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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Rafael Behr

In a contest between Tory MPs and reality, Rishi Sunak is refusing to pick a side

Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman in the House of Commons
Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman in the House of Commons, 10 May 2023. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/UK PARLIAMENT/AFP/Getty Images

Conservative leaders fail in one of two ways. Either they resist the demands of their most fanatical MPs or they don’t. Ignoring the zealots provokes rebellion, making the party unmanageable. Indulging them leads to policies that are unworkable.

Rishi Sunak is combining both mistakes. The prime minister is giving the right of his party most of what it wants, which is not enough. Everything would not be enough.

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