U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing challenges within his own Conservative government as more radical factions emerge. These internal divisions have come to the forefront as the party prepares for the upcoming General Election next year.

The discord that Sunak aimed to overcome when he assumed leadership of the party last year has resurfaced during the annual Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, England.

Members of Parliament (MPs), including Liz Truss, a former prime minister, have expressed their dissatisfaction with Sunak’s leadership. Faction leaders are even urging donors to withdraw funding until significant reforms are made.

This rebellion poses a threat to Sunak’s ability to govern, especially as the Labour Party, the main opposition, maintains a lead in opinion polls. The party pushback is expected to dominate Sunak’s leadership in the lead up to the election, likely to take place next year.

Liz Truss, who served as prime minister for only 44 days, has gained attention at the conference by criticizing Sunak’s policies and advocating for immediate tax cuts. Truss still retains significant support within the party and has gathered the backing of at least 60 MPs through her Conservative Growth Group.

The rebels, although constituting less than a fifth of elected Conservative MPs, pose a potential risk to Sunak’s parliamentary majority and his ability to govern. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel, one of the rebel members, has accused Sunak of undermining the party’s governance.

Priti Patel made these comments at a gala dinner hosted by the Conservative Democratic Organisation, a faction closely aligned with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Lord Peter Cruddas, the founder of the organisation, urged members to cut donations to the Conservative Party until it undergoes reform.

Nigel Farage, a prominent Brexit proponent and former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), also attended the event and expressed his alignment with a faction of the Conservative Party.

The rising discord within the party is reflected in public sentiment, with opinion polls showing Labour leading by 20 points over the Conservatives. The Conservative brand is struggling to maintain support, with many voters calling for a change.

This sentiment is fueled by ongoing issues such as high inflation, falling living standards, and industrial action over working conditions and pay. Medical professionals and train workers have recently taken part in strikes to demand fairer treatment.

Sunak is expected to address these challenges and outline new policies in his closing speech at the conference.

The Conservative Party faces a critical period as internal divisions threaten its unity. Sunak’s leadership will be tested as the party prepares for the upcoming General Election.