Sunak's own MPs set to BOYCOTT Tory conference as party morale plummets
Rishi Sunak has a morale crisis on his hands
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Rishi Sunak has a morale crisis on his hands as a significant number of Conservative backbenchers are expected to boycott this year's party conference, casting doubt over his leadership of the party.
GB News understands that many Tory MPs don't want to take the time out of their constituency as, for many of them, campaign season has already begun ahead of next year's general election.
Multiple MPs confirmed they will be staying in their patch to deal with constituency matters, while others simply said it is too expensive to make the trip worth it.
One MP said: "Effectively my campaign has already started. It’s going to be a long year."
One MP noted that it is "too expensive", saying that many MPs "aren't in the mood" with an election looming
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They added: "It’s expensive and I’d rather be working in the constituency. I’ve gone before. Manchester is a long way."
One MP noted that it is "too expensive", saying that many MPs "aren't in the mood" with an election looming.
A third said doubts about Sunak's leadership means that it has become an "every man for himself" situation - meaning lots of MPs feel they have to stay at home and campaign.
Meanwhile, another Tory MP, who is attending the conference, told GB News that he is sure many others won't turn up, echoing concerns that it is just too expensive.
A party insider said: "It’s partly because conferences since under Cameron have made them cash cows", warning that the model has "priced out" many MPs.
This comes as the party battles plummeting approval ratings, significantly lagging behind Labour in the polls.
The Labour Party is currently sitting around 18 points ahead of the Tories, exclusive polling for GB News has shown.
Matthew Goodwin, professor of politics at the University of Kent, said the polls reflect "the continued weakness of the Tory brand."
Sunak has faced growing backlash from his backbenchers over his handling of the migrant crisis.
Last week, Conservative MP for Mansfield Brendan Clarke-Smith told GB News that migration is "the most common issue" raised by his constituents.
He added: "I think that the steps we're taking now haven't been effective yet, and if that's not going to work we need to try more drastic measures.
"This isn't optional. My constituents are much more concerned about the fairness and sustainability of our domestic situation than they are about Britain's 'reputation' or adherence to rules set by other people."
A source inside the Conservative Party told GB News that attendance at party conferences is optional, and it is up to MPs to decide whether or not they go.
The latest poll from People Polling for GB News saw 41 per cent of people say they'd vote Labour and 23 per cent say they'd vote Conservative.
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The Labour Party is currently sitting around 18 points ahead of the Tories
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It also reveals Reform has edged ahead of the Liberal Democrats, with Reform on 10 points and the Lib Dems on 9.
People Polling asked 1,900 Brits how they would vote in the next General Election. Polling was conducted on September 13.
The Conservative Party declined to comment.