Skip to content

Analysis: Tories bring different contest to rural show

BBC Cattle on show on the field at the Pembrokeshire County ShowBBC
Tory big beasts also got the once over in Haverfordwest

The Pembrokeshire County Show is used to a talent parade where the prize specimen stands out from the field.

But never mind the cattle, sheep or horses.

The Conservative Party brought a different kind of contest to their stall on Wednesday.

Who should take over as leader to replace Rishi Sunak and what should they focus on?

It’s been a tough time for the Tories after a Welsh wipeout at the general election.

Grassroots members and elected politicians had plenty of priorities for the eventual winner to pick from.

Among them a desire to stop in-fighting and start listening more to voters.

Also a wish to focus on an appreciation of the Welsh language, holding the Labour Welsh government to account, Wales’ share of HS2 high speed rail funding and fighting from the centre ground.

A completely unscientific random sample suggested Kemi Badenoch was the local favourite.

Two blue boards resting on chairs with names and pictures of the six Conservative leadership candidates
Kemi Badenoch came out top in our random survey of Tory hopefuls

But leadership can be a tough gig. Look at what has been happening at the Senedd.

Group leader Andrew RT Davies is dealing with some unhappy Senedd members (MSs).

It is fair to say, though, that other MSs are playing down the levels of disquiet.

One of the local Conservative MSs - Sam Kurtz- is also the group chair.

He would be the one to call an emergency group meeting, or is the man to approach if someone else wanted one.

He says he’s not offering a running commentary, but that he would have conversations if anyone came forward.

No one has at time of writing, although that does not mean the unhappiness has disappeared.

On a very technical note Mr Kurtz has written to all six UK candidates asking for whoever is Conservative group leader in the Senedd to be made leader of the entire party in Wales and not just the group.

It would address what he calls an anomaly.

Reuters Rishi Sunak getting soaked in the rain at a pedestal in Downing Street as he announced a general election would take place on 4 JulyReuters
Outgoing Tory leader Rishi Sunak lacked an umbrella in May when he called the general election

And, on Welsh leadership, throw in another factor.

If those who want change choose to do nothing about it, might someone else eventually beat them to the punch?

Where are all those Conservative MPs who lost their seats at the general election going to go?

Could the Senedd election in 2026 - with an increase in seats up for grabs - be a route back into politics?

There were some high profile casualties.

If the Senedd is an attractive option, would any of them have designs on leadership?

So two Tory contests to keep an eye on.

One thing is for sure - the UK contest won’t be quick.

Haverfordwest was basking in sunshine on Wednesday.

By the time the winner is announced in November it might be umbrella time.

Or in a nod to their predecessor, perhaps not.