Shifting sands
Britain’s political parties plunge into crises of leadership—and philosophy
“THE will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered.” With these words David Cameron, flanked by his wife Samantha, announced his resignation on the morning of June 24th. There followed a vacuum. For a couple of days, neither the prime minister nor any of his colleagues had anything to say. George Osborne, the chancellor of the exchequer, was silent. Chaos reigned. The pound tumbled. Firms reviewed their positions.
The situation has since stabilised. But Britain is nonetheless living through a period of turmoil. Both main parties are now picking new leaders. In the Conservative fold, Mr Cameron is a lame duck; his replacement will be appointed by September 7th. In the Labour camp Jeremy Corbyn has been rejected by three-quarters of his MPs and is clinging on. Britain’s party structures are straining, and may not last.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline "Shifting sands"
From the July 2nd 2016 edition
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