Tory MPs who were insufficiently staunch in their backing for Margaret Thatcher’s vigorous brand of Conservatism were known as ‘wets’. (Definition: ‘Derived from public school slang, and referring to moderate Conservatives who opposed aggressive monetarist economic policies and public spending cuts’.) This put-upon breed were also known as ‘One-Nation Conservatives’ (honorary president: Ted Heath).

‘Wets’ have become even more unwelcome as the Tories have tacked further right. Support for the ECHR and net zero are beyond the pale under Kemi Badenoch. And yet there are rumblings among the ambivalent tendency.

Prosper UK, a centre-right movement established earlier this year, claims the secret backing of a third of Conservative MPs. And the group boasts a host of names familiar to Gazette readers, including at least three former lord chancellors.

Prosper UK’s vice-chair is David Gauke (appointed lord chancellor in 2018 and ejected from the party in 2019), while David Lidington (2017) is also on the board. Avuncular jazz aficionado Ken Clarke (2010) is an avowed supporter, as is former attorney general Dominic Grieve.

According to Gazette sources, Liz Truss and Chris Grayling have no plans to join Prosper UK. However, we reckon Jack Straw would fit in just fine. 

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