The leader has become a liability

The vote wasn’t for Johnson, it was for a new MP.

Whitewavemark2

The Tories stayed at home.

And for a very good reason- just could not bear to vote for Johnson, but not ready to vote for anyone else.

Very indicative of the mood for sure, and that things are a-turning, even in staunch Tory areas.

How many under 30's Vote?
I work with quite a few, they never Vote.... Even in the General elections.

Germanshepherdsmum

I would think the foul weather might have kept many at home, rather than apathy.

Was it foul? It was bright, but very cold up here. Not at all 'foul'.

However.

Low turnout is typical for a bye-election. Hard to tell whether it was voter apathy or tory 'protest' nonvote...

The low turnout is a real eye opener for me. Here we are amidst two of the biggest issues of our generation and 66% of people didn't vote.

It astonishes me that after every single thing which has happened since the last general election 66% of people in Old Bexley and Sidcup didn't have an opinion they felt worth expressing by way of a vote. Perhaps they felt in such a strong seat their vote would be wasted. What a terrible shame if that is the case.

Many of us on Gransnet News and Politics care so much about politics but it seems we are in a little bubble of our own.

I would think the foul weather might have kept many at home, rather than apathy.

vegansrock

James Brokenshire very popular. Bexley a shoe-in for Tories, but many voters stayed at home ( 15,000 fewer votes) don’t think you can herald the end of any particular party based on that result.

I agree vegansrock it maybe shows up the apathy of the electorate.

James Brokenshire very popular. Bexley a shoe-in for Tories, but many voters stayed at home ( 15,000 fewer votes) don’t think you can herald the end of any particular party based on that result.

GrannyGravy13

Whitewavemark2

The Tories stayed at home.

However you dress it up Whitewavemark2 the Conservatives got 52% of the votes, which means more Conservatives went out and voted…

I’m not dressing it up? it is what it is. You’ll get no argument from me?

GrannyGravy13

It was a very low turnout at Old Bexley &
Sidcup.
Conservative candidate still managed 52% of the overall vote, reduced from the general election but still a win.

I don't think anyone expected anything else but a tory win.

But the low turnout is disturbing.

Whitewavemark2

The Tories stayed at home.

However you dress it up Whitewavemark2 the Conservatives got 52% of the votes, which means more Conservatives went out and voted…

The Tories stayed at home.

It was a very low turnout at Old Bexley &
Sidcup.
Conservative candidate still managed 52% of the overall vote, reduced from the general election but still a win.

Reason to be cheerful???

Hartfield (Wealden) by-election result:

GRN: 55.8% (+12.7)
CON: 44.2% (-12.7)

Green GAIN from Conservative.

I’m quite happy to make it about Brexit?

Dickens

lemongrove

I've asked for the last two of my posts to be deleted.

It was not my intention to make this all about Brexit - but in defending the 'right' to discuss the issue - did just that.

My other posts - which also mention Brexit - I haven't asked to be deleted because the references to Brexit related to Johnson's popularity rating which I believe are entirely in keeping with the OP.

But I don't want to derail the thread and make it about Brexit.

I'm sorry you've done that, Dickens. Threads wander all over the place and you really shouldn't let anyone dictate what you can, or cannot, post.

Particularly when posters are trying to silence you on an embarrassing topic ?

I think that the sleaze issue has been a factor. Tory vote dropped by 13% and Labour vote rose by 7% in a strong Tory constituency, but I do think that reflects tactical voting as we can see from the Lib Dem vote. People are voting tactically, and I think that they will continue to vote “anyone but Tory” even if it means holding their noses.

The result marked an atrocious evening for the Liberal Democrats. Polling just 3% of the vote, the Party lost their £500 deposit coming fifth behind Reform UK and the Green Party.

The end of the Liberal Democrats and the Greens ?

The Reform Party Richard Tice came third with more votes than the Lib Dems and Greens combined.

Whitewavemark2

Tories retain Bexley, but with a hugely reduced majority.

The result reflects the latest polls.

... a low turnout apparently - 34%. Why are so many so apathetic!

It was a hugely reduced majority - but still a comfortable lead.

Apparently 'sleaze' was the kicker - and Johnson's competence in dealing with it - mentioned by those interviewed towards the end of the campaign.

I think Johnson is safe for now - but the pressure is building.

Next up is North Shropshire... the seat vacated by Owen Paterson. That should be interesting.

Southend will not be contested by Labour or the Lib Dems out of respect for the late David Amess.

lemongrove

I've asked for the last two of my posts to be deleted.

It was not my intention to make this all about Brexit - but in defending the 'right' to discuss the issue - did just that.

My other posts - which also mention Brexit - I haven't asked to be deleted because the references to Brexit related to Johnson's popularity rating which I believe are entirely in keeping with the OP.

But I don't want to derail the thread and make it about Brexit.

Tories retain Bexley, but with a hugely reduced majority.

The result reflects the latest polls.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Of course it’s understandable!
There isn’t anyone who can say that any leader will still be there at the next GE.
Keir Starmer may not be there either....
Things in politics move quickly as the events do.
I think he will be there for the next year, and he has made it clear to friends and colleagues that he intends to fight the next GE, but there is no certainty all round.

lemongrove I had noticed your post on page 1 where you said you thought he’d be there ‘for a while yet’, but that could be any length of time between three months and 10 years. The important issue though is whether he will be the leader at the next election. So, if I read what you’ve just said correctly, you’re still hedging your bets which in the circumstances is understandable.

Dickens

PS lemongrove

It might be an idea to ask GN for a "No Brexit Zone" - there's already a No Corona Zone!

Tempting....
I have no problems with anyone bringing present Brexit news into a discussion ( if relevant) but there are posters still stuck in 2016 unfortunately.