Rishi Sunak and his team have spent months strategizing to overturn Labour’s significant poll lead and give the Tories a chance at re-election. This speech is the culmination of their efforts.
After a year of focusing on stabilizing the markets and addressing economic, NHS, and immigration issues, Sunak has decided to change gears and make bold policy moves. His recent decision to postpone key net-zero measures, like the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, while implementing a pro-driver plan, will be followed by another “long-term” decision: abandoning the second phase of HS2 due to escalating costs.
The Prime Minister will justify this decision, just as he did with the net-zero move, by claiming honesty about unrealistic and costly policies. To minimize backlash, the promise of HS2 trains continuing to Manchester on existing lines, even at slower speeds without changing trains, will be made. Additionally, the line is expected to extend to London Euston, rather than just Old Oak Common on the outskirts of the capital.
The confirmation of this decision is expected to intensify conflicts with some HS2 supporters within the Conservative Party, particularly George Osborne, the former chancellor who championed the project.
Tory strategists believe that by making eye-catching policy decisions aligned with Sunak’s beliefs, focused on long-termism and honesty, voters will perceive him as a determined agent of change.
However, the speech is not anticipated to unveil major tax cuts, despite calls from numerous Tories for such a move. With the target of halving inflation this year still unmet and rising debt interest payments leaving little fiscal headroom for the Treasury, now is deemed not the opportune time.
Furthermore, Sunak will share details about his upbringing, including his grandparents’ immigration to Britain and what his rise to No 10 signifies for the success of multiculturalism.
This will be the second time this issue is addressed, following Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s recent controversial statement that multiculturalism has “failed” during a speech on immigration.
At the core of this approach is the belief that in order to secure victory in the next election and extend the Conservative Party’s 13-year rule by another five years, Sunak must embody change.
Therefore, the Prime Minister will use his speech to paint Labour leader Sir Keir, whose career was primarily in law before becoming an MP, as the true candidate of the status quo.
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