties argue that allowing the AfD into power could threaten Germany’s democratic institutions and international reputation. Public Perception and Support Despite criticism, the AfD retains a loyal voter base. Many supporters argue that the party addresses real concerns about immigration, economic stagnation, and EU bureaucracy that they feel are ignored by mainstream parties. Polls suggest that younger voters and urban populations are less supportive of the AfD, while older, rural, and economically disadvantaged communities continue to provide the party with significant backing. Analysts believe that the 2026 elections could hinge on turnout in these demographic groups. Implications for Germany and Europe The AfD’s potential rise has implications beyond Germany’s borders. As Europe faces migration pressures, energy crises, and political polarization, the success of a nationalist party in one of the continent’s largest economies could inspire similar movements in other countries. European Union leaders have expressed concern that an AfD-led government might adopt policies that clash with EU regulations, potentially straining relations with neighboring countries and weakening cohesion in European decision-making. Challenges Ahead While the AfD hopes to gain power, it faces significant obstacles. Mainstream parties, including the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD), are actively campaigning to prevent the AfD from entering government. Additionally, voter concerns about extremism, international relations, and social stability may limit the party’s growth. Coalition-building will also be a challenge. Many parties have ruled out working with the AfD, meaning that even a strong electoral showing may not translate into executive power. Analysts predict that the AfD’s influence may grow through parliamentary presence rather than direct governance. The Role of Media and Messaging The AfD has been adept at using social media and alternative media platforms to bypass traditional journalistic filters. By framing itself as a voice for the “ignored majority,” the party appeals to voters who distrust mainstream institutions. At the same time, investigative journalism and public awareness campaigns have sought to highlight the party’s extremist tendencies and controversial rhetoric. This ongoing battle over narrative and perception will be crucial in shaping the 2026 elections. Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Germany As Germany approaches 2026, the rise of the AfD represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the nation. For supporters, the party embodies a chance to restore national pride and prioritize domestic concerns. For critics, it threatens to destabilize democratic norms and exacerbate social divisions. The upcoming elections will test Germany’s resilience, political maturity, and commitment to pluralism. Whether the AfD succeeds in taking power or remains a powerful opposition force, its impact on Germany’s political discourse—and the broader European context—will be felt for years to come.
By Aarif Lashari4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.