UKIP 4th or 3rd party

Thank you for starting a results thread pogs.
As expected, big gains in local elections for UKIP in English local elections - but what people think UKIP is going to do for them locally I can't imagine. Rotherham they have gained a lot of seats - presumably due to their particular immigration issue with Romanian gypsies moving there in large numbers.
Ian Hamilton failed to get elected as a councillor apparently. He looked dazed last night on question time (I only watched 15 minutes).
As I write Tories and Libdems have lost a lot of English seats with Labour +94 and UKIP +86 taking them in roughly equal numbers.

I think a lot of people voted UKIP as a way of putting two fingers up to all political parties. And as a personal vote for Cheeky Chappie Farage. However, I think when the new UKIP concillors fail to turn up or put their big feet in it, (they have form) that support will wither away.

I think a lot of people voted UKIP as a way of putting two fingers up to all political parties.

I have absolutely no doubt that is what UKIPs rise to fame is all about and it has been a long time coming. The three established parties have become unbelievably complacent regarding their voting public, it needed UKIP (or someone like them) to jolt the system. Tory and Labour cannot keep ignoring the concerns of the British public because this is, eventually, what happens. It is part of what used to be great about Britain - where there is a gap, someone will step in to fill that gap and that is exactly what has happened. Once the established, main political parties managed to make the voting public feel alienated, what did they think was going to happen?

I'm not in the least bit surprised at the outcome so far.

In a way the appearance of another choice has woken up the political apathy in the country. Hopefully this 'rise' will stir a groundswell of root supporters in other political parties and wake up leaders to start really listening to the people on the street. Sad to say I think Tories will ditch Lib Dems and hold hands with Farage.

I agree. It's a protest vote. (I hope) I'm not surprised given the state of our present politicians. Are there any better waiting in the wings though!

In a way the appearance of another choice has woken up the political apathy in the country.

They certainly have - people seem to be taking an interest in political debate again and that has to be a good thing. Britain has suffered from a two-horse race by two horses that are happy to swap the lead with one another now and again; a jolly old tug-of-war game <roll eye smiley needed>

Maybe, just maybe, policies will be made to suit the country rather than the Party line.

I agree. It's a protest vote. (I hope) I'm not surprised given the state of our present politicians. Are there any better waiting in the wings though!

That is the whole point: it may give impetus to others that they can succeed in challenging the established elite (who appear to exist to suit their own ends over and above the needs of the country).

If it's a two-fingers to the main parties then that's fine by me......but if if isn't????

I prefer the way Sky are covering the results.

I like the way it shows a running list of the council areas and whether it is a gain or hold for the parties. Simple to follow.

Yes UKIP is getting the 'up yours' vote but it has also homed in on subjects a lot of people have been concerned about but no party has had the guts to even debate.

I hope that by seeing more of what UKIP do and say will show more of their colours. Hopefully by the general election people will not view them as the protest vote and make considered choices.

If UKIP have done this well in local elections wait until the European results on Sunday.

In my affluent South West town people seemed to be voting FOR the far right policies of UKIP rather than in protest at the other parties. I'm very disappointed that the 'protest' vote hasn't gone to the Green Party whose policies are (in my opinion) far better than those of UKIP. I'm afraid that Sunday will affirm a move to the Right across Europe as a whole and that, to me, is very worrying.

Granny

Yes, it is very worrying.

The UK, Netherlands, Greece, Hungary, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain all look as though the far right parties will do well in Europe.

It's all very well viewing protest voting as ' great, come the revolution' but at what price? It just might bite us all on the bum.

The UK, Netherlands, Greece, Hungary, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain all look as though the far right parties will do well in Europe.

It's all very well viewing protest voting as ' great, come the revolution' but at what price? It just might bite us all on the bum.

Whether it turns out to be nothing more than a protest vote or not is immaterial, people will get what they voted for.

As you have pointed out, this discontent isn't confined to Britain but right across Europe so very few of the EU states are happy with the current situation and want something done to change it. Clearly voting for the usual culprits isn't going to change things.

Sometimes, to effect change means going out on a limb and taking a chance. The alternative is to sit on your hands and keep the status quo - which many are very unhappy about.

Well said, HollyDaze.

Thank you Ana

Yes, I agree 'HollyDaze' though for some sections of society not changing the status quo is the best option.

I mean, some people are doing very well with things just the way they are.

petallus - there will always be sections of society that resist change so the best outcome would be to find an appropriate balance. I have said before, on here, that you can't expect those who are benefitting the most from the current system, to help you change it.

Yes, some people are doing very well with things just the way they are - they are, however, the minority.

The EU are offering around £3m to help support food banks in Britain (shameful in itself that they are even needed) but the UK government refused to accept it because it didn't want to be told how to spend the money (although it did want the money). For the UK to be considered eligible for this money should highlight that things, the way they are, is not working for the good of the nation but only for the select few.

Sorry, I meant to put a link to support of the last statement I made: www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-uturn-may-see-3m-share-of-european-aid-used-to-support-food-banks-claims-labour-mep-9380930.html

Test

HollyDaze

Are you saying it is OK for far right wing parties such as 'Jobbik' and 'Golden Dawn' to become mainstream parties just to effect change and worth going out on a limb for?

I fully understand that's democracy but it sure as hell scares me to think about it.

Meanwhile ...

Asked to explain the party's relatively poor performance in London on Radio 4, Evans said they had difficulty appealing to the "educated, cultured and young."

hmmmmm ;)

I'd rather they had voted Green than UKIP if it was just a protest vote.
Turnout expected to be around 36% so not many people protesting.

I am astounded at the poor quality of the people UKIP field for interviews on the radio. They are going to be a joy to work with on local councils.
Farage is not stupid and has a carefully constructed pubic image. If you remember he is only just 50, you realise just how much it is an act he has developed. (compare and contrast to all the 45-55 year olds you know...)

Why did this bloke immediately spring to mind...

45 tomorrow!

He's so funny Ana, I love the way they take the P out of him on HIGNFY.