Trust in the Conservative Party: A Critical Analysis
Trust in the Conservative Party, also known as the Tories, has been a topic of intense debate and scrutiny in UK politics. This analysis aims to explore the factors that contribute to distrust in the party and the reasons why some still choose to trust them despite their shortcomings.
Why Trust the Conservatives?
While the Conservative Party has garnered significant criticism for a variety of reasons, including corruption, homophobia, racism, and transphobia, there are instances where their policies align with those held by some voters. This alignment is often the driving force behind choosing to trust them, even amidst ongoing controversies and scandals.
Led by a Controversial Figure
Under the leadership of Boris Johnson, the party faces numerous criticisms. Johnson is involved in several scandals, including a super-injunction to hide the fact that he sired a child with his nanny and then sent her and the child to New Zealand. Additionally, he has a history of lying, including being sacked for his untruths and writing an article advocating for Brexit after initially opposing it.
Despite these controversies, Johnson's leadership has led to some alignment with voter values. For instance, the party's support for Track and Trace means that there is a degree of trust in their willingness to implement measures that can protect public health and safety.
Why Not Trust the Conservatives?
The reasons for not trusting the Conservative Party are numerous and well-documented. They are often seen as corrupt, discriminatory, and unwilling to accept parliamentary oversight. They have a history of breaking international law, such as when they voted to break it in the context of the Internal Market Bill. Their actions frequently involve a lack of transparency and accountability, which erode public trust.
Moreover, the party is criticized for appointing individuals to high positions without proper experience, as seen in the case of the Health Secretary Matt Hancock giving a 30 million pound contract to a neighbor without a tender process. This decision highlights a broader issue of nepotism and cronyism within the party.
The constant U-turns in their policies, particularly in the field of education, further diminish trust. For example, the Secretary for Education threatened legal action against a local education authority for recommending homeschooling during the pandemic, only to mandate it himself a week later. These inconsistencies paint a picture of a party that is more concerned with maintaining power than with following through on commitments.
Conclusion
Trust in the Conservative Party is a complex issue. While there are valid reasons to distrust the party due to their past and present actions, there are also compelling reasons why some still vote for them. The alignment of certain policies with voter values is one such reason. However, the lack of transparency, accountability, and willingness to accept scrutiny further erode any trust that may exist.