Different leader, same policies. Across Downing Street, Rishi Sunak arrived with a reputation for continuity rather than dramatic change. The route laid out by the Johnson government in 2019 remained a reference point, as the Conservatives pursued their priority of addressing irregular immigration. Observers noted a shift in tone rather than a fundamental shift in ideology, with some describing the new leadership as a pragmatic conservatism that still leaned toward the party’s traditional priorities. The comparison with David Cameron in a cautious, prudent position underscored the spectrum within the party between reformist impulses and steady governance.
Parliamentary approval of a controversial border and immigration policy—emphasizing detention and deportation in an unstable environment—illustrated the strong-handed approach favored by the Home Secretary and the Interior Ministry. Suella Braverman signaled willingness to implement stringent measures despite resistance from human rights groups and legal authorities. Critics within the Conservative Party, including former Prime Minister Theresa May, warned about potential unintended consequences. Before the policy cleared the House of Commons, May argued it risked increasing profits for human traffickers at the expense of the state and intensified human misery.
provocative statements
Nevertheless, Conservative warnings did not deter protests. The party, which rose to power through a series of political upheavals, has framed its messaging around provocative statements intended to win back voters who gave Johnson a substantial mandate in 2019. While Sunak’s allies favor a more controlled approach than the past populism, the parliamentary group remained committed to Brexit-era goals, including a reformist stance on immigration and a preference for a measured, economically focused agenda. Critics noted that the party’s shift toward more assertive policies could reposition its public image, expanding its appeal beyond traditional strongholds while risking losses in other audiences.
Tim Bale, a professor at Queen Mary University of London and author of the book Conservative Party After Brexit, explains that Sunak may appear as a moderate technocrat, yet his fiscal conservatism shapes a tough stance on crime and immigration. Bale argues that the party’s race to redefine its identity could intensify a debate about public security and economic policy, echoing across the different factions within the party. The broader effect, he notes, is a tendency for some voters to associate conservative leadership with both discipline and a strong state, even as others worry about potential overreach in policy areas such as immigration and environmental regulation.
“red wall”
One of Sunak’s clearest objectives involves the so-called red wall — the central and northern regions of the country with strong working-class and socially conservative leanings. Aimed at deterring support for other parties while mobilizing those who previously aligned with Labour, the Prime Minister also weighs the risk of alienating liberal-conservative voters in southern constituencies. Bale notes that the north remains more economically challenged and culturally conservative, while areas in the south tend to be wealthier and more pro-EU or pro-market. This tension tests the party’s ability to maintain a broad coalition across a diverse electorate.
Blue-Collar Conservatives, a faction within the party representing MPs from central and northern England, has gained influence in recent years. They are known for a tougher stance on immigration and a preference for straightforward, policy-driven messaging. Featuring prominent voices like Lee Anderson, who has been vocal on asylum policies, the faction has pushed the party toward a skeptical stance on immigration without fully alienating mainstream voters. The debate around the asylum system and related matters remains a live and contentious issue within party ranks.
climate policy
The altar’s position on climate policy emerged as less dominant than immigration concerns might have suggested. The party has continued to advocate for energy development, including licensing rounds in the North Sea, which drew criticism from environmental groups and some Conservative MPs. The Conservative Environmental Network, created by more than 150 MPs, has kept pressure on the leadership to balance economic growth with environmental responsibilities. The Prime Minister maintains a goal of achieving emissions neutrality by 2050, a target supported by investments in carbon capture and storage. Yet within the party, voices questioning the pace and scale of decarbonization have grown louder, warning that rapid shifts could unsettle moderate voters who value steady progress over radical change.
The ongoing debate around climate and energy policy reflects a broader question: can a government maintain robust growth while keeping environmental commitments credible? Proponents argue that targeted investments in green technology and traditional energy sources can coexist, while skeptics warn about the political costs of pursuing aggressive environmental reforms when fuel prices and economic pressures dominate national conversation.