Abingdon Green is the location where much of the world's media descends for big political moments.

Friday morning was one of those occasions, with many political insiders also roaming around, contributing to the various stations and offering their insights.

Perhaps, unsurprisingly, it seemed to be Labour Party politicians who were most open to offering their thoughts.

For the Conservatives that morning, many were still reeling. For those that did speak to the press, they were arguing that their party needed a change in direction.

The election this week saw the Conservative share of the vote plummet compared to 2019.

Back then it received an almost 44% share. This time, it was down to 24%.

Keir Starmer led Labour to victory, taking 412 seats

No doubt, there were many reasons behind this collapse.

However, many point to the arrival of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.

It won only five seats, but an impressive 14% share of the vote.

People are understandably asking, does the Conservative Party need to tilt further to the right, to win back voters who put their faith in Reform candidates.

Definitely not, argued Charles Walker, one of the Tory members willing to share their views on Friday morning.

Back in 2022 he attracted much attention after lambasting the Liz Truss government.

"I've had enough of talentless people putting their tick in the right box, not because it's in the national interest, but because it's in their own personal interest", he told the BBC in October 2022.

His words resonated with many.

When we spoke to him on Friday morning, he urged his party not to give in to extreme elements within it.

"I've noticed Keir Starmer has been saying 'country before party', I think that's a really good slogan. I tip my hat to him for coming up with that slogan," he said.

According to Mr Walker, the Conservatives have allowed division in their party to take precedent.

He again points to the Liz Truss mini-budget, which led to a loss of market confidence and an increase in interest rates.

"I think Keir Starmer looked at that, where it seemed to be party, party, party at every level, and thought, you know what, that's not a winning proposition. And he has been proven right," he said.

Some Tory members are asking if the party should move closer to the policies put forward by Nigel Farage's Reform UK party

David Gauke, former cabinet secretary in the Theresa May government, believes the future battle should be in the centre ground.

He warned that a knee-jerk response to this week's difficult election could lead to the party disappearing.

"They need to recognise that to win back power, opposition parties do so by reassuring the public that they will offer a credible, competent government", he said.

Rishi Sunak pledged to remain as leader of the Conservative Party until arrangements to replace him are put in place.

Heads are turning to who might be in a position to replace him.

A favourite for many is Kemi Badenoch, the former business secretary who backed Brexit and is seen to be on the right of the party.

Suella Braverman, who apologised after the election on behalf of her party for not listening to people, is also expected to throw her hat in the ring. She has previously said that it would be her dream to implement the Rwanda policy.

There are other potential big names too, also seen to be on the right-wing of the party, such as Priti Patel.

Suella Braverman is one of those tipped to be the next Conservative leader

For those hoping to back more moderate, 'one-nation' Tories, they may have been disappointed to see the former chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt rule himself out.

However, such people will likely be keeping an eye on Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister. He backed remain in 2016.

The coming weeks, and possibly months, will see this leadership race play out.

It will likely be a battle for the soul of the Conservative Party, a party which seems to be at a crossroads.