UK Columnist: Tory Voters Feel Betrayed, Reject Conservatives Despite Worse Labour Prospects

A UK columnist has argued that Conservative Party voters feel betrayed by the party, believing that while a Labour government would be worse, they are still rejecting the Conservatives due to broken promises on personal responsibility, welfare culture, and failure to uphold British values. The perception of betrayal by Tory voters is seen as mattering more than the prospect of Labour being worse if they come to power.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled wide-ranging reforms to disability benefits and Universal Credit, aiming to end the "sick-note culture" and draw a clear electoral dividing line with Labour. The proposed changes include stopping Universal Credit benefits entirely if someone is deemed not to be trying hard enough to find employment, and reforming personal independence payments (PIP) for disabled people to a "more objective and rigorous approach". Sunak argues the benefit system is letting people down by not being focused enough on getting them into work.

However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has criticized Sunak's announcement as a "reheated version" of something announced seven years ago, and the party has not yet stated whether it would continue with the reforms if elected. The Tories have accused Labour of "submarining" on the issue and not having an answer to the rising numbers of people signed off work permanently due to illness.

Sunak's remarks have been criticized by figures in the health sector, who argue that those suffering from ill health need prompt care, and by the mental health charity Mind, which said Sunak's rhetoric is harmful and inaccurate. The prime minister acknowledged the risk of alienating more moderate voters with his tough stance on welfare, but said his plans come from a concern about Britain's spiraling benefits bill and a surge in the number of people who have become economically inactive.

Why this matters: The Conservative Party's declining support and sense of betrayal among its voter base could have significant implications for the next UK general election. The welfare reform debate highlights the ideological differences and electoral strategies of the Conservatives and Labour parties.

The Conservative Party is facing a dire political situation ahead of the upcoming local elections on May 2. New polling suggests the Conservatives have no chance of winning a general election, trailing Labour by a huge margin, with support collapsing among various voter groups, including former "Red Wall" and "Blue Wall" voters. Even among the party's traditional base, support has slumped. Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage has claimed that the Conservative Party brand is "in the bin" and that even Winston Churchill could not save it, as people feel "very let down" after 14 years of Tory rule.

Key Takeaways

• UK Conservatives face voter betrayal, declining support ahead of elections.
• Sunak proposes welfare reforms to end "sick-note culture", draw line with Labour.
• Labour criticizes reforms as rehash, unclear if they'd continue if elected.
• Sunak's rhetoric on welfare criticized by health, mental health groups.
• Conservatives trail Labour by huge margin, even among traditional base.