WHEN Jeremy Corbyn became leader of the Labour Party in 2015 there was dismay that the centre-Left had W become politically homeless. It's now almost certain this trauma is about to be inflicted on the centre-Right. Defeat in next year's general election will set loose populist factions waiting in the corners of a Conservative Party that is already falling into disarray.
What characterises these factions some vanity projects, some personality cults, others tributaries of thought from an increasingly radicalised membership - is delusion. Like any party at the end of a natural cycle, the Tories are exhausted and prone to incrimination.
Worst of all they have no discipline, a sure sign of collective breakdown. And just as Labour veered from electability under a Corbynista wedge emboldened by entryism and fantasy, the Tories are walking inexorably into their own wilderness. The response of Right-wing commentators to yet more disastrous by-election defeats was to say: "Be more Right wing." This is the essence of Torbynism.
This story is from the November 03, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 03, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
