The Conservative Party conference held in Birmingham this week was marked by notably sparse attendance and a subdued atmosphere, raising questions about the party’s current momentum ahead of the anticipated general election. This contrasted sharply with last week’s Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where electoral reform was a prominent topic of discussion.

Organizers expressed surprise and some relief that any members showed up at all, describing the event as unusually quiet and lacking the usual vibrant engagement expected at a national party gathering. Attendees experienced minimal wait times for food and entry, and many conference halls remained largely empty throughout the sessions. Observers noted that the tone of the conference resembled more of a local club meeting than a high-stakes political convention.

Some within the Conservative ranks appear to accept their status as a party in survival mode. Reflecting on a turbulent previous year marked by leadership instability under Kemi Badenoch, attendees seemed to appreciate that the party had at least avoided collapse. While the party has arguably stabilized since Robert Jenrick opposed moves to cut internal support, it remains an endangered political force facing mounting challenges from both sides of the political spectrum.

The conference’s main events took place in modest venues, including a so-called “main hall” with a seating capacity of 200 that was only partially occupied. Sessions led by figures such as shadow transport secretary Richard Holden and shadow health secretary Damian Hinds did little to energize the audience. Attendance did not improve significantly later in the day when shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins hosted an event featuring guest Jeremy Clarkson. The informal conversation between Atkins and Clarkson, which was also streamed online to 53 viewers, offered a rare moment of levity. Clarkson’s humorous observations, including jokes about the sparse crowd and the impact of this summer’s heat on his farm, stood out amidst the otherwise low-key proceedings.

The conference climaxed with a highly criticized speech by Andrew Griffith, which many attendees and commentators described as lacking both substance and polish. Observers likened the delivery to a robotic performance, marked by awkward self-congratulation and a repetitive verbal tic. The content of the speech included promises to increase housing supply through cheaper, less insulated buildings and proposals to repeal regulations recently introduced by the party itself, alongside plans for tax cuts. Griffith’s presentation was widely regarded as failing to inspire confidence, with some suggesting that if he is indeed the future chancellor, the party’s prospects could be bleak.

Overall, the Conservative Party’s Birmingham conference underscored internal challenges and questioned the party’s readiness to compete vigorously should a general election be called next year. The subdued atmosphere and lackluster performances suggested a party grappling with its identity and struggling to rally its base at a critical moment.