Tories Must Unite to Fight Labour in the Next Elections, Voters Say

An exclusive poll conducted for HOAR on Sunday reveals that warring Conservatives must come together and prioritize tax cuts if they want to have a shot at winning the general election next year. The poll also shows that a majority of respondents believe that immigration is currently too high and should be reduced to the tens of thousands.

Tory Party Divisions

The poll findings indicate that 51% of people think the Conservative Party is more divided than united. This comes after a challenging period for Chancellor Rishi Sunak, whose party has been embroiled in internal conflicts over his Rwanda plan. Tory MPs argue that the party must stop infighting and instead focus their efforts on countering Labour.

Key Voter Concerns

According to the poll, 52% of respondents consider increasing funds for the NHS as their top issue. This puts Labour ahead on major concerns, including the economy and immigration, traditionally seen as the party's weak points. However, the poll also suggests that there is no significant support for Sir Keir Starmer, with 53% of respondents wishing there was someone else to vote for.

Demands for Tax Cuts

The poll reveals a significant demand for tax cuts, with 47% of those surveyed supporting a reduction in levies. Only 10% want taxes to be raised, while 27% believe they should remain the same. Income Tax is the tax most respondents would like to see cut (48%), followed by National Insurance (36%), council tax (31%), and VAT (30%). Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the Prime Minister are banking on tax cuts in the March Budget, with Stamp Duty and Inheritance Tax being the most likely targets.

Immigration Concerns

The poll highlights widespread alarm over immigration, with 44% of respondents believing that it is currently too high. In 2021, 1.2 million people arrived in the UK, a record high, resulting in a net migration figure of 745,000. Furthermore, 57% of those polled said that 1.2 million incomers remaining in the country for a year or longer is too high. Two-thirds (66%) believe that immigration should be reduced to 100,000 or less.

PM's Priorities

The poll suggests that the Prime Minister's five priorities—halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, stopping illegal immigration, and cutting NHS waiting lists—are popular with the public. Respondents ranked raising NHS funding as the top priority and cutting inflation as the second most important issue. However, the poll indicates that Mr. Sunak lags behind Sir Keir Starmer in terms of who would make the best Prime Minister, with 24% supporting Mr. Sunak and 35% backing the Labour leader.

Call for Unity

Former minister Jackie Doyle-Price warns that voters are "sick of drama" and will punish the Conservatives at the ballot box unless the party unites. Tory MPs echo this sentiment, emphasizing the need to stop internal fighting and present a compelling vision for the country in 2024. Party chairman Richard Holden acknowledges that a divided party is its biggest weakness, emphasizing the importance of being outward-looking.

Tax Cuts and Economic Growth

Jacob Rees-Mogg urges the Prime Minister to announce tax cuts in the New Year to regain public support. He argues that cutting spending and reducing the role of the State will stimulate economic growth. Tory MP John Redwood also emphasizes the importance of tax cuts in boosting the economy, creating jobs, and alleviating financial pressure.

Conclusion

According to Philip van Scheltinga, director of research at Redfield & Wilton Strategies, the Conservatives have lost their reputation for lower taxes during this parliament. He warns that if the party does not act quickly to cut taxes in the spring, it may be too little, too late to win back voters. The poll emphasizes the need for unity within political parties, as divided parties often struggle to win elections due to a lack of clarity on their policies and objectives.