Sunak has tried to reposition himself as the “change” candidate, but those on the Right of the party are likely to view the return of Cameron as confirmation that this Government represents nothing more than centre-Left establishment continuity.
Little wonder, then, that one veteran Tory was moved to remark this morning: “This is now looking like a replica of the final days of Major.”
The parallels are plain to see.
In the run up to the 1997 general election, John Major was well behind Labour in the polls, contending with a moderate Left-wing rival and coming under repeated friendly fire from Right-wingers, who he famously denounced as “bastards” for their disloyalty over Europe.
The long-serving backbencher added: “I used to say then that when the ship is heading to the rocks, lightening the load by throwing people overboard doesn’t work, try turning the tiller instead.”
Clearly No 10 has decided that the best electoral strategy is to pivot away from the Right – with the prospect of a Nigel Farage Reform resurgence looking less likely with his imminent I’m A Celebrity debut.
Make no mistake, though, this is a moment of great jeopardy for the Prime Minister, with Braverman now outside the proverbial tent, aiming inwards, supported by similarly testy Tories likely to be irritated by a reshuffle that doesn’t seem to be offering many benefits.
The phrase “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer” could have been invented for politics. In dispensing with his nemesis, Sunak is trying to look tough. But as Major found to his peril, you risk being weakened if you anger adversaries in a party with such a long history of parricide.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
