Rishi Sunak Faces Growing Rebellion from Tory MPs as Frustration Mounts Over Government Inaction

Strategic Insights -

Rishi Sunak has been warned that he has only six months to transform Conservative Party fortunes, as a series of major rebellions by Tory MPs gained momentum. The Prime Minister is under pressure from within his own party over a range of issues, including his de facto ban on new onshore wind farms, housebuilding targets, and a crackdown on overseas students. Former party chairman Sir Jake Berry added his name to the list of Tory figures trying to force Sunak to drop the ban, with Levelling-up secretary Michael Gove also understood to want an end to the onshore wind moratorium.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tory MPs are rebelling against Rishi Sunak's government, citing concerns over a range of issues, including onshore wind farms, housebuilding targets, and a crackdown on overseas students.
  • Sir Jake Berry has warned that Sunak has only six months to transform Conservative Party fortunes before the local elections in May, warning that the public mood is "dangerous for a government".
  • Levelling-up secretary Michael Gove is understood to want an end to the de facto ban on new onshore wind farms, with over 30 Tory MPs now backing an amendment to his Levelling Up Bill.
  • The Prime Minister is also facing a major challenge on housebuilding targets, with more than 50 Tory MPs signing a rebel amendment to set a target of 300,000 homes per year.
  • Several Tories have spoken out against Sunak's plan for a crackdown on overseas students, with MP Chris Skidmore, Tory peer Jo Johnson, and ex-education minister David Willetts warning that it would damage the UK's reputation and economic growth.
  • Rishi Sunak is facing mounting frustration over looming strikes by NHS nurses, rail staff, and postal workers, with Transport secretary Mark Harper insisting that pay rises are "unaffordable" for the public sector.

Statistics:

  • 30 Tory MPs are backing an amendment to the Levelling Up Bill to end the de facto ban on new onshore wind farms, just short of the 69-vote majority needed to defeat Sunak's government.
  • More than 50 Tory MPs have signed a rebel amendment to set a target of 300,000 homes per year, with the Prime Minister forced to pull a vote on the legislation.
  • A Savanta ComRes poll for The Independent showed Labour enjoying an 18-point lead, with experts saying Sunak's "bounce" had now "flatlined".
  • 9 Conservative MPs have announced they will not contest the next election, including former Environment Secretary George Eustice and former universities minister Chris Heaton-Harris.
  • Labour strategists have identified a "southern comfort" strategy, where Tory donations are being funnelled into "blue wall" seats in the south, leaving Tories in "red wall" seats in the north with decreasing amounts to contest the next election.

Sources:

  • The Andrew Neil Show
  • The Observer
  • The Sunday Telegraph
  • The Sunday Times
  • The Independent
  • The Telegraph
  • BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg
  • Sky News
  • Electoral Commission records and register of MPs' interests
  • Savanta ComRes poll for The Independent