Sunak's D-Day blunder has opened the door for Nigel Farage with disenchanted Tories - Bella Wallersteiner
Sunak slammed after 'ducking' D-Day event as backlash against PM grows
PA
Has Rishi Sunak lost what remains of his political judgement? This question echoes across the political spectrum. As the Conservative Party languishes in the polls, the Prime Minister’s decision to leave the D-Day ceremony early will be remembered as one of the most catastrophic campaign missteps in modern history.
In a political misstep that may define his campaign, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologised for cutting short his attendance at the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations in France to record an ITV interview. Critics branded the decision as both "crass" and "a dereliction of duty," sparking a firestorm of controversy and highlighting the PM's misplaced priorities during a critical period in his re-election bid.
Sunak's departure from the poignant ceremonies to film an interview, which isn’t even scheduled for broadcast until next week, left many questioning his commitment to honoring the legacy of D-Day veterans. Opposition parties were quick to pounce, labeling his actions disrespectful and politically tone-deaf. "It is an insult to those who fought and died for our freedoms," said a Labour Party spokesperson. "A leader should be present, especially on such significant occasions."
In stark contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky managed to attend the D-Day ceremony despite his country being at war. His presence underscored Sunak’s poor judgement and gave Labour leader Keir Starmer a golden opportunity to appear statesmanlike. While Sunak was busy defending himself in a pre-recorded interview, Starmer stood alongside world leaders, paying homage to the heroes of D-Day, thereby enhancing his image as a leader.
Attempting to mitigate the backlash, Sunak offered an explanation that did little to quell the uproar. He claimed his itinerary was set before the election was called, insisting he had no intention of prioritizing campaign activities over the commemorations. However, the rationale seemed convoluted and unconvincing to many. The question remained: why did he leave early, and why was the interview deemed more pressing?
This incident is emblematic of what critics describe as a broader issue within Sunak's campaign – a perceived disconnect from public sentiment and a lack of genuine engagement with key national moments. Sending David Cameron, the foreign secretary, to stand in for him alongside international leaders like Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, and Olaf Scholz, further underscored the gravity of the misjudgement.
In a twist that adds insult to injury, Sunak's absence at the D-Day events could be seen as a metaphor for his current political struggles. Just as he left a critical moment of commemoration, he appears increasingly out of step with the electorate's priorities and values. This blunder might well be a tipping point, providing a stark contrast to his rivals who have seized the opportunity to underscore their commitment to national duty and respect for history.
Rishi Sunak speaks at the UK's national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-DayPASunak’s D-Day misstep isn't the first time a campaign gaffe has significantly impacted a political race. Theresa May's "Dementia Tax" in the 2017 general election faced backlash, contributing to her losing the Conservative majority. In the 2004, US Democratic primaries, Howard Dean's enthusiastic "I have a scream" speech was widely mocked and viewed as unpresidential, derailing his once-promising campaign.
This blunder is another golden opportunity for the Reform Party. Nigel Farage’s re-entry into British politics already signaled trouble for the Tories, but Sunak’s misjudgment provides additional ammunition. Farage’s platform, appealing to disenchanted Conservative voters, is gaining traction. The Reform Party, previously dismissed by some as a minor threat, now appears poised to capitalize on the Conservatives' blunders. This incident exemplifies Sunak’s disconnect with core Conservative values, pushing voters towards Farage, who positions himself as a guardian of traditional British pride and values.
Rishi Sunak left the D-Day memorial event in Normandy early so he could head to London for an interview with ITV PAFrom any leader, such a decision would have been astounding. But for Sunak, who has chosen to campaign on the platform of national security – claiming that Labour endangers it – and has announced the reintroduction of national service for 18-year-olds, the optics are disastrous. How can the Prime Minister expect young people to commit to a program of national service when he himself failed to honor a moment of profound national significance? This hypocrisy is not lost on the electorate and will be a major obstacle as he attempts to promote a policy centered on duty and sacrifice.
A survey by YouGov found that 65% of British adults believed it was either "somewhat unacceptable" or "completely unacceptable" for the Prime Minister to have departed the D-Day ceremony when he did. Only one in five voters believed it was either "somewhat acceptable" (13%) or "completely acceptable" (8%), highlighting the extent of the backlash. Sunak's decision has not only alienated traditional Conservative supporters but also struck a nerve with the broader public, revealing a critical disconnect with the values and sentiments of the nation.
Some may be tempted to mark this as the moment Sunak lost the election. In truth, the Conservative campaign was already floundering long before this incident. However, this episode starkly reveals why Sunak is losing: his abysmal political judgement, his aloof and disconnected style, and his apparent impatience with the solemnity of human affairs.
As a Conservative Party member, the Prime Minister’s actions have left me feeling ashamed and betrayed. Watching our Prime Minister abandon such a solemn and significant event for the sake of electioneering is not only a stark violation of the values we hold dear but also a glaring display of poor judgement and disrespect. This is not the leadership we stand for, and it’s deeply disheartening to see our party's reputation tarnished by such a crass, self-inflicted blunder. Sunak's actions are a reminder that true leadership is about honoring our past and prioritizing our nation's dignity over political gains.