The backlash against Simon Clarke last week galvanised Rishi Sunak’s leadership. At least sort of. Publicly.
Heavy caveats are necessary, of course; behind the scenes, Conservatives have little faith in Sunak and the only reason they don’t appear to be launching a full-scale kamikaze assault on his leadership is because more feel it would be ridiculous to change leader at this stage of proceedings than those drinking their last sake in key marginals while screaming ‘Banzai!’
It has little to do with their overall faith in his ability.
Actually -
Most Conservatives think that Sunak is still hopeless as a leader and the only person in the world who feels otherwise is Rishi Sunak - and possibly his wife.
Possibly.
The latter, as part of yet another reset operation [Sunak's third of 2024, for those trying to keep score] is said to be on the campaign trail with Sunak and is being used as a “shield” by CCHQ to “humanise” Sunak’s image as we proceed deeper into election year 2024.