By-election and local authority results.

Callistemon21

Casdon

It’s going very well for Labour so far, and for the Lib Dem’s in their strongholds, it’s going to be an interesting day.

I want to have a little whinge though, about the Police Commissioner elections where that is the only election you are voting for. I don’t know if it was the case anywhere else, but because the PCCs are elected nationally on the same cycle, a huge amount of money was spent sending out polling cards, running polling stations and for the counts just for them - I’d be very surprised if the turnout was above about 15% - I voted at 8.30am, and I was only the third person at my station. Surely it would make more sense if they were elected on the same cycle as local councils for each area?

Oh yes!

I always vote but for the first time I didn't, because I would have spoiled my ballot paper anyway. I don't agree with the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. A useless, needless layer of bureaucracy imo.

Absolutely agree! Essex's Police Commissioner is the Fire Commissioner too! It sounds like a cushy non-job - how on earth did we manage before the role was invented? Has anybody ever done any research about whether the role improves the service for end users (ie us)?

Curtaintwitcher

The turnout was low, because many people just couldn't decide who to vote for. I usually cast my vote but on this occasion, I didn't. It was a council election and I haven't been very impressed by my local councillor.

I'm very concerned by the fact that Muslims brought the situation in the Middle East into the equation. They see being pro-Israel as being anti-Muslim and take it personally.
I hope this is not going to be allowed to overshadow British politics.

Unfortunately, that's how politics works for some people. It's not just the Palestinian issue. Some people latch on to one issue, but don't consider the rest of any party's agenda or the outcome of voting one way or the other.

growstuff

Curtaintwitcher

The turnout was low, because many people just couldn't decide who to vote for. I usually cast my vote but on this occasion, I didn't. It was a council election and I haven't been very impressed by my local councillor.

I'm very concerned by the fact that Muslims brought the situation in the Middle East into the equation. They see being pro-Israel as being anti-Muslim and take it personally.
I hope this is not going to be allowed to overshadow British politics.

Unfortunately, that's how politics works for some people. It's not just the Palestinian issue. Some people latch on to one issue, but don't consider the rest of any party's agenda or the outcome of voting one way or the other.

Yes I agree. Focusing on one issue, say, Gaza/Israel or immigration, and even Brexit , makes for very poor politics, and governments.

I would go so far as to suggest that single issue government has caused the chaos we see at present.

That is why it is absolutely essential to look at the manifesto and to give consideration to the likely outcomes of what is stated in them.

I agree that the police commissioner role seems pointless and would be very interested in an analysis of the benefits.
In terms of voting on one issue I mostly agree, but there are single issues that would impact my vote. If labour for example decided to support capital punishment I couldnt vote for them even if I agreed with the rest of the manifesto. So there are issues (not many) for me that are 'deal breakers' so I suppose I cant complain if that's the same for others.

growstuff

Curtaintwitcher

The turnout was low, because many people just couldn't decide who to vote for. I usually cast my vote but on this occasion, I didn't. It was a council election and I haven't been very impressed by my local councillor.

I'm very concerned by the fact that Muslims brought the situation in the Middle East into the equation. They see being pro-Israel as being anti-Muslim and take it personally.
I hope this is not going to be allowed to overshadow British politics.

Unfortunately, that's how politics works for some people. It's not just the Palestinian issue. Some people latch on to one issue, but don't consider the rest of any party's agenda or the outcome of voting one way or the other.

Partisan politics, arrived in Britain.

^Yes I agree. Focusing on one issue, say, Gaza/Israel or immigration, and even Brexit, makes for very poor politics, and governments.
I would go so far as to suggest that single issue government has caused the chaos we see at present^

Agreed Whitewave. The last GE was won by the Tory’s based on Johnson’s ‘Get Brexit Done’ and look what that led to. Governing a country is highly complex and can’t be reduced to one issue - particularly important at the GE.

It’s not just the matter of latching on to one issue growstuff
I think it is that many people have deal breakers like Galaxy has posted.

I couldn’t vote for a party if in their manifesto it said they were intent on initiating something/s that were to me deal breakers

The Tories will hang on till late 2024. The ones who will lose need time to find other lucrative jobs and want to collect their MP's pay for as long as possible while racking up their pensions. Some of them may even get put up to the Lords with lavish daily expenses.

GrannyGravy13

It’s not just the matter of latching on to one issue growstuff
I think it is that many people have deal breakers like Galaxy has posted.

I couldn’t vote for a party if in their manifesto it said they were intent on initiating something/s that were to me ^deal breakers^

You’re right - but what happens is that many then don’t vote at all, which contributes to us ending up with more and more conflict between the different factions. I think voting should be compulsory, which would at least mean that whatever the outcome it’s a majority choice.

The turn out being low is a worry. I’m hoping that that isn’t a prediction for the GE. I understand not knowing who to vote for, because our choices were dire.
Like others on here, there are deal breakers that I won’t accept.
The problem is, as with Brexit, the group/party or issue who get the most votes carry the day. The percentage winning in Brexit was tiny, but that tiny percentage was over a million votes. Over a million fewer people either voted remain or didn’t vote.

Casdon I could only agree to compulsory voting if there was a box marked "none of the above" and that result was also recorded. As it currently stands writing that on your ballot paper would just get recorded in with the spoiled ballots, not recorded as a conscious decision you couldn't back any of those standing.

They just announced on our evening news here in Australia that the Conservatives will be wiped out under Rishi Sunak at the next election. Why don’t they ditch him and make a last bid effort to win a few seats? I don't particularly like him and wouldn’t vote for him if I could but it is not good for the country to have no opposition and be totally ruled by Labour or anyone else come to that.

I too think voting should be compulsory. A poster on Mumsnset said we are lucky to have the right to vote but luck had nothing to do with it. Brave men and women fought and sometimes died or were deported for the right to vote.

Many posters on Mumsnet also seemed determined to spoil their ballot paper to "send a message" which is an absolutely fatuous notion. Scribbling on your ballot paper gives no indication of what, if anything, you are protesting about. You could be dissatisfied with one issue or many, or you could be drunk, mentally ill or doing it for a laugh. It is meaningless and will do nothing to bring about change.

I suggested they form a party and run the country themselves if they found it impossible to elect any of the numerous parties or independents.

Grantanow

The Tories will hang on till late 2024. The ones who will lose need time to find other lucrative jobs and want to collect their MP's pay for as long as possible while racking up their pensions. Some of them may even get put up to the Lords with lavish daily expenses.

The Tories will hang on till late 2024.

I wonder too if that is what they will do - for the reasons you say.

It doesn't bode well for the nation as a whole though if they do, does it?

I've been speculating that, in the meantime, they will attempt to marshal their voter-base by focusing on yet more populist issues.

Immigrants and the 'sick-note-culture' are reliable dog-whistle calls, but those cards are already being played.

All the while the NHS and social services crumble brick-by-brick, the cost-of-living increases - albeit at a slower rate than previously - and knife-crime is almost a daily occurrence in our towns and cities.

... of course, none of these matters will be addressed, even though they probably command the attention of a huge majority of the population. Committing to any initiatives, plans or policies, is a long-term requirement - and would also involve public spending which to a party ideologically wedded to the small-state model is a no-no.

I think they'll scorch the earth making it even more difficult for the next government. What have they to lose?

... unless, of course, come the GE, the troops rally because the Tories manage to unearth something to totally distract voters from voting for Labour... and I'm sure they're looking under the bed, etc.

I'm very disheartened by it all.

nanna8

They just announced on our evening news here in Australia that the Conservatives will be wiped out under Rishi Sunak at the next election. Why don’t they ditch him and make a last bid effort to win a few seats? I don't particularly like him and wouldn’t vote for him if I could but it is not good for the country to have no opposition and be totally ruled by Labour or anyone else come to that.

Why? More chaos and economic instability? Another PM with no mandate? No thank you!

We’ve been entirely “ruled” by the Tories for 14 years for all the good it did them and us!

Agreed Flappergirl. Not so sure about the ‘Mumsnetter Party’ though🙈

I would say MN has done more to champion womens rights than most.

I totally agree with your posts Dickens and Cossy. Blimey, I’m agreeing with everyone this morning - what’s happening! I’m sure someone will come along to put a fly in the ointment shortly

Rosie51

Casdon I could only agree to compulsory voting if there was a box marked "none of the above" and that result was also recorded. As it currently stands writing that on your ballot paper would just get recorded in with the spoiled ballots, not recorded as a conscious decision you couldn't back any of those standing.

I agree, there’s no reason I can think of not to have a box for not agreeing with any of the parties - it would be a good gauge of the mood of the country, far better than the current apathy.

nanna8

They just announced on our evening news here in Australia that the Conservatives will be wiped out under Rishi Sunak at the next election. Why don’t they ditch him and make a last bid effort to win a few seats? I don't particularly like him and wouldn’t vote for him if I could but it is not good for the country to have no opposition and be totally ruled by Labour or anyone else come to that.

I'm not 100% sure that Sunak is the sole reason why voters are turning against the party, so swapping him for another leader may not have the desired effect. It's not as if there's a pool of untapped talent to choose from, either.

Such a move would divide the party, too. The country is in a mess - it would be better if government addressed those concerns that affect the majority of people rather than focus on the chaos and in-fighting that would inevitably follow the ousting of Sunak.

Casdon

Rosie51

Casdon I could only agree to compulsory voting if there was a box marked "none of the above" and that result was also recorded. As it currently stands writing that on your ballot paper would just get recorded in with the spoiled ballots, not recorded as a conscious decision you couldn't back any of those standing.

I agree, there’s no reason I can think of not to have a box for not agreeing with any of the parties - it would be a good gauge of the mood of the country, far better than the current apathy.

Totally agree with both of you.

It might concentrate a few minds if politicians were forced to accept the reality of the mood of the country.

It might concentrate a few minds if politicians were forced to accept the reality of the mood of the country.

This absolutely. No party thinks any of the votes for them were because they were the 'least worse option'. I've never not voted, but occasionally it really was choosing the least worse option, when I'd have been truer to myself if I could have voted 'none of you'.

Dickens

nanna8

They just announced on our evening news here in Australia that the Conservatives will be wiped out under Rishi Sunak at the next election. Why don’t they ditch him and make a last bid effort to win a few seats? I don't particularly like him and wouldn’t vote for him if I could but it is not good for the country to have no opposition and be totally ruled by Labour or anyone else come to that.

I'm not 100% sure that Sunak is the sole reason why voters are turning against the party, so swapping him for another leader may not have the desired effect. It's not as if there's a pool of untapped talent to choose from, either.

Such a move would divide the party, too. The country is in a mess - it would be better if government addressed those concerns that affect the majority of people rather than focus on the chaos and in-fighting that would inevitably follow the ousting of Sunak.

I'm not 100% convinced either. All the scandals, public services in disarray, the Covid "contracts for mates" and "one rule for them and another for us" and the realisation that the Conservatives haven't achieved much after 14 years in power is sinking in.

I think if the Conservatives were to change leader now, it would be the last straw for many. It really would confirm that it's a political party which doesn't have any direction.

I don't know how Sunak sleeps at night. I can't imagine why he wanted to be leader/PM. If I were him, I'd already be in conversations with banks and financial organisations to go back to my old job.

growstuff

Dickens

nanna8

They just announced on our evening news here in Australia that the Conservatives will be wiped out under Rishi Sunak at the next election. Why don’t they ditch him and make a last bid effort to win a few seats? I don't particularly like him and wouldn’t vote for him if I could but it is not good for the country to have no opposition and be totally ruled by Labour or anyone else come to that.

I'm not 100% sure that Sunak is the sole reason why voters are turning against the party, so swapping him for another leader may not have the desired effect. It's not as if there's a pool of untapped talent to choose from, either.

Such a move would divide the party, too. The country is in a mess - it would be better if government addressed those concerns that affect the majority of people rather than focus on the chaos and in-fighting that would inevitably follow the ousting of Sunak.

I'm not 100% convinced either. All the scandals, public services in disarray, the Covid "contracts for mates" and "one rule for them and another for us" and the realisation that the Conservatives haven't achieved much after 14 years in power is sinking in.

I think if the Conservatives were to change leader now, it would be the last straw for many. It really would confirm that it's a political party which doesn't have any direction.

I don't know how Sunak sleeps at night. I can't imagine why he wanted to be leader/PM. If I were him, I'd already be in conversations with banks and financial organisations to go back to my old job.

...All the scandals, public services in disarray, the Covid "contracts for mates" and "one rule for them and another for us" and the realisation that the Conservatives haven't achieved much after 14 years in power is sinking in.

Nail hit firmly on head!

Mollygo

The turn out being low is a worry. I’m hoping that that isn’t a prediction for the GE. I understand not knowing who to vote for, because our choices were dire.
Like others on here, there are deal breakers that I won’t accept.
The problem is, as with Brexit, the group/party or issue who get the most votes carry the day. The percentage winning in Brexit was tiny, but that tiny percentage was over a million votes. Over a million fewer people either voted remain or didn’t vote.

I don't think Brexit was an issue during the last election in deciding how people voted. If it had been, the LibDems would have picked up nearly half of the votes (which is what Jo Swinson thought). Johnson and the Conservatives were pushing for Brexit. Corbyn was always for Brexit (despite his trying to fudge the issue).

I've nearly always voted LibDems (mainly because I live in a rock solid Conservative constituency and it doesn't really matter). I've voted for manifesto commitments.

However, if I lived in a constituency which was a two-way fight between Conservative and Labour, I'd vote Labour and would have done in 2019. I was (and still am) 100% against Brexit, but I don't think there's that much between the Conservatives and Labour now on the issue. I suspect that as memories of the referendum fade, pragmatic solutions will be found to overcome many of the problems Brexit has caused, whichever party is in power.