Five Families and the Conservative Party

At loose in the Conservative Party at the moment appear to be 'Five Families" a reference to the Five Mafia Families of New York each with its own unique agenda and objectives. In this article, we will explore the five prominent families within the Conservative Party: the European Research Group (ERG), the New Conservatives, the Northern Research Group (NRG), the Common Sense Group, and the Conservative Growth Group. We'll delve into their origins, key figures, and their impact on the political landscape.

The European Research Group (ERG))
Once a dominant force, the ERG played a pivotal role in shaping Brexit policy and ousting Theresa May. However, its influence waned after Brexit. The group recently resurfaced, aiming to scrutinize government legislation, particularly the Rwanda policy. Led by Sir Bill Cash and Mark Francois, the ERG remains a voice on the right of the party, cooperating with other backbench groups to maintain relevance.

The New Conservatives
The New Conservatives, a right-wing group primarily composed of "red wall" MPs, poses a significant challenge to the government, particularly Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Led by Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates, they advocate for policies such as migration curbs and oppose "gender ideology" in schools. Their hardline stance on various issues puts pressure on the party leadership, albeit they are a relatively new caucus.
The Northern Research Group (NRG)
formed by northern Conservative MPs after the 2019 election, champions increased investment in the north and seeks to amplify the voices of these regions. Led by Jake Berry and Esther McVey, they demand a Cabinet minister for the North and the construction of 500,000 new homes, positioning themselves as potential "kingmakers" in future elections.
Conservative Growth Group
Emerging after Liz Truss's brief tenure as Prime Minister, the Conservative Growth Group advocates libertarian-style economic policies. Led by figures like Sir Simon Clarke and Dame Priti Patel, they call for cuts in corporation tax and stamp duty, easing planning regulations, and resuming fracking. While not widely publicized, their influence shouldn't be underestimated.

The Common Sense Group
Founded in 2020, the Common Sense Group aims to combat "woke" culture. Comprising MPs who advocate a broad range of ideals, they've been critical of organizations like the National Trust. This group, inspired by the European Research Group, has around 59 MPs and 7 members of the House of Lords in its ranks.

One Nation Tories
The One Nation Conservatives promote compassionate and realistic policies. Led by Damian Green, they represent centrist Tories and aim to govern within the One Nation tradition. While historically less influential, they have recently gained ground, particularly on the issue of migration. Some of their members hold positions within the government. They are excluded from the "Family Photo'..

Conclusion
These five families within the Conservative Party in the UK illustrate the diversity of thought and priorities within the party. As they continue to shape policy and influence the political landscape, understanding their origins and key figures is crucial in assessing the future direction of the Conservative Party. Good Luck with that!