The Intelligence from The Economist So the Tory goes: Britain’s Conservatives meet
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Oct 5, 2023 
In this discussion, Tamara Jilks-Bohr, a U.S. policy correspondent for The Economist, dives into the UK's Conservative Party's struggles and the implications of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's new policies. She highlights the party's identity crisis amid low polling numbers and internal divisions. Switching gears, the talk shifts to groundbreaking treatments for alcohol use disorder, exploring how weight-loss drugs may offer new hope. Additionally, intriguing data reveals global sleep patterns, emphasizing cultural influences that affect rest.
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Tories' Poll Troubles
- The Conservative Party's poll ratings have dropped significantly, especially after Liz Truss's brief time as Prime Minister.
- Their economic competence, historically an advantage over Labour, has been damaged.
Conference Atmosphere
- Georgia Banjo describes the atmosphere at the Conservative Party conference as a strange mix of jovial and despondent.
- There were long queues to see Rishi Sunak but also a sense of division within the party.
Sunak's Strategy
- Despite being in power for 13 years, Rishi Sunak is presenting himself and the Conservatives as the change candidates.
- He announced policy shifts like scrapping a high-speed rail line and progressively banning cigarettes.