The Tory Party is moving away from adversity

Whenever I think about politics, there is a phrase which constantly recurs. It is from Juno and the Paycock: ‘The whole worl’s in a terrible state o’chassis [chaos]’. That said, Adam Smith reassured us that there is a great deal of ruin in a nation. Let us hope that he is right.

Moreover, and by comparison with other major nations, the UK is not in such bad shape. One’s American friends are appalled at the thought of a Biden vs Trump re-match, yet it seems all too likely. Churchill declared that democracy was the worst possible system of government. apart from all the others. Confronted by today’s multiple degringolades, would he still be as certain?

But in Britain, a defender of Smith could make a strong case, while also standing by Churchill. We had three successive Prime Ministers, who ranged from the weak to the absurd. We also had ministers changing post every few months. Yet everything now seems to be settling down. There is certainly a great deal of ruin in the Tory Party‘s electoral prospects, as Sir Stumbler continues to fail ‘O’ level biology and is increasingly thrown back on one less than resounding claim: at least he is not Jeremy Corbyn.

In the Tory camp, there is a paradox. Labour still has a healthy poll lead, and the local election results are bound to be bad for the Government. Yet there is a cautious improvement in morale and a willingness in some quarters to remember what the military might be thinking: that it is usually a good idea to reinforce success.

After the Truss fiasco, it was essential that the new leadership should stabilise the ship and reassure the markets. But there has been an interesting development. Even some thoughtful Tories who were applauding Jeremy Hunt’s caution are now wondering whether he might be overdoing it. On the other hand, fears are being expressed that we could be facing another global banking crisis. So this does not seem a good moment for taking risks. But Hunt’s colleagues will be reassured by his willingness to take issue with the IMF.

Yet there is one respect in which the government could do more, without any financial hazard. It merely needs to inform the public what is actually happening.

Britain has a higher rate of small business formation than any EU country. Around Silicon Fen in Cambridge, there are large numbers of new and exciting ventures. Apparently – or so I am assured by Oxonian friends – Oxford too is contributing to this new phase of economic development, and is now only about a century behind Cambridge. In both cases, there is one obvious need: at least two more colleges each. If the local councils object, legislate to brush them aside. Other universities up and down the country are ready to join in. Some will need to be coerced in order to suppress woke studies, but common sense has not been extinguished on most British campuses.

There is also the potential for dramatic developments in life sciences and health technology. Britain could easily be in the forefront of all this, creating wealth and jobs, enriching the country while also helping mankind.

This is where Rishi Sunak could play a key part. Who is a more plausible spokesman for scientific progress, the PM or Keir Starmer? The question answers itself. Back in 1963/64, Harold Wilson tried to score off Alec Douglas-Home by talking about the white heat of the technological revolution. As so often with that master of meretriciousness, Wilson had nothing to offer except a catch-phrase. Now, everything is different. Rishi Sunak can bring good news by telling the voters what is actually happening. God knows, people need cheering up. Sunak can provide it.

He has another advantage. Not only is he likeable, interesting and highly able: this is how he comes across. Although he will have to be subtly marketed, there is a great deal of unmet public curiosity about the new young PM. 

Which brings us to another bright youngster. There is very little public curiosity about her, for a good reason. She is virtually unknown. As the Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch should also be subtitled ‘the Minister for British successes. As a female, she has been given the usual ragbag as spokesman for women and equalities. Again, a sub-title is needed: Minister for woke-bashing, winning the culture wars and proclaiming British patriotism.

She might indeed be described as the anti-Gramscian. Gramsci recast modern Marxism with his long march through the institutions. In effect, he became the harbinger of the culture war, arguing that economic subversion was not enough to overthrown the existing order. In Marxist terms, the superstructure must also be brought into play.

Some Labour MPs are alarmed by the Tory Party’s ability to move away from adversity. It is now the task of all wise Tory MPs to ensure that the onward movement continues. 

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