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Members of Congress returned from their Easter vacation today. Rishi Sunak can be said to be in a tougher position than when he took a break two weeks ago.
Increased NHS strikes and bleak economic forecasts put five of the Prime Minister’s promises – initially derided as unambitious – in jeopardy. With the revival of the commons, there are some pressing issues facing Sunak.
Passage of controversial small boat bill
The prime minister faces a potential battle with a Conservative traitor over an illegal immigration bill. The bill aims to prevent asylum seekers from crossing the strait in small boats, and to subject anyone who arrives by these means to detention and deportation.
But right-wing Tories believe the plan will be blocked by the courts, undermining Sunak’s pledge to “stop the ship.” Those concerns were highlighted last week when the prime minister refused to say whether he would stop traveling until the next elections.
They are likely to try to strengthen the bill by giving ministers the power to ignore the European Court of Human Rights decisions. There may also be rebellion from moderate Tories who oppose legislative hardliness.
The future of Dominic Raab
An independent report on allegations of bullying against the Deputy Prime Minister is expected within the next two weeks.
According to reports, the trial attorney Adam Tolley KC will not render a verdict on whether Raab’s actions amount to bullying, leaving Sunak with a difficult decision to make.
If some of the already reported allegations are corroborated by Mr Tory, the prime minister will find it difficult to stick to credible political allies.
But the briefing suggests he may try to save Raab to test his promise to lead a government of “honesty and accountability.”
A smart move would be to delegate the decision to his independent adviser on ministerial interests to determine whether the Ministerial Code has been breached.
local elections
Mr. Sunak will face his first election campaign on May 4.
But the Prime Minister would at least hope to prove that he is beginning to turn the party’s fortunes around.
Mr. Sunak has well shrugged off previous threats of a post-local leadership challenge, but some sort of optimism, as the party’s flickering optimism about the 2024 general election risks being extinguished by damaging. If no progress is shown, the old Tory War risks rekindling.
Labor leader Sir Care Sturmer, meanwhile, needs to do more to prevent low-level fears from becoming more overt complaints amid shrinking poll results.