Story perspectives

Conservative Conference Declines Amid Pessimism and Hard-Right Shift

10/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Conservative conference in Manchester showed a significant decline, with low attendance and delegate pessimism.
Policy announcements centered on tax cuts and immigration, but attendees doubted the party's future.
Fringe meetings drew more interest, signaling a shift toward hard-right views.
Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, warned of a collapsing old order.
Kemi Badenoch, the leader, gave speeches that failed to inspire confidence or new ideas.

History

Historical Context

The 2023 Conservative Party Conference, held in Manchester, mirrors the 1975 Labour Party Conference, which suffered a 30% membership decline amid internal turmoil. Today, figures like Robert Jenrick signal a similar crisis, with low attendance and a shift towards hard-right views. This trend suggests potential fragmentation within the party, echoing historical challenges that could reshape British politics.

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Story summary

The Conservative conference in Manchester showed a significant decline, with low attendance and delegate pessimism.
Policy announcements centered on tax cuts and immigration, but attendees doubted the party's future.
Fringe meetings drew more interest, signaling a shift toward hard-right views.
Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, warned of a collapsing old order.
Kemi Badenoch, the leader, gave speeches that failed to inspire confidence or new ideas.

1 / 2