Conservatives Face Identity Crisis as “Big Tent” Shrinks

The Conservative Party of the United Kingdom is grappling with a significant identity crisis as it shifts further to the right, prompting concerns about the future of its once-inclusive “big tent” approach. Former Prime Minister David Cameron famously characterized himself as a “modern, compassionate Conservative” in 2011. Now, as the party navigates the political landscape of 2025, many are questioning whether the spirit of Cameronism still resonates.

During Cameron’s tenure, he promoted a blend of austerity measures and socially liberal policies, such as the legalization of equal marriage. This approach aimed to appeal to a broader base of voters. In stark contrast, the current political climate is marked by the emergence of factions within the party, with some members defecting to Reform UK, a party vying for the allegiance of right-leaning voters.

Listener Sean raised a pertinent question during the podcast *Electoral Dysfunction* about whether defectors could ever return to the Conservative Party. Co-host Ruth Davidson, a former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, expressed her views on the evolving nature of conservatism within the party.

Davidson described her brand of conservatism as “very far from Reform,” highlighting a disconnection from the party’s current trajectory. She noted that the Conservative Party has transformed from a broad coalition of voices—including figures like Justine Greening, Greg Clarke, and Dominic Grieve—to a more narrowly focused entity, particularly on issues like immigration.

“The idea that we’ve gone from such a broad church to now fighting on such a small patch of ground over immigration is alarming,” Davidson stated. She lamented the shift from a wide array of policy debates to a fixation on a limited range of issues, suggesting that the party is becoming increasingly outflanked by its right-wing elements.

Davidson pointed out that the challenges facing the Conservative Party extend beyond immigration and encompass critical areas such as economics, social care, and public services. She emphasized that there are still groups within the party advocating for centre-right perspectives, including the Conservative Environment Network and LGBT+ Conservatives. Yet, these factions often find themselves at odds with the prevailing party narrative.

As the Conservative Party contemplates its future, Davidson conveyed her sadness about the current state of affairs. “When your party is under threat, you talk to your base instead of trying to convert voters from other parties,” she noted. This inward focus may limit the party’s ability to attract a diverse electorate.

The ongoing discussions surrounding the party’s identity and direction reveal broader implications for UK politics. With elections on the horizon, the Conservatives must navigate a complex landscape characterized by internal divisions and external challenges. The potential for a return of defectors remains uncertain, as the party’s ideological battleground becomes increasingly entrenched.

The evolving dynamics within the Conservative Party highlight the delicate balance between preserving traditional values and adapting to a changing political environment. As political powerhouses like Davidson, alongside co-hosts Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman, delve into these issues on *Electoral Dysfunction*, the future of the party remains a topic of significant importance in Westminster and beyond.