'Delivering!': The continuing ‘Comms Problem’ for the Conservatives or repeated examples of something far, far worse
A couple of weeks ago, there was a portrait in The Sunday Times of Rishi Sunak.
It discussed some of the things that Sunak and the government intended to do between now and the general election - plans included ‘tax giveaways’, providing an “economic gear shift”, “sticking with the plan”, and all the usual electioneering that has obviously up to now been a complete success for Sunak.
That is, depending on how you view the results of the most recent by-election results in Wellingborough and Kingswood.
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Having lived there previously and remaining quite close within the local proximity, a by-election in Wellingborough was always going to be of particular and somewhat personal interest. The count for the vote itself took place in the Kettering Leisure Village, actually. Kettering itself serves as the administrative centre for all things glorious and North Northants for those wondering why it didn't happen in Wellingborough itself. It's a product of a merger of different local authorities following the Tory-run Northamptonshire County Council’s infamous descent into bankruptcy.
Another key aspect of the article discussed how Sunak, as part of his ongoing struggle to cut through with voters, indicated that he would be out on the road, three days a week, “Monday, Thursday and Friday…doing town halls,” in an attempt to “directly connect with voters.”
Sunak says that he is feeling “very energised by it.”
Now -
If you're a Labour adviser, you will look at reports like these - complete with quotes, and patented, Disney levels of Rishi Sunak optimism with a rictus grin, and you’ll be absolutely delighted with the news.
If you're a Conservative adviser, however, you should be extremely anxious by Sunak's plan. In fact, if you had any sense, you’d probably resign sensing the incoming wave of media criticism that usually follows any characteristic barrage of Sunakisms.
As noted previously, the general comms strategy coming out of No. 10 is appalling.
Some of the other reasons why this might be ‘a challenge’ for Sunak are more profound.