I saw an interesting point on another forum regarding potential choices of a next leader of the Conservative Party. The votes in the last general election for the Conservatives broadly come from four factions;
- Traditional 'One Nation' conservatives
- The right wingers who would have voted for the Reform Party until Nigel Farage stood them down
- The Red Wall who didn't want Jeremy Corbyn and/or wanted Brexit done
- The non-politically engaged who like Boris Johnson as he seemed 'a bit of a laugh' or 'one of us'
Anyone who appeals to 1 such as Sunak or Hunt wouldn't appeal to 3 and 4. Anyone who appeals to 2 such as maybe Priti Patel might get a few people from 1 and 3 but opens up a very Lib Dem shaped hole in the political landscape. Someone who appeals to 3 needs to charm former Labour voters again and will lose from 1 and 2. Someone who appeals to 4 loses the other three as I think there's a need for someone serious in place.
In summary, Boris Johnson did a really good job at bringing these factions together and can't think of anyone else who could do this right now. Without Boris Johnson, I still think the Conservatives would have won last election but the majority would have been significantly smaller.
Urgh, need a shower after praising Boris Johnson!!