Conservative Party Faces Historic Decline Amid Reform UK Rise

The UK Conservative Party is grappling with a profound crisis, marked by dwindling support, internal disarray, and a struggle to define its identity under leader Kemi Badenoch. Once a dominant political force, the party now faces the threat of being eclipsed by the hard-right Reform UK party amid poor polling numbers and defections. Badenoch's strategy involves a rightward shift, including plans to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, but this approach has not stemmed the party's decline or quelled leadership challenges. The party's recent history is marred by leadership turmoil and broken promises, contributing to voter frustration and a drastic reduction in parliamentary seats. Analysts describe the situation as existential, with the Conservatives' future as a major political force uncertain, as they aim to rally and redefine their platform at the recent conference. Despite efforts to present a unified front, the party's internal challenges and public perception issues underscore a critical juncture in its survival.