London: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is grappling with a significant political crisis as 78 Members of Parliament from his Conservative Party have announced their resignations ahead of the upcoming general election. This development marks a challenging period for the 44-year-old Indian-origin leader, who has taken some private time with his closest aides and family to strategize and reflect on the situation.
Among the notable resignations are Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom, who declared their decisions not to seek re-election. This wave of departures has created a sense of instability within the Conservative Party as it gears up for the July 4 elections.
Gove's announcement, delivered via a letter on social media, emphasized the personal toll of political office. "No one in politics is a conscript. We are volunteers who willingly choose our fate. And the chance to serve is wonderful. But there comes a moment when you know that it is time to leave. That a new generation should lead," Gove wrote. Leadsom echoed similar sentiments in her letter to Sunak, citing "careful reflection" as the basis for her decision.
The departure of these senior figures, including former Prime Minister Theresa May and former Defence Minister Ben Wallace, has exacerbated the perception of an embattled Conservative leadership. Sources close to Sunak revealed that he is spending the first weekend of the campaign in discussions with his advisors, an "unusual step" that contrasts with typical campaign activities.
The timing and nature of these resignations have fueled criticism from the opposition. Labour MP Stella Creasy commented on social media, "Sunak is already in need of a duvet day. Britain is already in need of a different government." However, Sunak's camp quickly dismissed such claims, asserting that the Prime Minister is actively campaigning in his constituency in Yorkshire.
Conservative Minister Bim Afolami defended Sunak, downplaying the internal turmoil. "I think a lot of those things are fluff…I think that the important thing is that we frame this election correctly," he stated.
Sunak's campaign faced further scrutiny during his visit to the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, with a reporter drawing an analogy to the doomed ship, questioning if he is "captaining a sinking ship going into this election."
Opposition leader Keir Starmer is intensifying his campaign efforts, focusing on the Conservative Party's impact on the economy and living costs. The latest YouGov opinion poll, conducted after Sunak called the snap election, shows Labour maintaining a lead, albeit with a slight reduction. The Conservatives have gained one point, rising to 22 percent, while Labour has dropped two points to 44 percent.
As Sunak navigates this tumultuous period, the mass exodus of MPs and the ensuing criticism underscore the high stakes of the forthcoming general election and the challenges facing his leadership.