By Elections on 20th July..

I was appalled by Jonnie Mercer's reaction to the election of a 24 year old . He was very insulting. Is this the new character of Tory ministers appearing ?

The by-election turnout was very close to the average by-election turnout over many such. This means the results are a pretty good prediction of a GE result unless Labour implodes over ULEZ or the Tories discover a gigantic magic money tree.

It does feel very similar to the lead up to the 1997 election I think.

The Tories seem to have really nothing to be optimistic about, even with the relief of Uxbridge. The swing here was nearly 7% to labour - enough to give them a majority and that was lost imo because of a protest vote which the voter mistakenly blamed labour.

But the swing away from the Tories in the other two are over 25% - absolutely breathtaking.

What on earth can the Tories do before the election?

What is clear is that tactical voting is astoundingly successful.

westendgirl

I was appalled by Jonnie Mercer's reaction to the election of a 24 year old . He was very insulting. Is this the new character of Tory ministers appearing ?

I haven’t heard what Mr. Mercer has said, but I have my doubts that a 24yr old newbie MP has much to offer, considering the current situation the U.K. is in.

Mercer made comparisons with The Inbetweeners, which is pretty insulting as they are portraying a bunch of gormless twits

I hate this ‘gammon v. snowflake’ level of public discourse

Labour appears to be listening to the voter and is revisiting the ULEZ scheme.

Thinking about it a think that the government of any colour is going to have to be very intelligent about the way they approach the climate change issue.

Most voters agree that climate change is a real issue but when it comes to action the population appears to be totally unwilling to pay for things like clean air, etc.

One way would be a major education programme I think, but I have no doubt that both parties will be thinking very seriously.

Johnny Mercer is being ridiculous! His old boss - one B Johnson - recently sent a 28 year old woman to the Lords! What experience would she have! At least if this young man proves hopeless, he can be voted out. Charlotte Owen (I think that’s her name) has a very cushy job for life. Mercer needs to think before he speaks. Age doesn’t always lead to wisdom. It seems to me that the Tory party are clutching at any straw to remain in power.

The Tories have the support of Momentum

I agree about Owen - it's simply jobs for life in the Lord's. The new MP aged 24 seems young-looking but when you consider what a mess the 'mature' Tories have got us into he couldn't do much worse. And bear in mind that William Pitt the Younger was 21 when elected MP and became PM at 23, one of our most celebrated office holders and PM for over 18 years, the second longest after Walpole. In more recent times Paul Channing (Con) was only 23 when he became an MP.

Young MPs are far better placed, )except perhaps those who have inherited large amounts from their parents) to understand the cost of living crises, the housing crises, child care issues, climate change issue etc than many of the fossilised relicts harrumphing on the back benches.

DiamondLily, we are in a very leafy, edge of Greater London area, and while I can certainly see the need in more central areas, I do wonder why ULEZ is considered necessary here.

Witzend

*DiamondLily*, we are in a very leafy, edge of Greater London area, and while I can certainly see the need in more central areas, I do wonder why ULEZ is considered necessary here.

Because Shapps said it was needed.

hmmm! aren`t most by elections decided on a "poor" turnout?

I have voted Conservative all my life,, don`t lambast me!
I doubt I will vote this coming election, who is there to choose from? they all look out for themselves, and as far as I can see no one gives a jot what the public want or need.
Maggie Thatcher did a lot of harm with the selling of social housing, (I have never needed one, that doesn`t mean I don`t consider other people do)

as for migration! and the NHS! and... and.... they just do NOT listen to us. im humble o!.

westendgirl

I was appalled by Jonnie Mercer's reaction to the election of a 24 year old . He was very insulting. Is this the new character of Tory ministers appearing ?

Would you have voted for him I couldn’t even tell you what he said because I didn’t even read the leaflet that dropped through my door I took one look at his face and made my mind up instantly. None of them deserve my vote and I know most of neighbours also didn’t vote for anyone. We felt insulted by what we got.

growstuff

My constituency has a 27,594 Conservative majority. I think the LibDems and Labour gave up years ago. It fills me with dread that my MP might be one of the few Conservative MPs left!

You must live where I live. The seat is so safe that the other parties do not bother putting up a decent candidate, just some person from central office who never bothers canvassing or leafletting even. It is like living in a one party state here!

Would you have voted for him I couldn’t even tell you what he said because I didn’t even read the leaflet that dropped through my door I took one look at his face and made my mind up instantly, but why Nanashirlz? If you did not read the leaflet how could you possibly form an opinion in order to vote?

Labour have never won Uxbridge and yet Rishi is acting as though it was a Conservative gain!
Then he makes out that that proves the next GE isn't a done deal!
If Sir John Curtice says the Conservatives are in deep trouble I know which one of the two to believe!
As for Johnny Mercer's remarks, they are much more infantile than the new Labour MP will ever be. It's pure hypocrisy because so many Ministers choose young people who've never had a real job as their Special Advisers.
I look forward to many more sitting Conservative MPs cutting and running as they foresee losing their seats and to seeing some of the most right-wing fruitcakes (eg Gullis in Stoke) being defeated.

westendgirl

I was appalled by Jonnie Mercer's reaction to the election of a 24 year old . He was very insulting. Is this the new character of Tory ministers appearing ?

Totally out of touch. He's obviously completely past it. Does he really think the country wants all politicians to be over 40 and far-right Tory? What a weird man.

Pit the Younger was younger than Keir Mather when he was PM. These people are very likely to lose the younger vote for so many reasons. Why make it worse, silly man.

Nannashirlz

westendgirl

I was appalled by Jonnie Mercer's reaction to the election of a 24 year old . He was very insulting. Is this the new character of Tory ministers appearing ?

Would you have voted for him I couldn’t even tell you what he said because I didn’t even read the leaflet that dropped through my door I took one look at his face and made my mind up instantly. None of them deserve my vote and I know most of neighbours also didn’t vote for anyone. We felt insulted by what we got.

Why are you so prejudiced against him? What was it you saw when you took one look at his face.?

I have the concerns about a very young MP because I think you are very idealistic at that age and don't have the experience that an older man may have. However, new eyes may have new ideas which we could certainly use. He is also one cog in a very large engine. He may not be my choice but I really do wish him well.

I am amused by the old man partly responsible for some of the mess we are now in being derogatory about youth. Could the young do any worse: surely not.
I am saddened that Nannashirlz did not read the leaflet the candidate left but decided what she would do on the strength of his face - I hope that she is a little more thoughtful if called to jury service.

Probably so many voters did not vote because they have low expectations of any changes - a stupid reason IMO for refraining from voting.

Looks to me as if the part of the electorate that did vote is hoping for changes.

The fact that a new MP is 25 has been constantly referred to - as if to say "he'll never stand the pace"

Bernadette Devline was 16 when she became a MP - I was 15, which is why I remember it so clearly as most of my school-friends were really chuffed that a sixteen year old could get into Parliament. And she was so good at her job there, that the only thing they could do to get rid of her, was to kick up a stink because she was an unmarried mother,

My father said at the time, that if having a child out of wedlock was grounds for getting rid of an MP both houses would be fairly empty if the rule was applied to men as well as women!

The new Labour MP's age has nothing whatsoever to do with his competence or lack of it. He can hardly be worse than most of the greybeards in parliament already, can he?

I think you are very idealistic at that age

I agree, one is idealistic when young … I see that as a positive. The ‘young Keir’ will be surrounded by a wealth of experience in the Labour Party. I hope those around him take ideas from his ‘blue sky’ thinking. Idealism plus realism is a very powerful combination, and one which just might move this country forward!

Absolutely Lizziedrip !

Grantanow

The by-election turnout was very close to the average by-election turnout over many such. This means the results are a pretty good prediction of a GE result unless Labour implodes over ULEZ or the Tories discover a gigantic magic money tree.

Interesting comment on world at one in ULEZ, Grantanow - a Conservative MP saying that really its something the parties should work together on. sorry didnt catch the name.

Keeping air contamination levels down and reducing CO2 emissions are in everyone's interests, if it becomes 'party political' there will be a right mess frankly. Clearly compromises needed but worked out co-operatively so much better.