Recent political developments within the UK’s Conservative Party indicate a growing inclination among some Tory MPs towards replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Penny Mordaunt. Factors motivating this consideration include attempts to bolster the party’s electoral position amidst challenges such as underwhelming polling post-budget and controversies involving major party donor Frank Hester. Despite earlier reservations about Mordaunt’s stances on specific social issues, right-wing Tory factions seem willing to support her if compromises can be reached, highlighting a potential shift within the party towards viewing Mordaunt as a viable leadership option.

Simultaneously, the UK government’s Rwanda deportation bill, a policy initially introduced under Boris Johnson’s administration aiming to address illegal migration, is experiencing delays. The bill’s progression has stalled, with its second “ping pong” session between the Lords and Commons postponed until after the Easter recess, potentially pushing its implementation to mid-April. This delay, reflecting procedural setbacks, has elicited concerns among Conservative MPs, especially given the emphasis Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has placed on this issue.

These internal party dynamics are unfolding amid broader political discussions, including secret talks among Tory MPs regarding the party’s leadership and future election strategies. The conversations, which involve considering Mordaunt as a successor to Sunak, aim to navigate the party through prevailing political uncertainties and avert potential electoral setbacks, evidenced by Labour’s lead in opinion polls.

In related political discourse outside the Conservative Party, Labour MP Diane Abbott has publicly sought reinstatement into the Parliamentary Labour Party, 11 months after her suspension following remarks deemed antisemitic. Abbott, addressing a rally in Hackney, refuted allegations of not participating in antisemitism training and expressed her expectation for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to restore her party membership. This request comes amid controversies involving Tory Minister Frank Hester’s racist remarks about Abbott, an issue that has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, revealing deeper divisions and challenges within UK politics.