The Rise of Tory Asians Amid Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in the UK - Telegraph India

Historical Context: The United Kingdom has a rich history of political evolution, marked by significant milestones such as the establishment of parliamentary democracy and the expansion of suffrage. The Conservative Party, also known as the Tories, has been a dominant force in British politics, producing iconic leaders like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. However, recent years have seen a shift in the political landscape, influenced by events like the Brexit referendum and changing demographics.

Article: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may not be remembered as one of the UK’s greatest leaders, but he has secured his place in history as the first Asian to hold the office, even if his tenure lasted only 20 months. The UK’s political system is unforgiving; a losing prime minister must vacate 10 Downing Street immediately after election results are announced. It is highly likely that Labour Party leader Keir Starmer will soon take over as the new prime minister.

Sunak’s brief tenure was marred by challenges, and his final appeal to voters was not to re-elect him but to prevent the Labour Party from achieving a ‘super-majority.’ Some pollsters predict that Labour could secure the largest majority since 1832, potentially relegating the Conservatives to third place behind the Liberal Democrats. This would be a significant fall for a party that has dominated British politics for much of the last century.

The last Liberal Prime Minister was David Lloyd George, who led the country through World War I until 1922. Now, there is a slim chance that the Liberal Democrats, under Ed Davey, could surpass the Conservatives. Despite engaging in publicity stunts, Davey insists that this election is a critical opportunity to end years of Conservative rule.

One notable change brought about by the Conservatives is the promotion of Asians within the party. Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who initiated the Brexit referendum, also played a role in elevating Asian politicians. Boris Johnson continued this trend. In recent years, Asians have become prominent in British politics. Sajid Javid, a British Pakistani, became the first Asian Home Secretary in 2018, followed by Priti Patel and Suella Braverman, both known for their hardline stances on immigration.

If Sunak is ousted as party leader, Braverman and British Nigerian politician Kemi Badenoch are likely contenders for the leadership. The Labour Party, traditionally supported by Asian voters, has fewer Asians in top positions. Lisa Nandy briefly served as shadow foreign secretary before moving to a lesser role.

Despite the rise of Asian politicians, anti-immigrant sentiment remains strong. The Brexit vote was largely driven by concerns over immigration from Eastern Europe. This sentiment has been particularly evident in Labour’s former strongholds in the North Midlands and Northern England, which turned to the Conservatives in the 2019 elections due to Brexit. Starmer aims to win back these regions.

Britain Tilts Left, Europe to the Right: If the Labour Party comes to power, the UK could find itself moving in a different direction from the rest of Europe. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally secured 33% of the vote in parliamentary elections. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Hungary’s Viktor Orban, and the Netherlands’ Geert Wilders represent the rising far-right in Europe. In Germany, the hard-right AfD gained significant support in the European elections. Notably, younger voters are increasingly supporting extreme right-wing parties. How Starmer will navigate these complex dynamics remains to be seen.

Summary:

• Rishi Sunak is the UK’s first Asian Prime Minister, though his tenure was brief.
• Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is likely to become the new prime minister.
• The Conservative Party may fall to third place behind the Liberal Democrats.
• The rise of Asian politicians in the Conservative Party is notable.
• Anti-immigrant sentiment remains strong in the UK.
• The Labour Party aims to regain support in former strongholds.
• Europe is experiencing a rise in far-right political movements.
• The UK’s political direction may diverge from the rest of Europe if Labour wins.