Is the Conservative Manifesto Really Just a Bid to Restore Lost Benefits?

This election, the Conservative party focused on two key concepts: 'Brexit vs paralysis' and 'Johnson vs Corbyn'. These themes encapsulated much of the political landscape, leaving the electorate with a simple choice. Yet, many are left questioning whether the Conservative manifesto, underpinned by these ideas, truly offers anything more than a return to former glories.

Who Reads Manifestos?

While manifestos may not be on every voter's reading list, they do play a crucial role in shaping election outcomes. This particular one, however, seems to have fallen short of expectations. Critics argue that the Conservatives leveraged this election on the themes of 'Brexit vs paralysis,' effectively steering the narrative away from the controversial topic of Brexit itself and instead focusing on a personality contest between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn.

Paralysis vs Progress

People are becoming tired of the constant state of limbo regarding Brexit. Even if the outcome falls short of initial expectations, the mere fact of moving forward is seen as a positive. By framing the election around these two concepts, the Conservatives aimed to present both issues in a character-based rather than policy-based context.

Johnson vs Corbyn: A Scapegoat Election?

The Conservative campaign relied heavily on comparing Boris Johnson to Jeremy Corbyn, portraying Corbyn as a vilified and smeared politician. The media and internal Labour party allies amplified these messages, contributing to a narrative of Corbyn as the 'devil everyone knew.' The election, thus, was not so much about policy but rather a choice between two distinctly opposing personalities.

A Retrospective Return to Normality

Upon taking over from the Labour government, one of the immediate challenges for the Conservatives was to address the financial crisis that had befallen the nation. With the necessary savings in place, the argument goes that they can now revert to policies that were previously cut or reduced. It's a direct parallel to a household managing to balance its finances and, once again, being able to afford those previously cut luxuries.

Back to Normality

For many, the Conservative manifesto's key message has been summed up in the notion of achieving 'normality.' In a more specific sense, it is about restoring the benefits and services that were either reduced or eliminated during the Labour years. The Conservatives have presented this as a return to a time of greater financial stability and accessibility. This ideology suggests that the electorate is not interested in radical change but rather a return to a state of affairs that they find familiar and comfortable.

Critics' Perspective

Those who view politics with a critical lens might argue that the Conservative mantra of restoring lost benefits is a hollow promise. It leverages the idea of a return to previous conditions without actually addressing the underlying issues that led to the financial strain. Critics question whether these promises will truly make a significant difference in people's lives or if they are simply a superficial attempt to reestablish the status quo.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Conservatives' strategy in this election was to present themselves as a reliable alternative to the perceived uncertainty and negativity of the Labour party. By focusing on a easily digestible narrative of 'Brexit vs paralysis' and a charismatic personality clash between Johnson and Corbyn, they hoped to sway public opinion.

The key takeaway is whether the Conservative manifesto truly offers anything more than the promise of a return to the familiar. As more people scrutinize the fine print, it remains to be seen if the message of 'normality' resonates with the electorate in a meaningful way.