The true-blue constituency with a Lib Dem MP is split on whether the Tories’ new leader should take the party further to the right
Tracy Scott, deputy chair of Henley Conservatives, and Andrew Collins, chair of the Henley and Thame Conservative Association in Henley town centre on Saturday.Tracy Scott, deputy chair of Henley Conservatives, and Andrew Collins, chair of the Henley and Thame Conservative Association in Henley town centre on Saturday.
Just three months ago, the Tories were defeated here by the Liberal Democrats – until then, Henley had voted Conservative in every election since 1906. “I don’t think they’ve lurched enough,” said Rod, 75, explaining that he expects Henley-on-Thames to revert to the Conservative party in due course. “It’s still rich and influential, and that’s what the Tory party is about.”
Jane, 70, was unimpressed with the rightward direction the party seemed to be heading in, but relieved with the result regardless. “Neither would have been my choice. Jenrick is a dreadful man with dreadful views. Out of the two of them, I’m very glad that Jenrick hasn’t won.”For some, the party has lost their vote and won’t be winning it back any time soon. In Dave Potter’s antique shop hangs a sign that reads: “Vote for Guy Fawkes: the only person to enter parliament with honest intentions”.
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