Tories debate shows schism in Conservative Party

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Jul 2022 22:03

A televised debate exposed the personal blows and criticisms candidates traded in an attempt to undermine each other.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak exchange tough blows in a bid to become the next leaders of the party.

On Sunday, a heated debate among the conservative Tories was sparked, causing a deep divide between front-runners that are racing toward becoming the next leader after Boris Johnson resigned, according to Francis Cole, a former civil servant for the European Commission.

"The Tory party — members of parliament and party members — has realized that the petty squabbles between the candidates to replace Boris Johnson at the head of the party and hence as prime minister will severely damage the image of the party," he said.

Although there are 5 competitors to become the Tory's next leader, Rishi Sunak, Britain's richest politician, has so far secured a place in the runoff.

Second came Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt, and third came Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

On Sunday, a televised debate saw candidates trade blows at each other while challenging policies and attacking each other personally. Conservatives fear that all they really did was undermine the party instead of merely undermining each other.

A debate scheduled for Tuesday was also cut off, according to a host for Sky News, particularly after Sunak and Truss said they will not be engaging. Conservative lawmakers were worried that the internal conflict will destroy the reputation of the party.

"The candidates have said horrible things to each other over the last weeks. Their nastiness against Boris [Johnson] is also badly appreciated in the Conservative party where Boris still has a lot of support among the rank and file," Cole said.

Cole argued that Truss was the strongest candidate, who is being marketed as the new Margaret Thatcher. Most lawmakers, so far, have backed her up, in addition to her being a Brexiter.

"As for Sunak, he is personally very rich, and it does not go down well among party members... Sunak is also perceived by many as one of the ‘traitors’ who brought about the demise of Boris Johnson. It does not help him get the top job," he suggested.

Johnson has previously stated that he has no plans to openly support any of the candidates. However, the outgoing PM, according to a source cited by the media outlet, has spoken with the defeated candidates and informed them that Sunak should not be elected as the UK government's commander.