May's Resignation
This past week has seen the finale to Theresa May’s shaky time at Downing Street, as she announced she would be stepping down before her fourth, and final Brexit proposal is presented to Parliament. After three historic failed proposals, Mrs May has simply run of options, and now leaves the country more divided and politically lost than when she looks over from David Cameron in 2016. From what initially seemed so hopeful, with her draft Brexit deal being approved in Brussels in November, has since become an domestic mess, with Mrs May fighting against not only the Labour party, but also the mutiny that has been erupting within her own party.
In lieu of losing her past three Brexit attempts in Parliament, Mrs May resignation before knowing the outcome of her fourth proposal, is evidence that she has no audience left to attract, and no Tory MP’s foolish enough to remain by her side as she sinks with her Brexit schemes. Previously, Mrs May said she would resign once a Brexit deal had been achieved, however the vote was postponed by the government, forcing her premature resignation.
Mrs May has been under pressure to resign for numerous months now. Fading from the commanding figure she started out as, to a PM that could only hope for compromise, she appears to be running from the fight instead of dictating it. Her latest revised withdrawal bill attempted to offer the Labour left strengthened workers’ right, while simultaneously trying sweeten relationships with Remainers by providing an option for MPs to vote for a second referendum. Her desire to please everyone has ultimately alienated her from both sides. As some 20 MPs step forward into a leadership race, the breadth of unhappiness and distrust within the Tory party is starkly evident.
She ended her resignation speech holding back tears, as she shakily said that the job of Prime Minister had “been the honour” of her “life to hold”. She went on to say “I do so [resign] with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had to opportunity to serve the country I love.” The send-off speech showed the toll of the job upon her these past few years, but ultimately how she was unable to present a strong head during a time of polarisation and instability.
Following her speech, MPs have come forward presenting their more specific stances in advance of the Tory leadership on June 10th. While Boris Johnson remains the favourite to take over, other Tory MPs, such as Dominic Raab, have warned MPs of his desire to carry out a no-deal Brexit if he becomes the new Tory leader. Raab’s attempt to outgun Boris by vowing that he “will not ask for an extension” is intended to provide a strong, clear voice regarding an issue that has grown increasingly messy. He went on to add how “difficult for parliament” it would be “to legislate against a no-deal”. It seems that no one is going to champion a no-deal exit, yet everyone will agree that they are preparing for one.
Already, the likes of Nigel Farage has re-arisen to forefront of the media with his still youthful Brexit Party. Their specific focus appears to be catching the eyes of disenfranchised Leave voters whose patience has grown thin. The Brexit Party has spent more-or-less the same as it’s rivals on online advertisement, however they have received drastically better engagement figures, extending on from the Vote Leave campaign that spent 98% of its marketing funds online. The Brexit Party’s success on Monday’s EU elections is testament to the divide within British society, with Farage aiming his campaign at those who cannot wait any longer for Brexit to be enforced.
As Mrs May’s three years close to an end, she is forced to counteract the momentum the Brexit Party is building. The Tories now must either adopt Farage’s Brexit approach, and prepare to leave without a deal, or swiftly elect a competent leader who can take the PM seat and regain control of the sinking Tory ship. Mr Johnson has said that he “is the only person who can beat Farage”, but can he realistically organise the majority of Tories who support a no-deal agreement, into a coherent and organised force against Mr Farage? If he is to fail, then the prospect of a General Election looms ever more daunting for the Conservative Party.