Defections, resignations, suspensions. If Tory MPs aren’t embroiled in scandal, they’re exhausted. If they’re not exhausted, they’re angry (see Robert Jenrick and Neil O’Brien’s new report on immigration). Even Ben Houchen, the only Conservative to win a metro mayoral election last week has blasted Sunak for presiding over a chaotic party. 

As for resignations, the latest to throw in the towel is former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi. The MP for Stratford-on-Avon will stand down at the next general election. The Lib Dems are suggesting that last month’s YouGov MRP poll showing that the Tories would lose that seat to the Lib Dems has frightened Zahawi.  

In his resignation statement, Zahawi quoted his “most famous constituent” – twice. Parting is such sweet sorrow, as we know, but he also wrote: “Go to your bosom; knock there and ask your heart what it doth know.” In essence, Zahawi said this election is someone else’s bloody battle to die in. 

Elsewhere, there is much chatter of MP for Dover Natalie Elphicke’s defection from the Conservatives to Labour. Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt told the Commons: “I am not about to defect to the opposition benches. They wouldn’t be interested in me, I’m too leftwing,” referring to the fact that many viewed Elphicke as well to the right of most in the Tory party.  Lord Cameron, fresh off the coals from a speech on cybersecurity and foreign policy (the important stuff), took the time to joke that Labour’s acceptance of Elphicke proved the party stood for nothing. 

Elphicke’s defection and Zahawi’s resignation (the 64th to stand down at the next election) come in the wake of Lee Anderson’s defection to Reform, William Wragg’s honeytrap scandal and Mark Menzies paying off “bad people” with party funds. 

These incidents and more might explain why Labour now has, for the first time, a 30-point lead over the Tories. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak maintains that winning is not an insurmountable challenge. Their current working majority is 45, down from 86 at the start of this parliament. No doubt a few more will bite the dust as the days roll on. 

Write to us with your comments to be considered for publication at letters@reaction.life