During the election campaign — or what passed for it — Theresa May would sometimes declare that Britain was facing its most important choice for a generation. If she lost just six seats, she said at one point, then Jeremy Corbyn would be heading to Brussels to negotiate Brexit. But if the risk was so great, why call an election in the first place? She was closer to the mark outside No.10 early this afternoon, when she declared this was a ‘critical time for our country’. All the more critical as a result of her calamitous handling of the election.
This was a needless election, intended to tighten Theresa May’s grip over her own government. It was essentially an act of vanity, seeking to rebrand the Conservative party as ‘Theresa May’s team’ on the questionable premise that an increased majority would give her greater authority when negotiating Brexit. The public got the sense that they were being roped into a coronation ceremony, and bridled. Those who believed there were greater issues at stake, or more important discussions to be had, were given clichés and platitudes which — over these past few weeks — have become May’s trademark. Her campaign insulted the intelligence. She did not deserve to win.
The public concluded that Jeremy Corbyn did not deserve to win either, so we now have a hung parliament – and are back to the days of compromise. It looks as if Mrs May’s government will have to rely on a confidence and supply arrangement with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party. And what price will it come at? The DUP have a reputation for co-operating at a price. And if that price is (for example) staying in the EU Customs Union to facilitate trade with the Republic of Ireland, then Mrs May is in a weak position.
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