Newington's Tom Burton looks at party infighting and the continuing uncertainty across the UK's devolved bodies.
As the Government hobbled over the line into recess, public infighting continues to consume both of the UK’s major parties. Europe and Brexit inevitably divide the Conservatives, while Labour seems unable to shake the anti-Semitism controversy. With conference season approaching in late September, policy conversations will likely be overshadowed by the parties’ fractious and polarised politics.
Boris Johnson has stirred controversy (again), with his comments about Muslim dress causing further divide within the party. Some dismiss Johnson’s comments as part of the recess 'silly season', while others, including the Prime Minister, have called for him to apologise, leading many to view this as a broader battle over the soul of the party. With Johnson’s recent courting of Steve Bannon and Donald Trump, and increasing anti-May sentiment among the Brexiteer base, Johnson is seen to be betting on his populist persona to claim the leadership.
Meanwhile, Labour’s anti-Semitism problems have troubled the pro-Corbyn faction since 2015. The most recent criticism of Labour activist Peter Willsman’s NEC “rant” by Deputy Leader Tom Watson has highlighted the divide between the centre and hard-left, leading to questions about the possibility of a new centre-left party rearing their head once more.
Westminster’s party infighting is matched by uncertainty in the UK’s devolved bodies. All four major Welsh parties have upcoming leadership elections, the outcomes of which will be decided by December. If Plaid Cymru’s centrist challengers depose left-leaning incumbent Leanne Wood, the next Welsh election on 6 May 2021 will open up with the possibility of a Plaid-Conservative-Liberal coalition, meaning Labour could lose power for the first time. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland is close to achieving the world record for a democracy without an elected government - currently held by Belgium, with 541 days - with more than 500 days having passed since the power sharing Executive collapsed.
