Tory Strategists Anticipate Difficult Trials for Rishi Sunak Ahead

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Facing Uphill Battle to Achieve Key Goals and Maintain Momentum

When Rishi Sunak assumed the position of Prime Minister in October following a tumultuous 49 days under Liz Truss, he faced two significant challenges: stabilizing the government and making the Conservative Party competitive in the next general election. While Sunak has made headway in narrowing the opposition's poll lead, Tory strategists worry that he may now be caught between these two pressing tasks.

In the coming weeks, Sunak will face a real-life electoral test with local council votes across England, but there are larger hurdles on the horizon. Tory ministers, strategists, and advisors fear that Sunak risks losing momentum as policy issues and political dramas continue to mount. They also worry that he may struggle to fulfill five key promises he made to voters at the start of 2023.

Polls suggest that Sunak has successfully regained the trust of a group of voters that typically support the Conservatives but lost faith in the party during the tumultuous Truss and Boris Johnson period. However, Conservative aides acknowledge that winning over voters without a historic affinity for the party is crucial for Sunak's success. If the Conservatives do not regain enough of these voters, Sunak could still face a significant electoral defeat.

To take the next step, the prime minister may need to provide a more meaningful offer to the public, according to senior Conservatives. Party headquarters has warned Downing Street that Labour's lead could become increasingly difficult to overcome.

Tory strategists view reducing the deficit to between five and 10 points as crucial to their success in the upcoming election. This would allow them to argue that the country is heading for a hung Parliament, with no party securing a governing majority.

Sunak's team is facing challenges in achieving their goals of halving inflation, reducing debt, boosting the economy, decreasing health service waiting lists, and stopping migrant crossings. What was initially dismissed as deliberately easy goals to achieve has proved more difficult than expected, according to Sunak allies.

In conclusion, while Sunak has made progress in stabilizing the government and narrowing the opposition's poll lead, he faces significant challenges ahead. Sunak's team will need to work diligently to achieve their goals and maintain momentum as they approach the next general election.