Independent candidates- the real threat to Labour?

The fundamental problem is that the UK is not a democracy.

MPs are elected by First Past The Post which results in most voters being represented by someone they voted against and a party with only a minority of votes gaining a huge majority of seats in the House of Commons meaning they can do exactly what they want, against the wishes of the British people, until the next election.

If we ever became a democracy, like almost all other European countries, we would elect our representatives by proportional representation, meaning that every vote would count.

The two big parties could then split into groups which actually agreed on policies which were far right, centre right, centre left and far left.

Voters could then have a proper choice.

Glorianny

Casdon

I didn’t think the mayoral election was until May 2024 Glorianny? There’s a huge amount of water to go under the bridge before then, whatever allegiances people have. I think there’s a chance that the general election will be held at the same time, the pundits are saying most likely dates are May or October next year.

Who else do you think falls into the category you’re describing of left wing populists who would stand a chance of election as independents, if they were to follow Driscoll’s example and leave the Labour Party (or have already left), assuming they are already either MPs or could beat standing MPs?

It isn't Casdon Jamie set up a fundraising page when he was banned and said if he raised £25k by August he would stand as an independent- the site is currently at almost £126k.
Mostly small amounts from ordinary people
www.gofundme.com/f/jamie-driscoll-for-north-east-mayor
I do wonder if it could herald a new way of funding candidates.

Maybe, if they are popular enough to get that level of support. There aren’t many Driscoll equivalents out there though, and unless candidates have both the proven track record and the personality I can’t see it happening to any great degree.

I agree, varian.

I have often said on here that I think the idea of a 'right' and 'left' dichotomy is false. People are not robots, and aren't going to buy into everything a particular party puts forward. It always amazes me when posters are surprised that someone who disagrees with them on one topic is in agreement on another. Why wouldn't they be? The only people I've known who are entirely consistent in their proclaimed views tend to be ranting ideologists who don't appear to have considered things very deeply (eg someone I know who claims to be a revolutionary Marxist yet makes a living from a portfolio of rented properties ).

Yes, we tend to skew to one 'side' or the other overall, and we have to vote for someone, but I don't see 'left' and 'right' as being as simplistic as is often portrayed online.

Forget the mayoral election. The most important one is the General Election. There is clearly a danger in some constituencies of an Independent like Code splitting the Labour vote and letting the Tories in. The message to everyone who wants the Tories out is to ignore Independents and vote Labour (or tactically Lib Dem in some places).

I would only vote Labour in a GE, despite misgivings on some policies. It is more important to get this government out than anything else, IMO.

But the idea that that should be the end of the matter, and that the (currently shadow) cabinet should decide who we can vote for in things like mayoral elections doesn't wash with me. I think it is supremely arrogant to deselect a serving mayor in favour of a 'more suitable' (or biddable) candidate, and the LP leaders need to learn to respect the views of their constituents and voters.

Yes I disagree strongly with the stance on Jamie Discroll. I am from the area however and would be surprised if Kim McGuinness doesnt win.

Galaxy

Yes I disagree strongly with the stance on Jamie Discroll. I am from the area however and would be surprised if Kim McGuinness doesnt win.

That's interesting. Most of the people I know regard her as a bit of a lightweight career politician, who took over a role which had been incredibly proactive, and has done nothing. Admittedly Vera Baird was a hard act to follow. But Jamie has a great track record.

Oh it doesn't mean I particularly rate her , I was vaguely irritated at the assumption locally that we should vote for her amongst the labour candidates. However she was streets ahead in terms of what she put out and I did end up voting for her. I am not the best person to ask in some senses as I dont have a lot of faith in the positions such as police commissioner, and actually the position of mayor itself.

Vera Baird was great. She investigated rape trials and had volunteers sitting in logging anything they considered to be even minor infringements, like denigrating the victim by defence counsels. I knew someone who did it. It's not something I think I could cope with, some horrific cases. If it will have any long term effects I'm not sure, but Vera really tried.

To OP
They are likely a threat to both big political parties especially next time GE.

Very few truly independent candidates have ever been elected.

The only one I can remember is Martin Bell, (the man in the white suit), who took the seat of the disgraced Tory Neill Hamilton, but only until the next election..