Former justice minister David Gauke has criticized the current Conservative party leadership contest, stating that candidates are “too frightened of the party membership” which is preventing them from addressing the root cause of the party’s massive defeat in the general election. He emphasized the need for soul-searching and a focus on leadership rather than unity. Gauke highlighted the need for a platform and leadership qualities to improve the party’s standing in the opinion polls and become an alternative government.
Gauke also suggested that the Conservative leadership candidates should learn from Keir Starmer’s strategy of switching from a continuity candidate to a change leader to modernize the party and achieve success. He warned that candidates in the current contest appear to be too tentative to make bold moves, fearing backlash from party members.
The Scottish economy showed growth with increasing payrolled employees and higher median monthly pay, but challenges remain due to harsh trading conditions and global cost-of-living crisis. Meanwhile, Ofgem approved a £3.4bn electricity infrastructure project between Scotland and England to transport renewable energy. Despite slow political activity during summer recess, MPs remain active on social media, discussing issues like the number of people crossing the Channel and calling for arrests over incidents involving police officers at Manchester airport.
The press article highlights the need for Conservative leadership candidates to focus on addressing the party’s defeat in the general election, the economic developments in Scotland, and ongoing social media discussions among MPs.
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