In a dramatic escalation of Tory infighting, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a scathing broadside against his own party's handling of immigration, exposing the Conservative government's spectacular failure to control Britain's borders.
The political bombshell, delivered with Johnson's characteristic rhetorical flair, highlights the deepening chasm within Conservative ranks as the party grapples with its legacy on one of the most critical issues facing modern Britain.
The Immigration Catastrophe
Johnson's intervention couldn't come at a more damaging time for Rishi Sunak's administration. The former PM pointed to staggering immigration figures that have soared to unprecedented levels under Conservative leadership - a brutal irony for a party that built its reputation on promises of border control.
Current statistics reveal net migration has reached historic highs, completely undermining repeated Tory pledges to reduce numbers. This policy failure represents one of the most significant betrayals of Conservative manifesto commitments in recent political history.
Brexit Betrayal Narrative
The timing of Johnson's attack carries particular weight given his role as the figurehead of the Brexit campaign. Many Leave voters supported Brexit specifically for its immigration control promises, making the current situation particularly galling for the Tory base.
Johnson's criticism implicitly suggests that the Brexit vision he championed has been undermined by his successors' incompetence, adding fuel to the growing narrative of betrayal among traditional Conservative voters.
Leadership Civil War
This public spat reveals the open warfare now raging within Conservative leadership circles. Johnson's decision to break convention and openly criticise his successor signals the complete breakdown of party discipline and highlights the profound ideological divisions tearing the Tories apart.
The very public nature of this conflict suggests that senior Tories are now more focused on internal battles than governing the country, raising serious questions about the government's stability and effectiveness.
Political Consequences
This spectacular display of Conservative dysfunction couldn't come at a worse time for the party. With a general election looming, voters are being treated to the unedifying spectacle of Tory grandees publicly airing their dirty laundry while the country faces multiple crises.
The immigration policy failure, combined with very public internal warfare, creates a perfect storm that could devastate Conservative electoral prospects. It reinforces growing public perception that the party has lost control of both its policies and its personnel.
As the Conservative civil war escalates, the real casualties appear to be both effective governance and public trust in Britain's political institutions.
