Could Boris Johnson's Return Save The Tories?

4 min read Post on May 03, 2025

Could Boris Johnson's Return Save The Tories?

Johnson's Appeal to the Tory Base

Nostalgia and a Return to "Winning" Politics

A significant segment of Tory voters harbor a sense of nostalgia for the Boris Johnson era. Many associate his premiership with a period of perceived electoral success, particularly the 2019 general election landslide victory. His populist appeal and Brexit success resonate strongly with a core demographic of Conservative voters.

Brexit Delivery: Johnson's fulfillment of the referendum result, despite the challenges, is often cited as a key achievement by his supporters.
Populist Appeal: His charismatic style and willingness to challenge the political establishment resonated with many voters disenfranchised with traditional politics.
Strong Support Among Older Voters: Polling data suggests that Johnson retains strong support amongst older, more traditional Conservative voters.

A Divisive Figure

However, Johnson remains a deeply divisive figure. His premiership was marred by numerous controversies and scandals, leading to a significant loss of public trust. A return could further fracture the party and alienate crucial voter segments.

Partygate Scandal: The numerous gatherings held at 10 Downing Street during lockdown severely damaged Johnson's reputation and the party's image.
Cost of Living Crisis: The economic hardship faced by many during Johnson's time as Prime Minister remains a significant point of contention.
Negative Public Opinion: Polls consistently show that a substantial portion of the electorate holds a negative view of Boris Johnson.

The Current State of the Conservative Party

Internal Divisions and Leadership Instability

The Conservative Party is currently grappling with deep internal divisions and a lack of strong, unified leadership. The ongoing leadership battles and policy disagreements are undermining public confidence and hindering effective governance.

Multiple Leadership Contenders: The party is currently witnessing a power struggle between various factions, creating uncertainty and instability.
Policy Incoherence: A lack of clear direction and consistent policy messaging is alienating voters and weakening the party's overall standing.
Low Public Trust: The current leadership has failed to inspire confidence, leading to widespread disillusionment amongst voters.

Falling Poll Ratings and Electoral Prospects

Current polling data paints a grim picture for the Conservatives. Unless significant changes are made, the party faces the very real prospect of a substantial defeat at the next general election, potentially resulting in a long period in opposition.

Significant Lag Behind Labour: The Conservatives are trailing Labour by a considerable margin in most opinion polls.
Potential Loss of Seats: The current trajectory suggests significant losses in parliamentary seats at the next election.
Threat to Long-Term Viability: The party's continued decline poses a serious threat to its long-term viability as a major political force.

The Viability of a Johnson Return

The Practical Challenges

A Boris Johnson comeback faces considerable practical and political obstacles. Party rules, internal opposition, and public opinion all present significant hurdles.

Party Rules on Leadership Challenges: The Conservative Party's internal rules governing leadership challenges may pose a significant obstacle.
Opposition from MPs: A substantial number of Conservative MPs are openly opposed to Johnson's return, and his leadership could face an immediate challenge.
Public Backlash: The public reaction to a Johnson return is likely to be highly negative, potentially further damaging the party's image.

Potential Benefits and Risks

While a Johnson return might offer short-term benefits, such as a potential surge in voter support and a stronger leadership presence, the long-term risks far outweigh the potential gains.

Potential Short-Term Gains: A temporary boost in support from a segment of voters is possible, but this may be short-lived.
Long-Term Damage to the Party’s Image and Future: The reputational damage could prove disastrous, alienating swing voters and further damaging the party’s credibility.
Probability of Success vs. Failure: The risk of failure significantly outweighs the chance of achieving meaningful and lasting success.

Conclusion: Can Boris Johnson Resurrect the Tories?

The possibility of a Boris Johnson return to lead the Conservative Party presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. While a segment of the party base might find solace in a return to a familiar, arguably more successful leader, the significant risks of further division, reputational damage, and electoral defeat are undeniable. Alternative solutions that foster unity, promote strong leadership, and address the party's internal divisions are crucial for the Conservatives' long-term survival. Do you think a Boris Johnson return could truly save the Tories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!