Numbers prove Tories 'heading back in right direction under Badenoch,' says Cleverly

Key Concepts

• Local Election Performance: The Conservative Party’s recent electoral results, characterized as a "mixed picture" with both losses and specific council gains.
• Reform UK Relationship: The strategic debate regarding whether the Conservative Party should form coalitions or electoral pacts with Reform UK.
• Conservative Agenda: The party’s core policy platform, focusing on economic recovery, leaving the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights), border control, and welfare reform.
• No Overall Control (NOC): A situation in local government where no single party holds a majority, necessitating potential coalition or minority administration arrangements.
• London Mayoralty: Speculation regarding potential Conservative candidates for the London mayoral race.

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1. Electoral Performance and Strategy

James Cleverly acknowledged that recent election results were "disappointing" in several regions, including Scotland, Wales, and parts of Northern England. However, he defended the party’s trajectory by noting:

• Contextual Benchmarking: He argued that current results are being compared against a "post-COVID vaccine high point," claiming the party has made progress since the previous year.
• Specific Gains: He highlighted the retention of the London Borough of Bexley and the regaining of control in Westminster and Wandsworth councils as evidence of a "road back to government."
• Rejection of Electoral Pacts: Cleverly explicitly rejected the idea of forming pre-election deals with Reform UK, arguing that entering an election with a "future deal at the back of your mind" is counterproductive.

2. Stance on Coalitions with Reform UK

A significant portion of the discussion focused on whether Conservative councilors would be permitted to form coalitions with Reform UK in councils with "no overall control."

• The "Default Position": Cleverly stated, "The default position is no," regarding coalitions with Reform UK.
• Local Autonomy vs. Central Oversight: While he noted that local circumstances vary, he emphasized that local Conservative leadership must consult with the national party. He explicitly stated the party would not "prop up" administrations that implement policies deemed detrimental, such as excessive council tax hikes or increased councilor allowances.
• Critique of Competence: Cleverly argued that parties like Reform and the Greens "struggle to actually govern" once elected, framing the election result as the "start of the process" rather than the end.

3. The Conservative Policy Agenda

Cleverly outlined the pillars of the Conservative platform intended to regain voter trust:

• Economic Management: Prioritizing getting the economy "back on track."
• Legal and Border Sovereignty: Advocating for leaving the ECHR to gain full control over borders and national laws.
• Welfare and Labor: Focusing on supporting the working population over those "seeking a life on benefits."

4. London Mayoralty Speculation

When questioned about his potential candidacy for the London Mayoralty, Cleverly maintained a non-committal but open stance:

• Strategic Importance: He described London as "too important to just lazily disregard," noting that his role as Shadow Local Government Secretary involves ensuring the party takes the city seriously.
• Political Positioning: He avoided the common political trope of saying "never," acknowledging that while he enjoys his role as the MP for Braintree, he remains open to the possibility if the city "called."

5. Perspective on the Labour Party

Cleverly offered a critical assessment of the current Labour Party, drawing parallels to the internal instability experienced by the Conservatives during their time in government.

• "Bloodlust" and Leadership: He remarked that the Labour Party has reached a point of internal crisis regarding their leadership in less than two years, whereas it took the Conservatives a decade to reach a similar state of "deposing sitting Prime Ministers."
• Advice to Labour: He suggested that Labour MPs need to "grow a backbone" and make a definitive choice: "Either keep him or ditch him."

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Synthesis and Conclusion

James Cleverly’s position reflects a party in a state of transition, attempting to balance the reality of recent electoral losses with a narrative of recovery. His strategy relies on distancing the Conservative Party from Reform UK—categorizing them as ineffective at governance—while simultaneously attempting to consolidate a clear, right-leaning policy agenda. By refusing to rule out a future run for London Mayor and criticizing the internal instability of the Labour Party, Cleverly aims to project a sense of disciplined, long-term strategic planning intended to restore the Conservative Party's credibility as a governing force.