How long before the Government gets the blame for shortages and the cost of living crunch? Will the reach for the Red Wall seats leave the South disillusioned? And how, exactly, do traditional Tory values fit with this new “radical and optimistic Conservatism”? The meaning of Toryism is being refashioned in Johnson’s own image and Britain’s political centre ground redefined.īut look closer and a creeping sense of unease can be found in the party, from the Cabinet down, about the months ahead and the durability of the Johnson magic. More than two years into office and despite the tremors of Covid and fuel crises, the Prime Minister still has the Tory faithful smiling and clapping along at the show. Navigating the crowds as the laughter rang out, he was heard muttering to himself: “Where are we going?” The scene somehow captured the mood of this year’s party gathering in Manchester, four days of handshakes and speeches – both the triumph and the uncertainty. Downing Street aides, nerves evident behind smiles, tried to keep across the commotion.Īs for the man at the centre, one camera captured some telling audio. Delegates chuckled and reached for their iPhones or did double-takes. As he sped away across the Tory Blue carpet, photographers scrambled to take their shots in time, hollering at him to come back. He had dropped by to promote his target of making the UK “net zero” in carbon emissions by 2050, press pack in tow, but had spotted the chance for some mischief. Amid a forest of exhibition stands in the Conservative Party conference hall, the Prime Minister mounted a bicycle and started pedalling.