The Labour Party led by Keir Starmer secured a resounding victory in the United Kingdom’s parliamentary election, capturing a commanding majority in the 650-member House of Commons. The Labour Party secured over 410 seats, leaving the Conservative Party of outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak struggling to even reach the 115-seat mark. As blame game accusations swirl within the Conservative ranks, political analysts point to internal factionalism as the primary driver behind the party’s devastating loss. The role of the so-called “Five Families” has come under intense scrutiny.
The term “Five Families” in UK politics refers to a group of influential Conservative Party factions that actively opposed Prime Minister Sunak and are seen as partly responsible for the party’s struggles. Drawing a parallel to the infamous “Five Families” of New York alleged to control the American mafia, these groups of MPs emerged prominently last year when they vehemently opposed Sunak’s plan to address illegal immigration by relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda. These factions include:
*
European Research Group (ERG):
This long-standing group is known for its hardline stance on Brexit.*
New Conservatives:
A more recent faction comprised of MPs elected after 2016, focused on right-wing policies.*
Common Sense Group:
Founded by John Hayes, this group addresses issues of cultural conservatism.*
Northern Research Group (NRG):
This group represents MPs from northern constituencies, emphasizing regional concerns.*
Conservative Growth Group:
A faction advocating for pro-economic growth policies, closely associated with supporters of former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.These “Five Families” collectively comprised approximately 100 MPs, and they are blamed for the intense infighting that plagued the Conservative Party. Analysts contend that these internal divisions were instrumental in determining Sunak’s fate long before he called the snap election.
How they impacted the election
In the 2024 election, the Conservative Party faced a severe drubbing, losing around 250 seats compared to its 2019 victory, though it narrowly avoided extinction as some political observers had predicted. The Labour Party capitalized on the Conservative turmoil, gaining over 210 seats and forming a majority government.
The influence of the “Five Families” within the Conservative Party cannot be overstated. They had the power to bring down Sunak’s government last year over the immigration policy. However, they ultimately decided against doing so. Each faction represented a significant ideological group with distinct agendas that often clashed with Sunak’s leadership and the party’s broader policies. Their actions undermined policy initiatives, and the public witnessed the resulting discord.
The most publicized example of this conflict was the opposition to Sunak’s Rwanda plan, aimed at addressing illegal immigration. The ERG and other factions vehemently criticized the plan, arguing that it did not align with their hardline positions on Brexit and immigration. This public dissent highlighted the lack of unified support within the party, weakening Sunak’s position both internally and in the public eye.
They deepened fragmentation in the party
The constant infighting among the factions fostered an environment of discord and mistrust. For instance, the New Conservatives and the Common Sense Group frequently pursued agendas that clashed with the more moderate factions within the party. This fragmentation made it challenging for Sunak to present a cohesive policy platform, leading to voter disillusionment and the perception of a party in disarray.
They blocked legislative efforts
Factions such as the Northern Research Group and the Conservative Growth Group often obstructed key legislative efforts, arguing that the proposed measures did not go far enough in addressing regional inequalities or fostering economic growth. This obstructionism not only stalled the progress of important legislation but also portrayed the Conservative Party as ineffective and divided, further eroding public trust.
This electoral disaster has left the Conservative Party in a state of introspection and crisis. Several leaders have already called for reforming the party, emphasizing the urgent need for unity. The party grapples with its worst electoral performance in decades, and the jury is still out on the extent of the damage caused by the “Five Families.” Their deepening of internal divisions and opposition to key policies undermined party cohesion, ultimately contributing to the historic electoral defeat.
