Has the Welsh Tory Party Lost Touch with Voters?

The Conservative Party in Wales is facing internal challenges, with key figures expressing concern that it has lost touch with its core supporters. Deputy leader Paul Davies highlighted the departures of former members Laura Ann Jones and David Jones to Reform UK, suggesting that a perceived shift away from Conservative values may be a factor. As the party grapples with its identity and electoral standing, Davies insists that the Conservatives still offer a viable alternative for the people of Wales.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Deputy leader Paul Davies acknowledges a disconnect between the Conservative Party and its traditional supporters.
• Former members Laura Ann Jones and David Jones have joined Reform UK, citing disillusionment with the Conservatives.
• Davies claims the Conservatives must adhere strictly to their core principles to regain lost members.
• The party currently ranks fourth in opinion polls, behind Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK.
• Despite criticisms, the Conservatives are open to collaborating with Reform UK post-election.

The Challenge of Maintaining Core Support

According to Paul Davies, the deputy leader of the Conservative Party in the Senedd, there is growing concern that the party has drifted from its foundational values. This sentiment has particularly surfaced with the departures of notable former members who have joined Reform UK. Davies expressed confusion over this trend, particularly given the longstanding commitment of these members to Conservative principles.

Davies remarked, "I do not understand why former members such as Laura Ann Jones and David Jones had decided to join Reform UK." His comments highlight a significant concern about the party's direction. The dynamics suggest that some members feel the Conservatives have not been Conservative enough, particularly in policy formulation and implementation.

Voices of Discontent

Laura Ann Jones, who previously served as a Conservative Senedd member, has voiced her dissatisfaction, stating that the party is "unrecognisable" compared to when she first joined over three decades ago. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment among some party members who feel that the Conservative Party has strayed from its core values. Similarly, David Jones, a former Secretary of State for Wales, expressed his disillusionment and has since aligned himself with Reform UK.

What Reform UK Represents

Davies has described Reform UK as a "protest party" with no established leadership in Wales. He suggested that while Reform may adeptly identify issues facing the electorate, they lack concrete solutions. "They want to nationalise some of our industries; they want to spend a lot of money," he stated, asserting that the party follows policies more akin to socialism than conservatism. This characterisation highlights a significant ideological divide between the Conservatives and Reform UK.

Assessing the Party's Identity

Davies acknowledged that the Conservative Party has, "to some extent," lost touch with ordinary supporters, terming this development "unfortunate." The party's self-assessment comes amid a challenging electoral landscape. Recent opinion polls have placed the Conservatives in fourth position, trailing behind Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK. This decline in support underscores the urgency for the Conservatives to recalibrate their approach and reconnect with their base.

Proposed Path Forward

Despite the criticism, Davies remains optimistic about the party's potential. He believes that the Conservatives still offer a viable choice for voters, asserting, "we are offering a real plan to fix Wales because we believe that Wales is broken." He cited the state of the health service, claiming it has deteriorated under Labour governance, which has been supported by Plaid Cymru. This framing positions the Conservatives as the party of change, aiming to address pressing issues in Wales.

Future Collaborations

Interestingly, despite the ideological rift and criticisms of Reform UK, Davies confirmed that the Conservatives are willing to collaborate with them in the Senedd after the next election. "Our leader Darren Millar has made it clear that we are willing to work with anyone to get rid of the Labour party," he stated. This openness to cooperation reflects a strategic shift, aiming to unify opposition forces against Labour's long-standing dominance in Welsh politics.

Conclusion

The Conservative Party in Wales stands at a crossroads, grappling with internal dissent and a shifting political landscape. As it seeks to regain the trust of its traditional supporters, the party faces the daunting task of reaffirming its identity and policies. Whether it can effectively present itself as a credible alternative to the current government remains to be seen. The coming months will be crucial as the Conservatives attempt to navigate these challenges and redefine their role in Welsh politics.

FAQs

Why have some Conservative members left the party?

Some members, like Laura Ann Jones and David Jones, have left due to their perception that the Conservatives no longer align with their core values, prompting them to join Reform UK.

What does Paul Davies think about Reform UK?

Paul Davies views Reform UK as a "protest party" that lacks concrete solutions and follows socialist policies, which he believes are not aligned with Conservative principles.

What is the current standing of the Conservative Party in the Senedd?

The Conservative Party is currently the main opposition party in the Senedd, but recent opinion polls have placed them in fourth position behind Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK.

What are the Conservatives' plans moving forward?

The Conservatives aim to reconnect with their core supporters and present a viable alternative to Labour, asserting that they have a solid plan to address the issues facing Wales.

Will the Conservatives collaborate with Reform UK?

Yes, the Conservatives have expressed willingness to collaborate with Reform UK in the Senedd after the next election to challenge Labour's governance.