Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

At the annual Conservative Party conference held in Manchester, a sense of uncertainty loomed over the event as members gathered to confront challenges from both within and outside the party. With the upcoming general election on the horizon, the conference revealed a party divided and grappling with its electoral fate.

The conference opened against the backdrop of a turbulent year for the Conservatives. The previous conference saw the party facing a crisis caused by unfunded tax cuts that led to a sharp decline in the British pound and eroded the nation’s credibility. Now, with the ascendant Labour Party projected to take over after 14 years of Conservative rule, the mood at the conference was somber and devoid of the excitement and energy of previous years.

While Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, held the position of prominence, it was clear that his party colleagues were positioning themselves as potential leaders-in-waiting. Home Secretary Suella Braverman delivered a compelling speech on the challenge of uncontrolled immigration, revealing her intentions in a bid for leadership. Liz Truss, Sunak’s predecessor, also hinted at her desire to reclaim leadership during an event emphasizing economic growth. The interest in her speech was surprising given that her economic program had caused significant economic turmoil the previous year.

Truss, in particular, pushed for lower taxes and reduced regulation, championing a pro-growth agenda. This directly challenged Sunak’s stance on taxes and set the stage for a battle for the party’s direction. The conference showcased the divide between the economic libertarians, represented by Truss, and the more hardline culture warriors, such as Braverman.

Anand Menon, director for the U.K. in a Changing Europe think tank, highlighted the energized internal fight within the party. However, he warned that the party must not overlook the looming external battle against Labour. The upcoming division within the Conservative Party may mirror the significant clash between Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher, where the party’s soul was at stake.

Pollster and communications advisor Frank Luntz, having engaged with voters across the U.K., observed a considerable level of frustration among Conservative voters. Angry over the cost of living crisis, immigration, and deteriorating public services, these voters might abstain from voting altogether—a factor that could tip the scales in Labour’s favor. The challenge for Sunak, set to deliver his conference speech on Wednesday, will be to convince both his own party and the nation that the Conservatives can still emerge victorious in the next election.

However, doubts persist within the party itself. During breakout sessions, many conservative members, known for their unwavering support, exhibited skepticism when asked if the Conservatives can win the next election. This lack of faith within their ranks raises questions about the party’s ability to inspire confidence among the wider electorate.

As the Conservative Party battles for its own soul, it also faces the formidable task of uniting its members and persuading voters that it remains the best choice for governing the country. The internal divisions showcased at the conference underline the urgency for the Conservatives to find a common ground and present a coherent message to the electorate ahead of the incoming general election.