Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho has publicly opposed calls from some Conservative hardliners to drive Chancellor Rishi Sunak further to the right, particularly ahead of the forthcoming general election. This internal party debate surfaces amid polling data showing the Tories lagging behind Labour. Hardline advocates, including former ministers Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, have been vocal about adopting stricter stances on immigration and implementing tax cuts.

Robert Jenrick, who stepped down as immigration minister, has been especially forthcoming with his views following the Conservatives’ poor showing in recent local elections. He expressed the necessity for the party to introspect and realign their policies to better capture conservative voters’ interests. Conversely, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove warned against adopting extreme positions purely for ideological satisfaction, likening it to “comfort eating.”

Discussion within the party also extends to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s fiscal strategies that involve National Insurance cuts counterbalanced by freezes in other areas, affecting disposable incomes over time.

Jenrick’s reflections were particularly emphasized during a Centre for Policy Studies event, where he highlighted the crucial need for the party to regain credibility with disaffected supporters by acknowledging past mistakes and proactively addressing widespread concerns including the speed of implementing emissions reductions.

These discussions and disagreements within the Conservative Party come as they prepare for a general election, with a focus on reconnecting with voters and reassessing policies that align with public concerns.