Tory beauty parade is really all about Nigel Farage

This weekend, Keir Starmer will attend a Labour party conference in Liverpool, where he aims to strategize on maintaining Labour's dominance over the Conservatives, who currently hold a significant Commons majority. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party is facing a critical moment as they prepare for their own conference in Birmingham, which begins on Friday. The presence of Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party is causing considerable anxiety among Tory members, as they anticipate a turnout of up to 4,000 supporters, potentially rivaling their own attendance. The Conservatives are particularly concerned that Reform UK may be perceived as the official opposition, especially given the current political landscape. Senior members of the Tory party believe that Labour leader Keir Starmer, who was elected with a notably low vote share, is vulnerable to defeat. However, they recognize that achieving this requires a united front on the right. The four candidates vying for the Conservative leadership are under pressure to consolidate support and present a cohesive strategy to counter the rising influence of Reform UK. The outcome of the upcoming conferences could significantly impact the political dynamics in the UK, particularly in how the right-wing factions position themselves against Labour. As the Tories gather to discuss their leadership options, the looming presence of Farage and his supporters serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining their relevance and unity in the face of a resurgent opposition.