Liz Truss, the former UK Prime Minister, has once again made headlines with her latest endeavor, importing the US Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) to the UK. This event, held at the InterContinental hotel in London, was a predictable affair, lacking the glitz and glamour of its American counterpart. The conference featured a lineup of C-list speakers who have been peddling the same tired narratives for years, leaving attendees and viewers with a sense of déjà vu.
One of the key highlights (or perhaps lowlights) of the event was the presence of Toby Young, who introduced himself as the general secretary of the Free Speech Union. This irony was not lost on the audience, as Young's constant chatter has long been a source of disappointment for the country. His attempt to discuss climate change, a central belief at CPAC, fell flat, as it clashed with the conference's core message.
The shadow business secretary, Andrew Griffith, also made an appearance, sharing a platform with far-right figures. This decision by Kemi Badenoch raised eyebrows, as it blurred the lines between the Tory party and the far-right. Griffith's performance was akin to a fringe meeting at the Tory conference, receiving minimal applause for his departure.
Matt Goodwin, introduced as a celebrated academic, reinvented himself as a hard-right rent-a-gob, spouting civilisational erasure and conspiracy theories. His references to jailed individuals and rigged elections raised concerns about the event's integrity and the speakers' credibility.
The morning session was a rollercoaster of conspiracy theories and outdated narratives, with David Starkey and two unnamed individuals, Mike and Steve, blaming the deep state for everything under the sun. The afternoon brought no relief, as Iain Duncan Smith's appearance ended in a hasty retreat, and Liz Truss unveiled her Atlantic Strategy Institute, a venture that promised little but self-promotion.
As the conference progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly surreal, with references to alternate realities and the lingering presence of Liz Truss, who seemed unable to let go of her prime ministerial role. The event concluded with the promise of Nigel Farage's appearance, contingent on adequate payment, adding to the spectacle of this truly unique conference.
In conclusion, Liz Truss's CPAC import was a missed opportunity for innovation and engagement. The event's lack of surprise and fresh ideas left attendees and viewers with a sense of disappointment, questioning the value of such conferences in the modern political landscape. As for Truss herself, her continued involvement in these events raises questions about her political legacy and the impact of her actions on the UK's political scene.
