The e-petition ‘Call an immediate general election to end the chaos of the current government’ was published on July 28, 2022 and received over 895,000 signatures. Although debated in parliament, the government responded with ‘the UK is a Parliamentary democracy and the Conservative Party remains the majority party’. However, the question remains: is democracy still intact with the Conservatives in power?

 

It has been 12 years with the Conservative party in power and the Bank of England recently announced that ‘the UK is facing its longest recession since records began, with the economic downturn expected to extend well into 2024’ (CNBC). A record 5 prime ministers in 12 years, compared to the previous 5 in 31 years, leaves the citizens of the UK in question of what else detrimental can happen before the next election? Let’s analyse the 12 years under the Conservatives.

 

Firstly, the Cameron-Clegg coalition government. Three major low points included the shambles of the 2012 Budget, the NHS confusion with reorganisation and constitutional reforms. Some unresolved issues included welfare reform and Scottish independence. Although the tories won the 2015 election, Cameron decided to resign as he could not deliver Brexit, leading to the victory of Theresa May in the leadership election. The Brexit referendum started a domino effect of major issues in the UK, beginning with the conflict between major social groups (such as old/young, wealthy/poor).

 

May’s premiership consisted of extreme confusion both within the Conservatives and the rest of the UK. Although May called a snap election in order to increase party numbers, this backfired and she had to lead a minority government. The troubles of Article 50, no-deal Brexit and dissolution of parliament were some of what went wrong in May’s time as leader. Eventually, in 2019 she decides to resign as she cannot push Brexit through as she said she would.

 

Now here comes Boris Johnson! Arguably the most dictatorlike premiership of the lot, Boris caused a huge spiral of the stability of the UK. Although he managed to finally push Brexit through after many failed deadlines, the aftermath and turmoil of his leadership, to this day, leaves the UK in a crisis. His first controversy was the prorogation of parliament, which ultimately was ruled unlawful. Eventually he won the election and his second term began with the troubles of Covid-19. Many critiqued him for not enforcing lockdown quicker, which would have saved so many lives. However, he handled the vaccine rollout extremely well as well as the furlough scheme. The rest of 2020 consisted of major foreign affairs such as China and Iraq, again he was criticised for his handling of these.

 

2021 began with Covid-19 and a third lockdown. It has been reported that Johnson said "No more fucking lockdowns – let the bodies pile high in their thousands", again showing he was never fit for leadership. The aftermath of Brexit and Covid began with the energy crisis of September. Furthermore, his cabinet members Dominic Cummings, Matt Hancock and Owen Patterson (and more!) all were a part of their own controversies under his leadership. Again, the rest of the year consisted of failed domestic policies and foreign affairs. 

 

In 2022, the cost of living crisis, inflation and tax rises hit, leaving the public with extra stress and fear and Johnson did nothing to help! A massive issue is the Rwanda asylum policy, causing major conflict again within social groups. Partygate, Sue Gray’s report, vote of no confidence all come next; piling up the list of controversies. The scandals of Imran Ahmed Khan, Neil Parish and Chris Pincher were all MPs who were involved in their own scandals. Ultimately, Johnson resigned, leaving the UK in turmoil and without a prime minister for months. 

 

Three PMs in 2022 has been achieved with the shortest term PM Liz Truss, collapsing the pound - her resignation literally sparked the pound up. I guess they weren’t compatible...

 

Now we are left with Rishi Sunak, the richest member of parliament right now, who has more wealth than the monarch! His controversial cabinet includes Suella Braverman and the recent disaster of the terrorist attack in Dover.

 

After these past 12 years, should we really have to wait until 2025 for a fresh start not under the Conservatives? Strikes have been taking over the country and I would definitely recommend going to local protests to show your support. We all need to stick together when democracy is in crisis.