The Tory Crisis: Is A Boris Johnson Comeback The Answer?

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

4.8

Share

The Current State of the Tory Party

The Conservative Party is grappling with a perfect storm of challenges. Recent polling data consistently places them significantly behind the Labour Party, reflecting a dramatic decline in public support. This dramatic shift in public opinion is fueled by several key factors.

• The Cost of Living Crisis: Soaring inflation and the rising cost of energy have significantly impacted household budgets across the UK, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the economic situation. This economic hardship has fueled anger and disillusionment amongst voters.

• The Brexit Fallout: The long-term consequences of Brexit continue to reverberate throughout the UK economy. Issues such as trade disruptions and increased bureaucratic hurdles have negatively impacted businesses and contributed to public discontent. The ongoing debate over the Northern Ireland Protocol further adds to the sense of political instability.

• Scandals and Internal Divisions: A series of scandals, including “Partygate,” have eroded public trust in the Conservative Party and created deep divisions within the party itself. These internal conflicts often hinder effective policy-making and project an image of disarray to the public.

• Public Perception of Current Leadership: The current Conservative leadership faces the daunting task of restoring public confidence, a challenge made more difficult by the lingering impact of previous scandals and the ongoing economic struggles. The perception of a lack of strong leadership further exacerbates the crisis.

The Case for a Boris Johnson Comeback

Despite the significant challenges, some argue that a Boris Johnson comeback could revitalize the Conservative Party. Proponents point to several factors:

• Past Electoral Success: Johnson led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in the 2019 general election, demonstrating a proven ability to win over a broad section of the electorate. This electoral success is seen by some as a strong argument for his leadership capabilities.

• Strong Leadership in Times of Crisis: Supporters highlight his decisive style and ability to project confidence, qualities they believe are particularly valuable during times of national crisis. They argue that his experience navigating Brexit could be an asset.

• Energizing the Conservative Base: A Johnson return could potentially reignite the enthusiasm of the Conservative base, boosting party morale and increasing voter turnout amongst core supporters. This renewed energy could be crucial in a challenging political climate.

• Strategic Advantages: A Johnson-led campaign could potentially capitalize on perceived weaknesses in the Labour Party's platform and exploit divisions within the opposition. However, this strategy comes with significant risks, as discussed below.

The Case Against a Boris Johnson Comeback

While a Boris Johnson comeback might seem appealing to some within the Conservative Party, the potential downsides are considerable and could ultimately prove detrimental:

• Partygate and Public Trust: The "Partygate" scandal, along with other controversies surrounding his premiership, severely damaged public trust in Boris Johnson. A return would likely reignite negative media coverage and public anger, further eroding any remaining confidence in the Conservative Party.

• Further Damage to Party Reputation: Bringing back a figure associated with so much controversy risks further damaging the party's reputation and making it harder to attract moderate voters. The negative press would likely overshadow any attempts at positive messaging.

• Voter Backlash and Media Scrutiny: A Johnson return would almost certainly face intense media scrutiny and a significant voter backlash. This intense negative attention could overshadow any policy successes.

• Alienating Moderate Voters: His populist approach and previous controversies could alienate many moderate voters, hindering the party's ability to broaden its appeal beyond its core base. This is especially risky given the current political climate.

Alternative Solutions to the Tory Crisis

Instead of a risky and potentially damaging Boris Johnson comeback, the Conservative Party should explore alternative solutions to address its current crisis:

• A Change in Leadership: A fresh face at the helm, someone not burdened by past controversies, could help to restore public trust and project a renewed sense of purpose. This would require a concerted effort to present a united front and a clear vision for the future.

• Significant Policy Changes: Addressing the concerns of the electorate through substantial policy changes, particularly in areas like cost of living relief and economic stability, could win back public favor. A focus on practical solutions rather than ideological posturing is crucial.

• Internal Party Reform: Addressing the deep-seated internal divisions within the party is essential. Promoting a more inclusive and collaborative approach to policy-making could strengthen party unity and improve its public image.

• Regaining Public Trust: A renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and ethical governance is crucial for regaining public trust. Actions speak louder than words, so delivering on promises and demonstrating a genuine commitment to good governance is paramount.

Conclusion

The Tory crisis is complex and demands a multifaceted approach. While a Boris Johnson comeback might momentarily appeal to a section of the party's base, the potential for further damage to public trust and alienation of moderate voters is substantial. Alternative solutions, including a change in leadership, significant policy reforms, internal party reform, and a concerted effort to regain public trust, present a more viable path towards addressing the party’s challenges. The future of the Conservative Party hinges on a strategic and thoughtful response.

What do you think is the best path forward for the Conservative Party? Join the discussion in the comments below and share your thoughts on the Tory crisis and the potential for a Boris Johnson comeback.