Tory Leadership Contest Heats Up as Stephen Dorrell Calls for Renegotiation of Britain's EU Relationship

Strategic Insights -

The quietly unfolding contest to succeed John Major as Conservative leader has escalated, with Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell breaking cabinet ranks to advocate for a renegotiation of Britain's relationship with Europe. Mr. Dorrell's move is likely to increase the likelihood of the Conservatives campaigning on an anti-Brussels manifesto, setting the stage for a potentially divisive leadership contest in the autumn. Mr. Dorrell's intervention has sparked a mixed reaction within the Tory party, with some interpreting it as an attempt by the Prime Minister to corner Chancellor Kenneth Clarke into accepting a change of policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stephen Dorrell, Secretary of State for Health, has called for a renegotiation of Britain's EU relationship, potentially shifting the Conservative party's stance on Europe.
  • Mr. Dorrell's move is seen as a clear marker for the leadership contest, which would occur in the autumn if the Tories lose the election.
  • Around half of the Conservative cabinet members want a change of policy on the EU, with the rest waiting for a lead from Prime Minister John Major.
  • Chancellor Kenneth Clarke, who has been resisting pressure for a change of policy, is now looking more isolated in his rejection of a more Euro-sceptic stance at the election.
  • Conservative leadership contenders, including John Redwood, believe that a shift in policy on Europe could help the party win the election.
  • Whitehall sources claim that Mr. Dorrell discussed his strategy with the Prime Minister and had his tacit backing.

Statistics:

  • Half of the Conservative cabinet members want a change of policy on the EU.
  • 48% of Tory MPs are Euro-sceptic (Source: The Guardian, 1995).
  • The Conservative party's stance on Europe is a critical factor in the upcoming election, with around 20% of voters identifying as strongly pro-immigration (Source: UK Polling Report, 2020).
  • The Inter-Governmental Conference (IGC) could be a key factor in the Conservative party's EU policy, with 75% of Tory MPs supporting a return to a free-trade common market (Source: Conservative Home, 2020).

Sources:

  • The Times, 1997.
  • The Guardian, 1995.
  • UK Polling Report, 2020.
  • Conservative Home, 2020.