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The New York Times: In a challenging political landscape, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces an uphill battle despite stabilizing his party and the country to some extent. Taking office during a crisis period following the tumultuous 49-day rule of his predecessor, Liz Truss, Sunak initially brought a sense of calm and order. He mended relations with the European Union, reassured markets, and seemed poised to lead the Conservatives into the next election, due by January 2025.
However, Sunak’s efforts have not translated into popular support. Polls show a 20-point lead for the opposition Labour Party led by Keir Starmer. Moreover, local elections have seen the Conservatives lose seats that were long considered safe. Economic challenges, including high inflation and low growth, continue to plague his administration. His cautious economic approach is causing friction within his party, particularly with those advocating for tax cuts.
The Conservatives also face public discontent after 13 years in power, making it hard for Sunak to distance himself from the party’s record. His attempts to present himself as a change candidate by axing past projects and scaling down net-zero commitments have met with internal resistance. Even though Labour leader Keir Starmer is not wildly popular, support for him seems to stem more from an anti-Conservative sentiment than genuine enthusiasm for Labour.
The prevailing mood within Conservative circles is not optimistic, with speculation rife about who could be the next leader. If Sunak fails to change the narrative soon, the Conservatives face the risk of significant defeat, potentially leading to a leadership crisis within the party.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/opinion/rishi-sunak-britain-conservatives.html
