James O’Brien: ‘What has happened to the Conservative party?

4 October 2022, 14:42

James O'Brien wonders what has happened to the Conservative Party.

Madeleine Wilson

By Madeleine Wilson

As the Conservative Party Conference takes place in Birmingham, James O’Brien questions whether Tory voters are still standing behind their party.

James O’Brien told listeners: ‘I insist on believing that there are some decent people possessed of political views I find very hard to sympathise with.’

Criticism for the Tory party has escalated following the announcement of the mini budget, a U-turn on the 45p tax plan and Liz Truss’ refusal to commit to increasing benefits.

READ MORE: Ready for Tories' next rebellion: Truss refuses to commit to raising benefits in line with inflation

With Liz Truss’ own MPs openly opposing her plans, James O’Brien asked whether Tory voters are also beginning to turn away from their leader.

‘There must be people who see themselves as Conservatives looking at what’s unfolding in Birmingham and what’s been happening over the last week and feeling a curious combination of despair and befuddlement’, James said.

Continuing, James wondered how the Party have disconnected themselves from Tory parties of the past: 'I want to know how this has happened'.

He asked ‘What has happened to the Conservative Party of Ken Clarke? Michael Heseltine? Even Margaret Thatcher?'

'Even William Hague', he added.

‘What has happened to the Conservative party of Rory Stewart? Of David Gauke? Of Anna Soubry? Of Nick Bolt? What has happened to your party?’, James remarked.

READ MORE: Liz Truss says MPs 'love her', despite senior MPs like Gove and Shapps opposing her plans

Nick Timothy: Libertarianism has taken leadership

'It breaks my heart that people support this attack'

Gezelle calls American and Israeli ‘help’ in Iran ‘an illusion’

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

Caller Sina

James O’Brien is unconvinced by caller Sina’s justification for Israel’s strikes on Iran

Caller Harry

Pilot Harry gives his reaction to Gatwick-bound plane crash

LBC caller tells James O’Brien how she ended up homeless as a result of the 'disastrous' mini-budget in 2022.

Liz Truss' 'disastrous' mini budget left this LBC caller homeless

LBC callers react

How successful was Greta Thunberg’s aid mission?: LBC callers react

Caller Hanisa

Hanisa explains to James O’Brien that it’s her choice alone to wear the Burqa

Caller Lisa from California responds to Donald Trump summoning the National Guard to LA over the protests.

Californian caller responds to Trump sending the National Guard to LA

James O'Brien Batman Caller

Caller Luke’s nickname for Robert Jenrick amuses James O’Brien

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

James O'Brien caller on water

Caller explains how ‘corporate finance’ has been ‘catastrophic’ for water companies

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

'Mate, I love you'

James' conversation with Barry, who had a chemical castration, takes an unexpectedly wholesome turn