Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nigel Farage, and Sir Charles Walker discuss the emergence of the PopCon movement, the importance of hard work, and speculate on Nigel Farage's alignment with the Conservative party. They also touch on the significance of the King's cancer diagnosis for Australia.
Critics question Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg's ability to lead a new popular conservatism due to their controversial reputations and track records.
PopCon represents a larger ideological shift within the Conservative Party, aiming to return to a more nationalistic and traditionalist form of conservatism.
Deep dives
The Distraction of PopCon
PopCon, an event organized by the Conservative Party to promote new ideas and make conservatism popular again, has been labeled as a distraction by critics. Key figures such as Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg are leading this movement, but their track records and controversial reputations have raised doubts about their ability to spearhead a new popular conservatism. Additionally, the event's focus on anti-green, anti-netzero, anti-woke, and anti-elite rhetoric has divided opinion within the Conservative Party itself. While some party members resonate with these ideas, others question Truss's credibility as a leader in light of her previous failures as Prime Minister.
The Renewal of Conservatism
PopCon represents a larger ideological shift within the right wing of the Conservative Party. This movement believes that conservative principles have been hindered by various domestic and international institutions dominated by left-leaning or woke-thinking individuals. They perceive these institutions, including the courts, schools, academics, and even international organizations like the World Health Organization, as hindrances to conservative progress. This belief stems from a desire to return to a more nationalistic and traditionalist form of conservatism, hoping to reverse the perceived compromise and erosion of core conservative values over the years.
The International Influence
The ideas and messaging behind PopCon are not isolated to the UK. They are part of a larger international movement, particularly influenced by US politics and conservatism. Figures like Nigel Farage, who attended PopCon, play a role in shaping this movement. It is important to understand that this ideology stems from an Anglo-American perspective, discussing dismantling international institutions and reshaping domestic bodies to align with a more conservative ideology. However, critics argue that this movement lacks a groundswell of support and remains primarily confined to conservative parliamentary elites.
Criticism and Challenges
Critics of the PopCon movement highlight the need for conservatives to engage with a wider audience and not just preach to the converted. They argue that the rhetoric employed by figures like Trust and Rees-Mogg targets media institutions and does not effectively communicate to those who do not already align with conservative values. Additionally, the movement's focus on ideology and pronouncements rather than practical solutions to pressing national issues has raised concerns. Overall, there is skepticism about the ability of PopCon to gain significant support or bring about substantial change.
Liz Truss and her mates have been selling their version of popular conservatism in central London this morning.
They were delighted to see Lewis at their launch who spoke to Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage about both their vision and their seeming hypocrisy.
We ask Sir Charles Walker, of the same party, if he recognizes this brand of conservatism or if they are in fact “useful idiots“ for the right-wing fringe Reform UK party .
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
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