Connect with us

Published

on

Liz Truss is set to launch a new movement within the Tories called Popular Conservatism.

At an event, she will be joined by well-known figures on the right of the party, including her former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and ex-deputy chairman Lee Anderson – with former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage also expected to be in the audience.

But what does this group stand for? And who are the other Tory groups represented on the party’s backbenches?

Popular Conservatives

Already dubbed the “PopCons” by the media, more will become clear about their stance after Ms Truss takes the stage.

But reports have already suggested that while they will seek to portray support for Rishi Sunak, they will want him to toughen up some of his policies ahead of the next election.

One area they are likely to focus on is illegal immigration. The group is expected to back the government’s Rwanda plan – though may seek the prime minister goes further through exiting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if it stands in the way of flights taking off.

Another policy area will be taxes, ensuring they are cut further before voters head to the polls – perhaps echoing Ms Truss’s own fiscal plans that led to her eventual ousting from Number 10.

There are also suggestions they could focus their ire on the Equalities Act in what they will see as an effort to protect free speech, as well as targeting the “establishment”, such as lawyers, quangos and civil servants.

European Research Group

This group of MPs is perhaps the most well-known of the so-called “five families” of right-wing groups within the Conservative Party – though the number will rise to six after Ms Truss’s launch.

The ERG became a household name during Brexit years, dominating the headlines with its own demands for exiting the EU, but has kept relatively quiet since the deal was done – except for calling key elements of the Windsor Framework “practically useless”.

The Eurosceptic group is currently chaired by Mark Francois, but saw many of its members promoted to ministerial positions after Boris Johnson came to power – including Sir Jacob, Suella Braverman and Steve Baker.

Now, the ERG is leading the fight once again over the Rwanda bill, calling for the prime minister to go further in ignoring international treaties and limiting the ability for asylum seekers to take appeals to court.

Jacob Rees-Mogg speaks at a meeting of the pro-Brexit European Research Group in London
Image:
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg used to chair the ERG before he was made a minister by Boris Johnson. Pic: Reuters

New Conservatives

The former new kids on the block, this group is made up of 25 Tory backbenchers predominantly from so-called “Red Wall” seats that the party won from Labour in recent elections.

All of the members only entered parliament after 2016 – since the Brexit referendum took place – and say they are determined to focus the party on delivering on the 2019 manifesto, where Mr Johnson won a significant majority on his promises to “get Brexit done” and “level up” the country.

One of its first events as it sought to raise its public profile was outlining its 10-point plan for immigration, causing controversy with its call to end the temporary visa scheme for care workers and cap the number of refugees who can settle in the UK.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Who are the New Conservatives?

Northern Research Group

Perhaps the precursor to the New Conservatives, this faction was also born from the 2019 election victories in the Red Wall, promising to focus on the interests of the towns and cities that make up the Tories’ “Northern Powerhouse”.

With around 55 MPs from the north of England, Scottish borders and North Wales – led by the now-former chairman of the party, Sir Jake Berry – the group has expanded its remit somewhat, speaking out against COVID lockdowns and business taxes, as well as pushing for its core goals around devolution, transport and investment.

The group also holds a conference every year, attracting senior members of government to speak and attempt to keep the powerful bloc onside.

Conservative Party chairman Jake Berry speaking at the Conservative Party annual conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Picture date: Wednesday October 5, 2022.
Image:
Sir Jake Berry served as party chairman under Liz Truss. Pic: PA

Common Sense Group

This collective of around 50 MPs and peers says it “stands for authentic conservatism”, with many of the issues it focuses on falling squarely into the culture wars category.

From slamming the National Trust for publicising Winston Churchill’s family links to slavery, to attacking Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion as “subversives fuelled by ignorance”, the group – led by veteran backbencher Sir John Hayes – calls on the government to “reflect the will of the people, rather than pandering to the peculiar preoccupations of the liberal elite and the distorted priorities of left-wing activists”.

It has published its own set of essays to highlight its concerns, with titles including, “The judicial activists threatening our democracy”, “Taking politics out of policing”, and “The case for strengthening families”.

Read more from Sky News:
PM refuses to answer questions on HS2’s future
Sunak and Johnson have overseen largest tax rises since WWII

Security minister John Hayes at the Conservative Party Conference in 2011.
Image:
Sir John Hayes leads the group that focuses on culture war issues. Pic: Reuters

Conservative Growth Group

The final of the “five families”, this group came to life after the short-lived premiership of Ms Truss, who resigned as prime minister after just 49 days following her disastrous mini-budget.

But while the party may have pushed for her undoing, her approach to tearing up the “economic orthodoxy” of the Treasury still garners the support of a number of backbenchers – especially those who enjoyed equally short-lived ministerial careers while she was in office.

There are only thought to be around 20 members in the group, including Ms Truss herself, but they are pushing for popular policies in the party, such as tax cuts and deregulation, as the best way for growing the British economy.

It is chaired by Ranil Jayawardena, who was environment secretary while Ms Truss was prime minister, and who is also expected at Tuesday’s Popular Conservatism launch.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Truss ‘tried to fatten and slaughter the pig’

One Nation caucus

In stark contrast to the previous factions outlined, this group – established back in 1975 – promotes the One Nation Conservative ideology, a more centrist approach to both the economy and social policy.

Despite dominating the party during the David Cameron years, many of the One Nation group fell out of favour during the tumultuous Brexit debate due to their support for Remain, with Mr Johnson kicking a number of them out of the party for failing to back his exit plans.

But while they may have been in the shadows in recent years, there are still over 100 members in parliament – with some former figures, such as Alex Chalk and Gillian Keegan, making it on to the frontbench – and they are starting to put their heads above the parapet again.

Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron (L) walks with Chancellor George Osborne during their visit to Marston's Brewery in Wolverhampton, central England April 1, 2015. Britain will go to the polls in a national election on May 7. REUTERS/Leon Neal/pool
Image:
Before Brexit, One Nation Tories were an influential force in the party – especially under David Cameron and George Osborne. Pic: Reuters

Recent issues being raised have included a call to focus on policies for winning back younger voters – such as rental reform and childcare.

But they are now seen as a key faction for the prime minister to keep onside to ensure the success of the Rwanda plan.

The group has offered its support to Mr Sunak so far, but with its more liberal outlook – and having voiced concerns about the prospect of leaving (or breaking) international human rights treaties – the members have also said they will pull their backing if the prime minister bends to the will of those on the right and goes too far.

Conservative Democratic Organisation

This is another group formed after Ms Truss’s exit, but with fierce loyalty to her predecessor, Mr Johnson.

The CDO was furious with how Mr Sunak had been chosen as the new leader – without a vote of the membership – calling it “undemocratic”, and promised to “take back control” of the party with its grassroots movement.

But it is not just leadership elections it wants to influence. The organisation hopes to “steer [the Tories’] political direction back to the centre-right”, with specific calls for tax cuts and attacks on the current PM for failing to provide them.

Key figures include billionaire Conservative donor Lord Cruddas, the party’s former treasurer, and key Johnson ally and former home secretary Dame Priti Patel.

It has already held a conference, with other Johnson backers like Nadine Dorries and Sir Jacob attending to give speeches.

Priti Patel
Image:
Priti Patel is one of the members spearheading the group. Pic Sky News

China Research Group

Another hot topic within Conservative ranks is the best way to approach China, and this group was set up to amplify that debate.

It was co-founded and chaired by the now security minister Tom Tugendhat – an outspoken critic of the country.

While its former chair now finds himself on the frontbench, the group is calling for tougher action on Beijing and questioning the current administration’s desire to engage with China.

Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns now leads the group.

Net Zero Scrutiny Group/Conservative Environment Network

Climate policies have been a central bone of contention for Tory MPs in recent months – especially after the party managed to cling on to Mr Johnson’s former seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip in a by-election by focusing on residents’ anger of the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The victory saw a number of the party’s green policies brought into question, with Mr Sunak pledging to only roll them out in a “proportionate and pragmatic way” and watering down a number of promises.

But the legal obligation to hit net zero by 2050 – a law brought in by the Conservatives – has long caused rows, with two groups being formed to represent both sides of the argument.

Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Chris Skidmore, addresses the Universities UK Conference at the University of Birmingham. PA Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 12, 2019. See PA story EDUCATION Universities. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Image:
Chris Skidmore (L) and Craig Mackinlay (R) chair opposing groups when it comes to net zero. Pics: PA

The Net Zero Scrutiny Group insists it is not climate sceptic, but instead says government policies have gone too far, too fast, contributing to the cost of living crisis.

The group of 50 or so MPs and peers – led by former UKIP deputy leader Craig Mackinlay – wants green levies to be scrapped, saying they are hitting the poorest the hardest, and wants the government to ramp up fossil fuel production at home.

On the other hand, there is the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), which claims to have over 130 MPs and peers backing its mission to “champion greater environmental action in parliament”.

It says Conservative voters don’t want to see a row about whether net zero is worth it or not, but a debate on the right policies to achieve it.

A smaller faction echoing the sentiments of the CEN is known as the Net Zero Support Group, which aims to “demonstrate and maintain Conservative support for net zero carbon emissions and policies needed to deliver this”.

It was led Tory MP Chris Skidmore, but he resigned from parliament earlier this year, saying his exit was “in protest at the government’s decision to prioritise and politicise new oil and gas licences above a sensible investment plan for the future”.

Continue Reading

UK

Anthony Joshua beats Jake Paul in heavyweight fight in Miami

Published

on

By

Anthony Joshua beats Jake Paul in heavyweight fight in Miami

Former British heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered a dose of reality to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul as he won their much-anticipated showdown.

Joshua scored three knockdowns before landing a huge right hit on Paul halfway through the sixth round.

The British fighter lifted Paul’s hand in a show of respect after the fight broadcast on the streaming platform Netflix.

Joshua landing the right hit that knocked out Paul. Pic: AP
Image:
Joshua landing the right hit that knocked out Paul. Pic: AP

“Jake Paul has done really well tonight. I want to give him his props, he got up, time and time again,” he said about his opponent.

Joshua said it “wasn’t the best performance”, adding: “It took a bit longer than expected. But the right hand finally found the destination.”

Joshua celebrating his win after the fight. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Joshua celebrating his win after the fight. Pic: Reuters

Meanwhile, Paul said: “I’m feeling good, that was fun. I love this sport. I gave it my all, It’s f****** crazy. I had a blast.

“I got my ass beat, but that’s what this sport is about. I’mma (going to) come back and keep on winning.”

More on Anthony Joshua

He added: “I just got tired to be honest. He did amazing and hits really hard.”

Jake Paul was knocked down three times before the final knockout in the sixth round. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Jake Paul was knocked down three times before the final knockout in the sixth round. Pic: Reuters

The fight marked the end of a 14-month hiatus for Joshua, 36, while for 28-year-old Paul it was the biggest fight since his boxing career began in 2020.

At the weigh-in on Friday, Joshua boasted an almost two-stone advantage over Paul, who has regularly fought at cruiserweight since he entered the world of boxing.

Britain’s two-time world heavyweight champion tipped the scales at 243.4lbs (17st 5lbs) for his fight against Paul in Miami, while Paul weighed in at 216lbs (15st 6lbs) – a hefty 1.9st difference.

Joshua, who could not weigh more than 245lbs, is the lightest he has been since his first fight against Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 when he was 240lbs. For his last fight against Daniel Dubois he weighed 252.5Ibs.

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua at the weigh-in. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua at the weigh-in. Pic: Reuters

It is also only the second time that Paul weighed in over cruiserweight limit – the other time was when he fought 58-year-old Mike Tyson. Paul defeated Tyson by unanimous decision with 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Continue Reading

UK

David Walliams dropped by publisher HarperCollins UK after allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Published

on

By

David Walliams dropped by publisher HarperCollins UK after allegations of inappropriate behaviour

David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher HarperCollins UK following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

A spokesperson for the company said it had decided not to release any new titles by Walliams “after careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO”.

“HarperCollins takes employee well-being extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns,” they added.

“To respect the privacy of individuals, we do not comment on internal matters.”

In a statement later on Friday, a spokesperson for the comedian and children’s author said: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.

“He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”

It follows a report from The Telegraph that Walliams was dropped after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.

The 54-year-old, who shot to fame with the BBC sketch show Little Britain, is one of the country’s best-selling children’s writers.

He has written more than 40 books, which have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide and been translated into 55 languages, according to his website.

His first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, was published by HarperCollins in 2008, and he was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to charity and the arts.

Walliams is also known for Come Fly With Me, another BBC sketch show, and was formerly part of the judging panel for ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

He left the show in 2022 after a recording of him making disparaging comments about contestants was leaked.

The remarks were understood to have been both derogatory and sexually explicit, referring to one contestant as a “c***” and saying of another: “She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t”.

Walliams later released a statement apologising for the “disrespectful comments” and saying they were private conversations that were never meant to be shared.

HarperCollins UK announced in October that it had appointed Kate Elton as its new chief executive, following the departure of former boss Charlie Redmayne.

Continue Reading

UK

Family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’ as teen appears in court charged with murder

Published

on

By

Family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe pay tribute to 'beautiful soul' as teen appears in court charged with murder

The family of a nine-year-old girl stabbed to death have said she was a “beautiful soul” who was brave, kind-hearted and “always put a smile on people’s faces”.

Police were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, just before 6.10pm on Monday, where Aria Thorpe had suffered a single stab wound.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute released by Avon and Somerset Police on Friday, the girl’s family on her mother’s side said: “For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.

“She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy.”

Tom Thorpe, the girl’s father, said: “It’s hard to put into words how devastating it is, our little Aria, that you’re up there with the angels looking over us.”

It comes as a 15-year-old boy charged with Aria’s murder appeared in court.

Pic: Avon and Somerset Police
Image:
Pic: Avon and Somerset Police

Aria was a ‘precious girl’

In their statement, Aria’s family on her mother’s side said her death “has devastated us beyond words”.

“Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible,” they added.

“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.”

They said they were “truly touched by the lovely messages we have received”, before asking “that our privacy is respected, as we try to come to terms with the terrible loss of our precious girl”.

Flowers laid in memory of the young girl
Image:
Flowers laid in memory of the young girl

‘Wacky ways and outright madness’

Mr Thorpe said: “How sad it’s going to be not hearing ‘Dad, how long left?’ on our long journeys back and forth at weekends.

He then said that Aria was “such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul”, and “always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness”.

Mr Thorpe added: “Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you.

“We’ll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.

“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”

Teenager in court

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy charged with Aria’s murder appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, where he was remanded.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested in the Somerset village of Worle at 6.19pm on Monday.

He is next due in court on 16 March 2026. Appearing via video link from youth detention accommodation, he spoke only to confirm his name.

Judge Peter Blair KC set a provisional trial date for 15 June during the hearing.

Continue Reading

Trending