Handwritten note reveals how senior Tories really felt about their 'fun' time in power

A handwritten note from Tory CEO Stephen Massey, dated July 27, 2024, reveals a stark contrast between the party's leadership and its grassroots members following a significant electoral defeat. While many Conservative activists and MPs were disheartened by the party's worst-ever election result, Massey expressed a sense of achievement and enjoyment in their time in power. He congratulated former party chairman Richard Holden on his narrow victory in Basildon, suggesting it would serve as a strong foundation for his political future. Holden's victory was one of the few bright spots during a night filled with disappointment, as he barely secured the seat by just 20 votes. His last-minute selection for the constituency had caused unrest among party members, with some expressing their discontent publicly. The Labour Party even mocked him with the nickname “chicken-run Ric.” As the Conservative Party began to assess the implications of their electoral loss, Massey noted his upcoming vacation to France, highlighting a disconnect between the leadership's perspective and the sentiments of the party's base. His appointment in 2022 aimed to revitalize party finances ahead of the general election, but donations had drastically declined, plummeting by 90% since Boris Johnson's resignation. Following the election defeat, Richard Fuller was appointed as the new party chairman, taking over from Holden, who resigned the day after the disappointing results. This leadership change reflects the ongoing challenges the Conservative Party faces in rebuilding its image and support among voters.