The Conservative Party is facing an existential crisis as membership numbers have plummeted to alarming new lows, according to internal figures obtained by the Daily Mail. The dramatic exodus of party faithful comes at the worst possible moment for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who prepares to face what could be his most challenging party conference season to date.
Senior Tory insiders have revealed that the party's grassroots base has shrunk to barely 150,000 paid-up members - a staggering decline that represents the smallest membership roll since detailed records began. This represents a catastrophic collapse from the 600,000 members who supported the party during David Cameron's leadership.
The Great Tory Exodus
Party veterans describe the situation as "dire" with one former cabinet minister warning: "The Conservative family is shrinking before our eyes. We're becoming a narrow sect rather than a broad church." The decline has been particularly sharp since Boris Johnson's departure from Number 10, with many members feeling disillusioned by the subsequent leadership chaos and policy U-turns.
The financial implications are equally concerning. With membership fees starting at £25 annually, the collapsing numbers represent a significant funding crisis for party headquarters. This comes at a time when the Conservatives are already trailing Labour in donation figures, creating a perfect storm for party finances.
Conference Concerns Mount
The timing couldn't be worse for Sunak, who faces his first proper party conference as leader amidst growing internal discontent. Key figures within the party are openly questioning whether the current leadership can reverse the fortunes of what one described as "the sinking Tory ship."
Former party treasurer Lord Cruddas didn't mince words when he stated: "The party is run by a small clique and doesn't listen to members. They've driven them away." This sentiment echoes throughout constituency associations across the country, where local activists report unprecedented apathy and disengagement.
A Party Losing Its Base
The membership collapse reflects broader challenges facing the Conservatives. From the cost of living crisis to small boat crossings and NHS waiting lists, the government appears to be losing touch with its traditional support base. As one senior Tory MP privately admitted: "When your own members are leaving in droves, you know you're in serious trouble."
The decline isn't just about numbers - it's about energy and activism. With a general election looming, the Conservative Party faces the prospect of fighting crucial marginal seats with a demoralised and depleted ground campaign. The very machinery that delivered their 2019 landslide victory appears to be crumbling.
As Conservative MPs prepare to gather for their annual conference, the question hanging over Manchester will be whether Sunak can stem the bleeding and reunite a party that seems to be falling apart at the seams.
