In a move that has sent shockwaves through Westminster, Conservative MP Danny Kruger has launched a stunning critique of his own party's ideology, declaring that traditional conservatism is "exhausted" and requires a fundamental overhaul.
The prominent backbencher and leader of the influential New Social Covenant unit used a major speech to argue that the Conservative project has "run into the sand," necessitating a bold new direction to reconnect with the British public.
A Radical Call for Change
Kruger, a key figure on the Tory right, delivered his provocative address to the National Conservatism conference, directly challenging the party's current trajectory. He asserted that the Conservative mission has "lost its way," leaving the country facing a profound crisis of authority and social cohesion.
"Our project has run into the sand," Kruger stated unequivocally. "The conservative mission in our country – the project of the last 14 years – has failed. We have not succeeded. Our project is exhausted."
Challenging the Badenoch Doctrine
The MP's comments are seen as a direct challenge to potential future leadership contender Kemi Badenoch, who has positioned herself as the standard-bearer for a more traditional, Thatcherite conservatism. Kruger argued instead for a more communitarian approach, one that moves beyond the classic divide between state control and free-market liberalism.
He proposed a "new settlement" based on three foundational relationships: with the past, with place, and with other people – a vision that emphasises community, tradition and localism over individualistic economics.
Westminster Reacts
The speech has ignited fierce debate within Conservative circles, highlighting the deep ideological divisions that continue to plague the party. Some see Kruger's intervention as a necessary conversation about the party's future, while others view it as unhelpful introspection during a critical period for the government.
As the Tories grapple with their identity ahead of a challenging general election, Kruger's call for radical reform signals that the battle for the soul of the Conservative Party is far from over.
