The Centrist

The Conservative Party’s devastating defeat on July 4 has triggered a period of soul-searching and strategic recalibration. In the wake of such losses, political parties often gravitate toward ideological extremes, believing that a return to their core principles will reinvigorate their base. However, history shows us that this approach frequently alienates the broader electorate. For the Conservative Party, veering further to the right would be a grave mistake, abandoning the silent majority of Britain’s Centre ground. Instead, the party must resist the siren call of radical reform and recommit to the centre ground to avoid political extinction. In the aftermath of electoral defeats, political parties often react by shifting away from the centre. This reaction is driven by a belief that appealing to the core base with more extreme policies will reignite fervour and reclaim lost ground. However, this strategy often backfires, as the majority of voters typically reside in the political centre. Following the Labour Party’s loss in the 1983 general election, the party swung dramatically to the left under Michael Foot’s leadership. The subsequent embrace of a more socialist agenda alienated centrist voters and resulted in an even more significant defeat in the 1987 election. Similarly, the
Republican Party in the United States has seen fluctuating fortunes, with candidates who veer too far right often losing the moderate voters necessary to win national elections. Closer to home, the Conservative Party’s own history is instructive. The disastrous 1997 election, which saw Labour’s Tony Blair rise to power with a centrist “New Labour” approach, serves as a cautionary tale. The Conservatives, perceived as too right-wing and out of touch, were
resoundingly rejected by voters. The Conservative Party now faces a crucial decision. The temptation to adopt a more hardline stance on issues such as immigration, law and order, and national sovereignty is palpable.
The resurgence of Reform UK, with its uncompromising stance on these issues, presents an additional temptation. However, this would be a strategic misstep. The UK’s political landscape is not dominated by the extremes but by the moderate, often silent, majority. These voters are pragmatic and value stability, economic competence, and moderate social policies. The party’s recent defeat can partly be attributed to its drift from the centre. Boris Johnson’s administration, while initially popular, became mired in controversies and perceived as
increasingly out of touch with the average voter’s concerns. The Conservatives’ focus on divisive issues and a hardline stance on Brexit alienated many traditional supporters who favour moderate and practical policies.
The history of the Conservative Party offers valuable lessons. Under the leadership of David Cameron, the party embraced One Nation principles, focusing on modernizing the party, appealing to younger voters, and addressing issues such as climate change and social justice.
This centrist approach led to the Conservative Party’s decisive victory in the 2015 general election. In contrast, the party’s recent shift to the right has coincided with declining popularity. The 2019 general election victory was largely attributed to a singular focus on “getting Brexit done,” which resonated with voters fatigued by the prolonged Brexit process. However, as the immediate urgency of Brexit subsided, the lack of a coherent, centrist policy agenda became evident, leading to disenchantment among voters.
To regain its footing, the Conservative Party must return to One Nation policies. This means adopting a centrist approach that prioritizes social cohesion, economic competence, and pragmatic solutions to national challenges. The focus should be on policies that address the everyday concerns of the electorate, such as the cost of living, healthcare, education, and housing. One Nation conservatism is about more than just moderate policies: it’s about an inclusive vision for the country. This approach emphasizes unity, social mobility, and the idea that the government has a role in ensuring that no one is left behind. It is a vision that
can resonate with a broad swath of the electorate, from traditional conservatives to disillusioned Labour voters seeking practical solutions rather than ideological battles.
Regrouping and returning to the centre will require a clear and concerted effort by the Conservative Party. First, the party must engage in open dialogue with its members and the public, genuinely listening to their concerns and aspirations. This means holding town halls, conducting surveys, and ensuring that the leadership is in touch with grassroots supporters.
Second, the party must articulate a coherent vision that balances fiscal responsibility with social justice, emphasizing policies that promote economic growth while ensuring that the benefits are broadly shared. Third, leadership must be chosen carefully, favouring those who embody the principles of One Nation conservatism and who can appeal to a wide cross-
section of the electorate. Finally, the party must distance itself from the divisive rhetoric and policies that have characterized recent years, instead promoting a message of unity and progress.
The Conservative Party’s future hinges on its ability to learn from its past and present. The electorate’s message on July 4 was clear: there is no appetite for extreme politics. Voters are looking for a party that can govern competently, address the issues that matter to them, and bring the country together. By returning to its One Nation roots, the Conservative Party can rebuild trust, broaden its appeal, and position itself for success in future elections. The path
forward is not through radical reform, but through a renewed commitment to the moderate, pragmatic principles that have historically defined the party’s greatest successes. The party must be radically moderate. Last Thursday, the party faced the judgement of the electorate, and we failed. Now it is time to restore our trust within the country, and return as the party of Government.

Devin Hindry