Conservative Paradox: Joy in Opposition

What was the mood in the air when the Conservatives met at their party conference in Birmingham? Despite gloomy weather forecasts and the recent election defeat, it seemed that the party had not lost its sense of humor. A former Tory MP remarked that the low point had already been reached three months ago during the election, and by now, they had come to terms with their role in the opposition. Yet while the Conservatives amused themselves with the challenges facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government, the candidate James Cleverly urged for a return to normalcy with an optimistic vision for Britain, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan. Both Cleverly and his rivals, Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, vied for the favor of party members in Birmingham. Cleverly impressed with his optimistic speech and received standing ovations. Badenoch, on the other hand, stumbled over controversial remarks regarding the minimum wage and the NHS, while Jenrick faced criticism for unusual comments on anti-terror operations. The conference took place against the backdrop of international crises in the Middle East, which fueled heated debates. All candidates emphasized their pro-Israel stance, a sign of the increasing influence of the issue on party politics. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer was in Brussels to define relations with the EU, overshadowed by toxic questions regarding his alleged gifts, dubbed "freebiegate." The party conference made it clear that the Conservatives are ready to pull strategic strings while in opposition, delivering sharp criticisms of Labour. An exciting struggle over the party's future direction and leadership is imminent, as it balances between nostalgic defiance and the challenging realities of everyday politics.