Talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May and the opposition Labour party have resumed following the Easter break just as May is facing an open revolt within her own Conservative Party.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn once again called on May to abandon her red lines as no breakthrough is in sight. Corbyn is calling for a Customs Union with the EU, which would in large part resolve the impasse over the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is unlikely, however, that May can deliver on a compromise as a Customs Union membership would see more than half her cabinet walk out.
The joint executive secretary of the backbench 1922 Committee is seeking to change the rules of the Conservative Party to change leadership. He accused the prime minister of “reaching out to the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn” rather than reaching out to “the people.”
This view echoes a call by 70 Conservative association who are calling for a new leadership contest, although party rules forbid a second leadership challenge within the year. However, a non-binding vote between members is expected to take place in May, ahead of the European elections that begin on 23 May. Polling suggests the party is already losing votes to Nigel Farage’s Brexit party.
The Change UK group launched its European elections campaign in Bristol on 23 April fielding 70 candidates that could erode both Labour and Conservative electoral influence.