The modern Conservatives still aspire to be the party of Margaret Thatcher. Speeches and manifestos are peppered with references to the virtues of low taxes, deregulation and the spirit of free enterprise and individual liberty. But it increasingly resembles an ageing Anglican congregation. While some true believers remain, most are drawn to the services more by habit than conviction and are happy enough to mumble along to the hymns on a Sunday morning without ever listening to the message.
Rishi Sunak, their trendy new vicar, certainly gives a good sermon. “My goal,” the Chancellor announced at his last Budget, “is to reduce taxes.” He trotted out all the old 1980s favourites: “I want this to be a society that rewards energy, ingenuity and inventiveness. A society that rewards work.” Gesturing to his colleagues, he declared that “this is what we believe on this side of the House.”
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