Ex-Tory Chairman Criticizes Rishi Sunak's Election Decision

In a scathing critique, former Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry has condemned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to call an early General Election, labeling it "absolute idiocy." Speaking on Times Radio, Berry expressed disbelief over the timing of the election announcement in July, suggesting it would be remembered as one of the most significant political misjudgments in history. He argued that the Conservative Party was making headway in reducing migration and that the economy was showing signs of growth, making the early election call particularly perplexing. Berry, who lost his parliamentary seat to Labour's Andy MacNae last month, emphasized that Sunak's decision contradicted the positive developments within the party. He remarked, "Everyone tells me what a clever man he is, but I think he must have taken leave of his senses that day." His comments reflect a growing frustration among party members regarding the leadership's strategic choices. Following the election defeat, Sunak announced his intention to step down once a successor is appointed, prompting six contenders, including James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch, to declare their candidacies. Badenoch, in particular, has been vocal about her discontent, reportedly expressing her anger at Sunak's lack of communication with his cabinet prior to the election announcement. She criticized the leadership for not grasping the severity of the party's loss, highlighting a rift within the Conservative ranks. As the party navigates this tumultuous period, the implications of Sunak's early election call continue to resonate, raising questions about the future direction of the Conservative Party.