The crisis within the Tory party has been aggravated by the departure of deputy and former undersecretary of Health Dan Poulter to the Labor Party. With the local elections of May 2 approaching, Conservative Party Rishi Sunak could potentially lose half of his councillors. Poulter stated that the Conservatives have shifted towards being a nationalist party of the right and that the values have changed significantly since David Cameron’s time.
As a doctor by profession, Poulter expressed concerns about the deterioration of the National Health System (NHS) under the last Tory governments, which led to his decision to switch parties. He mentioned that public health is no longer a priority for the Conservatives. Poulter had been considering joining the opposition party for a few months and cited Liz Truss’s brief tenure as Prime Minister as a turning point for moderates within the party.
The Labor leader Keir Starmer welcomed Poulter’s move, stating that it was time to end the Tory chaos and take back the future of the UK. Poulter’s departure comes at a crucial time for Rishi Sunak, who is facing potential losses in the upcoming elections in England and Wales. Polls indicate a significant advantage for the Labor Party, and there is speculation about early general elections to avoid a no-confidence vote against Sunak.
Downing Street has been alarmed by the situation, with some sources suggesting that early elections may be called as a disciplinary measure. Sunak is hopeful that he can remain in office until October, banking on economic recovery and immigration policies to improve his standing. The potential loss of councilors in the upcoming elections poses a significant challenge for the Conservative Party, and Sunak’s leadership may be at risk if the situation does not improve.