A Political Storm Brews in Wales
The Welsh Conservative Party finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with internal dissent and external pressures as it approaches its spring conference. With the party’s leader, Darren Millar, at the helm, the tension surrounding devolution has reached a boiling point, compelling him to address his supporters in Llangollen this weekend.
Grassroots Voices and Devolution Discontent
Frustration among grassroots members has escalated, with many expressing their discontent regarding Millar’s pro-devolution stance. Critics allege that the current leadership is not adequately representing their views, leading to accusations of disloyalty from within the ranks. A recent piece published on Conservative Home, a prominent conservative platform, harshly criticized Millar and called for his resignation, amplifying the discord.
The Call for Change
Millar has acknowledged the diverse opinions among party members, admitting that the promised ‘devolution dividend’ has not materialized as expected since 1999. He emphasized the necessity of demonstrating the potential benefits of devolution to regain the trust of voters, stating, ‘If they saw what a Welsh Conservative government could do, I think that would change the dynamic.’
Defending Devolution Amidst Rising Opposition
Despite the growing clamor for scrapping the Senedd, Millar remains steadfast, asserting that dismantling devolution in Wales while maintaining it in Scotland and Northern Ireland is unfeasible. He articulated that any candidate seeking to represent the party must align with its longstanding pro-devolution policy.
Electoral Landscape and Future Prospects
The party’s historical skepticism towards devolution has hindered voter turnout in Senedd elections. A recent YouGov poll revealed that over 60% of Conservative voters in Wales favor abolishing the Senedd. However, the Welsh Conservatives experienced a significant breakthrough in the 2021 elections, marking their best performance yet, only to face a disappointing outcome in the subsequent general election.
The Reform Challenge
As the Welsh Conservatives navigate these turbulent waters, they must also contend with the rising popularity of Reform, led by Nigel Farage. Data indicates that nearly half of previous Tory voters have shifted their support to Reform, presenting a formidable challenge for Millar and his party.
A Call for Unity and Strategy
Millar has underscored the importance of presenting a clear choice to voters, distinguishing between a ‘proper Conservative Party’ and those who might not genuinely represent conservative values. Despite the competition, he remains optimistic, suggesting that any scrutiny of Reform’s policies will reveal their shortcomings.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Welsh Conservatism
With the next elections looming, Millar is keenly aware of the potential for coalition scenarios, even with parties whose ideologies may clash with traditional conservative values. As he prepares to address the conference, he recognizes the urgent need to galvanize support and outline a cohesive strategy for the party’s future in Welsh politics.
The coming months will be critical for Millar and the Welsh Conservative Party, as they strive to unify their base and chart a course that addresses the concerns of all constituents while positioning themselves as a credible alternative in the evolving political landscape.
