homeworld NewsProminent columnist Farrukh Dhondy says Tories hit by most severe by election setback yet
Prominent columnist Farrukh Dhondy says Tories hit by most severe by-election setback yet
Farrukh Dhondy, a prominent writer and columnist, underscored the severity of the losses, stating, "This is the most dreadful blow that the Tories have suffered since their last by-election defeats."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suffered two heavy blows to his leadership ahead of a general election later this year as the Opposition Labour Party overturned strong Conservative majorities to win by-elections in England on Friday (February 16).
Labour's Dan Egan won the House of Commons seat of Kingswood, south-west England, and the party's Gen Kitchen won Wellingborough, in the East Midlands region of England. The results reflect double trouble for the British Indian leader as the Conservatives had won both seats by decisive margins at the last general election under Boris Johnson in December 2019.
Farrukh Dhondy, a prominent writer and columnist, underscored the severity of the losses, stating, "This is the most dreadful blow that the Tories have suffered since their last by-election defeats."
Dhondy said the magnitude of the defeat was palpable, particularly in constituencies like Kingswood and Wellingborough, where the Tories experienced a significant swing in votes. He noted, "They lost by 28.6%, and that kind of percentage has never been seen in a by-election in the swing between Tory votes and Labour."
Amidst the political turbulence, attention has turned to potential contenders for leadership positions within the Conservative Party. Dhondy highlighted figures such as Kemi Badenoch and Penny Mordaunt, who are seen as alternatives to Rishi Sunak, the current Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Dhondy emphasised the significance of striking a deal with India, stating, "The UK government is desperate to sign a deal now with India, because Brexit has by and large failed." He suggested that such a deal could serve as a crucial demonstration of the government's ability to navigate post-Brexit trade relations.
Burzine Waghmar of the SOAS South Asia Institute highlighted the challenges facing both major parties as they gear up for the upcoming national elections. "Most British voters feel dejected and they feel they're confronted by a Hobson's choice with either the Tories or the Labour Party," he remarked.
As the countdown to the next general election begins, analysts predict a fiercely contested battle for parliamentary seats. Waghmar noted the declining fortunes of both the Tories and Labour, with the former losing ground since the 2019 election and the latter facing challenges despite recent victories.
Despite some positive indicators such as a halved inflation rate, concerns linger regarding the overall economic outlook under Sunak's stewardship. Waghmar cautioned, "Inflation is the only parameter on which Rishi Sunak can claim a hollow victory."
First Published: Feb 16, 2024 11:49 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Lok Sabha elections: 4th phase sees over 68% voter participation, West Bengal leads with 76% turnout
May 14, 2024 1:47 AM
Lok Sabha elections phase 4 witnesses around 63% voter turnout, experts weigh in on key contests
May 14, 2024 12:06 AM
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Shiv Sena UBT’s Arvind Sawant highlights Uddhav Thackeray's vision for Mumbai’s progress
May 13, 2024 9:21 PM
Exclusive interview: 'Southern states will be a big surprise,' says PM Modi
May 13, 2024 9:05 PM