The Case for the Centre Right

The Conservative Party has undergone a radical rightwards shift, but David Gauke and other leading figures on the centre right argue for a return to the liberal centre right, arguing that these values are essential to the party and the UK's political future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In recent years, British politics has undergone a significant transformation, with the Conservative Party experiencing a profound shift. The party, traditionally rooted in center-right values such as internationalism, respect for the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, and belief in institutions, abandoned these principles in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. This shift has had detrimental consequences for the UK's prosperity, electoral trust, and the long-term fortunes of the Conservative Party.

However, it is crucial to recognize that this radical rightwards shift can and must be reversed. In a bold intervention, David Gauke, along with other prominent figures on the center right, including Michael Heseltine, Rory Stewart, Amber Rudd, Gavin Barwell, and Daniel Finkelstein, delve into the origins of the Conservative Party's transformation into a populist movement. They argue compellingly that the values that once defined the best of British conservatism remain essential to the party and to the UK's political future.

The authors argue that the Conservative Party's shift to the right was driven by a desire to appeal to a broader range of voters, particularly those who felt disaffected by traditional political parties. However, this approach is flawed and doomed to fail. Populism, characterized by its emphasis on nationalism, anti-establishment sentiment, and a disregard for facts and evidence, is not sustainable in the long term. It fails to address the complex challenges facing the UK, such as economic inequality, social unrest, and climate change.

Furthermore, the authors argue that a return to the liberal center right is necessary to restore the party's credibility and relevance. They emphasize the importance of promoting social mobility, economic growth, and social justice, while also upholding the values of individual liberty, free speech, and the rule of law. The authors make a compelling case that the liberal center right is the best way to ensure that the Conservative Party remains a force for positive change in British politics.

In conclusion, the transformation of the Conservative Party into a populist movement has had detrimental consequences for the UK's political landscape. However, this radical shift can and must be reversed. By returning to the principles of the liberal center right, the Conservative Party can regain its credibility and relevance, and play a vital role in shaping the country's future. The values that once defined the best of British conservatism remain essential to the party and to the UK's political future, and it is up to leaders and members of the party to embrace these values and work towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509560820