What our politics and government need is a restoration of continuity and stability – not a premature resignation, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle
he Conservative party needs another leadership election right now like it needs a hole in the head. Most observers agree about this. Even Jacob Rees-Mogg accepts that four Tory leaders in one parliament would be more than the country could tolerate. This side of the general election, the die is cast. After the election is another matter.leads the Tories to defeat this autumn, as most of his MPs now suspect will happen, he should not then resign immediately.
What does he say? Recent precedent suggests he says something graceful about the honour of serving and then resigns the party leadership. That’s what Gordon Brown, the last incumbent prime minister to lose an election, eventually did in 2010. It’s what John Major, the last losing incumbent before Brown, did in 1997 too. If he takes this course, Sunak would remain as leader while a successor was chosen.
He should not do so. Instead Sunak should stay on as Conservative leader if he loses the election. He should prepare the ground for staying on with trusted colleagues. He should then stand at the Downing Street lectern and say responsible leaders do not just jump ship. He should say it is his duty to see the party through a period of necessary reflection. He could even say what Callaghan told Labour MPs in 1979: “There is no vacancy for my job.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Conservatives slam ‘bonkers’ plot to topple Rishi Sunak before electionSenior Tories have rallied around the PM amid claims that some party MPs are plotting to replace him with Penny Mordaunt
Read more »
Rishi Sunak will lead Tories into election, Mark Harper saysCabinet minister urges backbenchers to have confidence in party leadership amid reports of plot to remove PM
Read more »
Barack Obama drops in on Rishi Sunak on London tripFormer US president understood to have discussed AI and other subjects with PM on informal ‘courtesy’ visit
Read more »
Rishi Sunak’s government would ban the very boycotts that helped to end apartheidA bill now in the Lords is intended to protect Israel from any criticism. It goes further than Thatcher ever did when she tried to stop us protesting to free Nelson Mandela, says former government minister Peter Hain
Read more »
Keir Starmer accuses Rishi Sunak of not personally believing in Rwanda policy at PMQsLabour leader and prime minister clash over controversial deportation policy and election as poll says Tory voters want new leader
Read more »
Rishi Sunak to face PMQs and 1922 Committee as poll suggests third of Tory voters want different leaderPrime minister faces questions from MPs after Lee Anderson’s defection and controversy over Frank Hester as poll says voters want new leader for election
Read more »