The one and only UK 2024 election thread - July 4

[sturginho]

Sunak and the tories wheeling out old fat Blonde Bumblecunt is a real sign of desperation! Aimed at stopping the flow of the xenophobic, racist Brexiteer wing of their party to Reform, it will turn off more voters than it attracts. All it has done is allow all the old desperate stuff about 'pile the dead up high', Partygate, 'Pincher by name ...' etc get resurrected and stuck back onto social media. It also brings the Russia links ie Lebedev in HoL, even more into focus at the same time everyone is attacking Farage for his Putin friendly messaging. Anyone in CCHQ who thinks the slimy white dog turd will turn around their election chances is very misguided, however the likes of Labour and the LDs must be so happy to see him on stage reminding everyone just how low the Tories can go when in power. What next .... an image of Truss to pop up on the side of a red bus claiming they are the party of fiscal responsibility?

He looks worse than ever, too much partying

[Raggs]

Contemplating staying up overnight to watch this one. Never bothered before.

It's been pointed out that should lib dem be within a few seats of the Tories, it could be amusing to see a few Labour candidates jump ship to make them the official opposition.

Might even be worth labour trying to "encourage" it to help kill off the Tories.

[I like neeps]

In all likelihood, not much different.

People rarely cope with more than 2 parties.

I have to say, having worked many elections here in Oz, the system is better. It's Mandatory to turn up, not vote - but you have to get down off your high horse to turn up.

Preferential voting is much better than first past the post - I mean, how can it still be a thing? It's a relic

Would be very different as young people generally are the ones with low turnout and generally don't vote Tory.

If Starmer and Labour introduce a mandatory voting law, the Tories are comeback gets even harder.

Young people are not dumb - they know they are effectively disenfranchised

Not completely, Brexit wouldn't have happened if youth voting was mandatory - for example. Cameron probably doesn't win a majority in 2015 either.

[sturginho]

Oh dear, you know it's bad when even Sir Edwin is jumping ship!

[Lobby]

I see the Tories are pushing the message that, not only will Labour get a 'super majority', but that it will be 'the largest majority the Country has ever seen'.

This seems to me to be a blatant attempt to say to Labour voters that they don't need to vote as Labour will win anyway, and is intended to reduce the size of the Labour vote. It could, of course, backfire as Tory voters may also decide that, if its a foregone conclusion, they don't need to vote either, or that they can vote Reform as a Tory vote is useless.

[tabascoboy]

Local Hustings last night with most of the standing candidates attending and answering questions. Didn't go but by one account the Green ( lives locally and works as teacher ) came out of it best. Labour candidate seemed like ( can't win but happy to be here representing this constituency I barely know! ); LD, SDP and IND came across quite well but again none of them live in the constituency.

Tory was asked about the Palestine question and turned it into a rant about anti-semitism against the questioner but otherwise answered the questions fairly. Looked impatient and left at the first opportunity unlike some others who stayed to meet the audience afterwards.

Reform candidate gave poor answers, mainly Farageist soundbites, got heckled about lack of knowledge on some key policy points.

[C T]

Here's how the election campaign has changed my views:

At the Start: On a rainy day Sunak has some bright news. An election, finally! I've had enough of the Tories, they need to be ousted. No great love for Labour though. What I actually want is the Tories out, and Labour to have a majority but for the Tory party to remain strong enough to oppose. If Labour and the Tories release manifestos that are word for word identical I would still prefer Labour, if they can at very least get rid of the stench then I consider that a win.

It is worth saying however that I do have sympathy for Sunak. He's taken over a diarrhea splat of a party, his job is to turn that splat into a turd and then try to polish it. I can at least see he's trying to create a turd.

Then through the campaign we have the lies, which have been brazenly stuck to. The DDay disrespect, only to film a pre-recorded ITV interview and when that airs we hear that poor Sunak grew up without Sky. Asking the Welsh if they're looking forward to the footie.

But the real cherry on top, the attempt to down a man for seeking to spend time with his family. Starmer has said he wants to spend one evening a week, from 18:00, with his family. I praise Starmer for saying this, it's so nice to hear from an influential person. It's done in a very Starmer way, cautious, one evening a week. It's not enough, it should be more. I almost can't believe the distaste that this attack has brought up in me.

I'm starting to phychoanalyse them. What trauma have they gone through as a child to strip their emotions away? Do they need an ear to listen? Is it professional help that's required here?

So here I am at the end. No more love for Labour particularly, but I'm now disgusted by the Tories. I want them obliterated, one seat is too many.

[epwc]

But the real cherry on top, the attempt to down a man for seeking to spend time with his family. Starmer has said he wants to spend one evening a week, from 18:00, with his family. I praise Starmer for saying this, it's so nice to hear from an influential person. It's done in a very Starmer way, cautious, one evening a week. It's not enough, it should be more. I almost can't believe the distaste that this attack has brought up in me.

Very true

[tabascoboy]

Here's how the election campaign has changed my views:

...
But the real cherry on top, the attempt to down a man for seeking to spend time with his family. Starmer has said he wants to spend one evening a week, from 18:00, with his family. I praise Starmer for saying this, it's so nice to hear from an influential person. It's done in a very Starmer way, cautious, one evening a week. It's not enough, it should be more. I almost can't believe the distaste that this attack has brought up in me.
...

Certainly can't recall anyone quibbling over Theresa May

For May, this vital “me time” included going to the gym on Saturdays, and taking Holy Communion on Sundays, both of which were described by the paper as “untouchables” in her diary.

Over her time in office, May continued to attend these Sunday morning church services, with not a single news outlet or Conservative MP batting an eyelid about it.

https://bylinetimes.com/2024/07/02/keir ... ive-press/

[Biffer]

It is worth saying however that I do have sympathy for Sunak. He's taken over a diarrhea splat of a party, his job is to turn that splat into a turd and then try to polish it. I can at least see he's trying to create a turd.

He deserves no sympathy for anything, ever. He and his company were significant players in the financial crisis, made tens of millions out of it, and his actions led to the downfall of the UK's biggest banks. He's a self serving greedy narcissist who deserves to rot.

Just because he's not such a brazen cunt as Boris Johnson doesn't mean he's less of a cunt.

[TedMaul]

I’m a plus 1 on this subject.

[fishfoodie]

I'm starting to phychoanalyse them. What trauma have they gone through as a child to strip their emotions away? Do they need an ear to listen? Is it professional help that's required here?

No trauma, just naked greed & ambition; the desperate pursuit of Power, because they deserve it !

Their campaign has been a play-by-play campaign from the Steve Bannon playbook, as predicted, & their lies about taxes immigration, & the stoking up of the bullshit culture war is all part of that. Treat the electorate like morons, & a depressing amount of them will vote for you.

[robmatic]

Here's how the election campaign has changed my views:

At the Start: On a rainy day Sunak has some bright news. An election, finally! I've had enough of the Tories, they need to be ousted. No great love for Labour though. What I actually want is the Tories out, and Labour to have a majority but for the Tory party to remain strong enough to oppose. If Labour and the Tories release manifestos that are word for word identical I would still prefer Labour, if they can at very least get rid of the stench then I consider that a win.

It is worth saying however that I do have sympathy for Sunak. He's taken over a diarrhea splat of a party, his job is to turn that splat into a turd and then try to polish it. I can at least see he's trying to create a turd.

Then through the campaign we have the lies, which have been brazenly stuck to. The DDay disrespect, only to film a pre-recorded ITV interview and when that airs we hear that poor Sunak grew up without Sky. Asking the Welsh if they're looking forward to the footie.

But the real cherry on top, the attempt to down a man for seeking to spend time with his family. Starmer has said he wants to spend one evening a week, from 18:00, with his family. I praise Starmer for saying this, it's so nice to hear from an influential person. It's done in a very Starmer way, cautious, one evening a week. It's not enough, it should be more. I almost can't believe the distaste that this attack has brought up in me.

I'm starting to phychoanalyse them. What trauma have they gone through as a child to strip their emotions away? Do they need an ear to listen? Is it professional help that's required here?

So here I am at the end. No more love for Labour particularly, but I'm now disgusted by the Tories. I want them obliterated, one seat is too many.

I already knew that the Tories have no managerial competence but this campaign has been additionally distasteful. Some of the social media output has been appalling as well

[Hal Jordan]

But the real cherry on top, the attempt to down a man for seeking to spend time with his family. Starmer has said he wants to spend one evening a week, from 18:00, with his family. I praise Starmer for saying this, it's so nice to hear from an influential person. It's done in a very Starmer way, cautious, one evening a week. It's not enough, it should be more. I almost can't believe the distaste that this attack has brought up in me.

Very true

All sent away to boarding school at an early age so the concept of a family sit down is alien to them, especially when nannies and au pairs were there to fill in the parenting duties whilst Papa banged his way through a succession of mistresses and Mama was more fond of the horses, gin and tranquillisers than she was of the kids.

[sockwithaticket]

I've wanted the Tories obliterated since austerity. At no point have I ever felt anything less than contempt for their risible 'governance'


On a different note, I get the feeling the postal vote issue is going to be more significant than current reporting suggests. Not convinced everything's going to be settled on friday.

[petej]

I've wanted the Tories obliterated since austerity. At no point have I ever felt anything less than contempt for their risible 'governance'


On a different note, I get the feeling the postal vote issue is going to be more significant than current reporting suggests. Not convinced everything's going to be settled on friday.

I want them obliterated and the libdems as the 2nd biggest party.

The family meals/values work/life balance is quite socially conservative and wanting to conserve the environment is also quite conservative so funny to see the conservatives so opposed.

[Hal Jordan]

I've wanted the Tories obliterated since austerity. At no point have I ever felt anything less than contempt for their risible 'governance'


On a different note, I get the feeling the postal vote issue is going to be more significant than current reporting suggests. Not convinced everything's going to be settled on friday.

Zero chance the Tories don't kick up a fuss, they're looking for any way to cling to some form of power.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Interesting we've got this far and there's barely a whimper that Starmer is an avowed atheist. maybe w'eve grown up as a country and like having a Hindu PM it's just not that big a thing, or maybe it's because there was a Hindi PM nobody in a position to do so wanted to start the attacks.

[Margin__Walker]

Think c.45% of the country would describe themselves as atheist or non religious. And a decent chunk of the other 55% would be non Christian.

Atheism (or being non Christian) as an attack line would probably struggle for traction

[Insane_Homer]

Interesting we've got this far and there's barely a whimper that Starmer is an avowed atheist. maybe w'eve grown up as a country and like having a Hindu PM it's just not that big a thing, or maybe it's because there was a Hindi PM nobody in a position to do so wanted to start the attacks.

BJ the Catlic!

[_Os_]

My picks:

Labour 429,
Tories 120,
Lib Dems 55,
SNP 20.
Plaid Cymru 4,
Green 2,
Reform 1
Speaker/Independent 1

NI
SF 7,
DUP 5,
Alliance 3,
UUP 2,
SDLP 1,

[_Os_]

Tories 120,
Reform 1

If frog face does win and the Tories are crushed, then there's a chance he fully takes over the Tory party.

One of the two big parties then goes totally loony. Again.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Think c.45% of the country would describe themselves as atheist or non religious. And a decent chunk of the other 55% would be non Christian.

Atheism (or being non Christian) as an attack line would probably struggle for traction

I think it would have been a thing until very recently.

[epwc]

Tories 120,
Reform 1

If frog face does win and the Tories are crushed, then there's a chance he fully takes over the Tory party.

One of the two big parties then goes totally loony. Again.

I'm in the Maldon constituency, Reform will take a significant chunk of the vote here, I think it's likely that Farage will win Clacton.

If that happens whether Farage takes over the Tory party or not it's clearly going to mean a further lurch to the right for the remnants of the Tory party, maybe some moderate Tories (of the few left) will defect to LD/Labour?

[tabascoboy]

Tories 120,
Reform 1

If frog face does win and the Tories are crushed, then there's a chance he fully takes over the Tory party.

One of the two big parties then goes totally loony. Again.

Cruella seemed to be hinting at either the Tories willingly embrace Reform as a party and Frog Faced Twunt as leader or there are plenty of individuals who will force the issue. Otherwise a slew of post election defections to Reform possibly, and if a Tory/Reform merger then maybe a few going to Labour or Lib Dem. There will no doubt soon be decisive leadership battle and with any luck one to tear the party in two.

[SaintK]

And The Sun o for Labour
Murdoch knows which way the wind's blowing

[Biffer]

A summary of Conservative government since 2010

[tabascoboy]

A summary of Conservative government since 2010

[I like neeps]

And The Sun o for Labour
Murdoch knows which way the wind's blowing

They don't endorse him at all, they say that he'll win and they'll hold him to account.

Poor Keir, all those meetings with Rupert to kiss the ring and the best he gets is you'll win, we're going to criticise you every single day.

This on the second line:

Our commitment has always been to hold the Government's feet to the fire.

Of all of The Sun's lies this is the most outrageous.

[Raggs]

If Lib end up as the opposition, a Con+Reform merger would likely put them as the official opposition right? That would be scary.

[tabascoboy]

If Lib end up as the opposition, a Con+Reform merger would likely put them as the official opposition right? That would be scary.

Much as I'd like to see CON in 3rd or even 4th, can't really see it happening despite some poll results. I think some polling day jitters will cause a few changes of mind on the day for most of the parties, plus tactical voting not going to plan in places.

My wild uninformed guess is a LAB overall majority of ~80-100, which would still be impressive enough, but hope in any event that it's an almighty kicking for the Tories.

[Paddington Bear]

Interesting we've got this far and there's barely a whimper that Starmer is an avowed atheist. maybe w'eve grown up as a country and like having a Hindu PM it's just not that big a thing, or maybe it's because there was a Hindi PM nobody in a position to do so wanted to start the attacks.

Would be interesting in America.

[Slick]

My BiL told us last night that he is voting Tory because of the £2k tax rises and he doesn't want a "Super majority" - so lying does work.

In saying that, Eton > Bristol Uni > City Boy suggests it was never really a thought

[Paddington Bear]

My MP was campaigning in person outside the tube station this morning. If edge of London city types are clearly unpersuaded I start to believe the polls.

[SaintK]

They don't endorse him at all, they say that he'll win and they'll hold him to account.

Poor Keir, all those meetings with Rupert to kiss the ring and the best he gets is you'll win, we're going to criticise you every single day.

This on the second line:

Our commitment has always been to hold the Government's feet to the fire.

Of all of The Sun's lies this is the most outrageous.

Yes, I know it what it says, I read it.

But, by dragging his party back to the centre ground of British politics for the first time since Tony Blair was in No10, Sir Keir has won the right to take charge.
We will hold Labour to account, without fear or favour.
But we wish them every success.

[fishfoodie]

Tories 120,
Reform 1

If frog face does win and the Tories are crushed, then there's a chance he fully takes over the Tory party.

One of the two big parties then goes totally loony. Again.

Cruella seemed to be hinting at either the Tories willingly embrace Reform as a party and Frog Faced Twunt as leader or there are plenty of individuals who will force the issue. Otherwise a slew of post election defections to Reform possibly, and if a Tory/Reform merger then maybe a few going to Labour or Lib Dem. There will no doubt soon be decisive leadership battle and with any luck one to tear the party in two.

That's just her being as thick & tin eared as usual !

The Electoral mathematics at the weekend will how that while they lost votes to Reform; they lost seats to Labour & the LibDems !

They aren't going regain seats by swinging even further away from the center. Cruella doesn't comprehend this, but I think Priti Vacant does, because she's an opportunist, & not a zealot.

[epwc]

They don't endorse him at all, they say that he'll win and they'll hold him to account.

Poor Keir, all those meetings with Rupert to kiss the ring and the best he gets is you'll win, we're going to criticise you every single day.

This on the second line:

Our commitment has always been to hold the Government's feet to the fire.

Of all of The Sun's lies this is the most outrageous.

Yes, I know it what it says, I read it.

But, by dragging his party back to the centre ground of British politics for the first time since Tony Blair was in No10, Sir Keir has won the right to take charge.
We will hold Labour to account, without fear or favour.
But we wish them every success.

Well done guys, I couldn't bring myself to read that pile of shit for anything

[SaintK]

They don't endorse him at all, they say that he'll win and they'll hold him to account.

Poor Keir, all those meetings with Rupert to kiss the ring and the best he gets is you'll win, we're going to criticise you every single day.

This on the second line:


Of all of The Sun's lies this is the most outrageous.

Yes, I know it what it says, I read it.

But, by dragging his party back to the centre ground of British politics for the first time since Tony Blair was in No10, Sir Keir has won the right to take charge.
We will hold Labour to account, without fear or favour.
But we wish them every success.

Well done guys, I couldn't bring myself to read that pile of shit for anything

I had to hold my nose as I clicked through.

[I like neeps]

They don't endorse him at all, they say that he'll win and they'll hold him to account.

Poor Keir, all those meetings with Rupert to kiss the ring and the best he gets is you'll win, we're going to criticise you every single day.

This on the second line:

Our commitment has always been to hold the Government's feet to the fire.

Of all of The Sun's lies this is the most outrageous.

Yes, I know it what it says, I read it.

But, by dragging his party back to the centre ground of British politics for the first time since Tony Blair was in No10, Sir Keir has won the right to take charge.
We will hold Labour to account, without fear or favour.
But we wish them every success.

He has won the right to take charge as he'll win the election. The Sun's "endorsement" talked most positively about Farage and Reform, like some Tory policies and none of Labours.

Not an endorsement in any sense other than purely a we want to say we always pick the winners and our readers are most going to vote labour (as is the rest of the country) and prepare to be savaged when you're in government by us.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Interesting we've got this far and there's barely a whimper that Starmer is an avowed atheist. maybe w'eve grown up as a country and like having a Hindu PM it's just not that big a thing, or maybe it's because there was a Hindi PM nobody in a position to do so wanted to start the attacks.

Would be interesting in America.

One need only look how lightly Blair troop around the issue of his conversion that was over a decade obviously in the making. Call Me Dave and the walking lying machine both claim to be religious but I have my doubts about DC and BJ. May say what you will is clearly big into her faith and Truss clearly believes in fantasy so perhaps she is too, but I don't know when it comes to Truss, in so many ways of course one doesn't know when it comes to Truss.

I'm pleased if we've moved to a point it's not important either way