Can Rishi Sunak reduce the Tories’ losses?
Spectator (UK)JUN 2024
Theresa May Says She Won't Run for Reelection
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Theresa May exhibited everything one would want in a representative, and she selflessly served Maidenhead and the UK for nearly three decades, however, her diligence and grace were not enough for the detractors who sought to tear her down. May's cerebral and nuanced views made her an exceptionally effective politician, but it also hurt her status among the more populist members of her party. Through no fault of her own, May's premiership was unsuccessful, but she will be remembered as a pioneer and revered leader in the history books.
Progressive narrative
For decades, Theresa May represented the far-right underbelly of UK politics, stoking fear and division in the country. Now, she's trying to expunge her record as a divisive leader, and she's using the radical rightward shift of the Tories to paint herself as a moderate. Compared to her three successors, May might be slightly less egregious, but she cannot escape her many failures. Maybe her goodwill tour is out of sincerity, but it could also be motivated by a desire to clean up her image.
Conservative narrative
In no way, shape, or form can Theresa May be considered a true conservative, and she's responsible for the impending doom awaiting the Tories in this year's election. May was unable to unite Conservatives and often tiptoed around necessary action regarding Brexit and other pressing issues. While circumstance did not do May any favors, her inaction and lack of decisiveness doomed her premiership from the start. Theresa May may have had good intentions, but she failed as prime minister and has set the Conservatives back many years.