On the final evening of the Conservative conference, I strolled past a nearly vacant room where a small group of individuals were dancing to ABBA tunes. It was only 10:15 pm, typically a bustling time for party loyalists and corporate influencers seeking to mingle with prominent Conservative figures. However, the sight of fewer than a dozen people swaying to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” highlights the evolving dynamics.

Once a powerhouse in politics, the Conservative Party is currently struggling. While Labour holds the reins of power, Reform is gaining ground, and even the Liberal Democrats are encroaching on traditional Conservative territories. The party’s polling numbers are dismal, and the lackluster turnout at the conference underscores the harsh reality for hopeful Tories. Having held power for 14 years, they now face the challenge of being largely ignored.

Many members of the opposition cabinet delivered speeches to half-empty rooms. Controversial proposals to deport hundreds of thousands of individuals or cut £47 billion from welfare and other public expenditures failed to make a significant impact, given the party’s remote chances of returning to power.

Notably, even the usual protesters who gather outside the conference perimeter were absent this time. Rumors circulated about excessive spending as it was unusually easy to obtain drinks at the typically crowded hotel bar.

For a journalist from The Mirror like myself, the Conservative conference has always been a fertile ground for reporting. From shady tactics and power struggles to embarrassing moments and awkward dances, it had it all. Unlike the somber atmosphere at last year’s conference, which was enlivened by a leadership contest culminating in Kemi Badenoch’s victory, this year lacked any discernible energy or enthusiasm.

People whispered in the corridors about the sparse attendance, despite efforts to rearrange the layout to mask the reduced number of stalls. Nigel Farage’s presence, although significant, received little attention at the conference. Speculation surrounding Kemi Badenoch’s leadership ambitions was rife, yet there seemed to be a lack of zeal to act upon it.

While observing Andy Burnham’s failed leadership ambitions at the Labour conference, the presumed Conservative successor, Robert Jenrick, played it safe. Kemi Badenoch used the conference as a platform to unveil a series of policies, including mass deportations and substantial spending cuts, which garnered support from loyal Tory members.

However, the party’s credibility with voters has been severely compromised, making it challenging for a Shadow Cabinet comprising former allies of Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, and Boris Johnson to present a viable alternative. Despite Badenoch’s attempt to position the Tories as moderate on economic matters, her immigration policies are unlikely to outshine those of Reform.

While Badenoch may have temporarily secured her position within the party, the upcoming local elections in May loom ominously. The question remains: Is anyone else paying attention to the Conservatives’ message?