So, Reform took Runcorn.
Local election results might be dismissed by the losers as unimportant because they only reflect the views of voters in 23 councils and six mayoral posts in England – but don’t be fooled. This is a transformational moment in British election history. We are experiencing a once-in-a-century realignment of our politics. For so long, we had a two-way race between the Conservatives and Labour, but now we have a four-way race with the emergence of Reform and the resurgence of the Liberal Democrats – and we don’t yet know what the outcome will be.
It may have only been six votes – and that’s the slimmest we’ve seen in a long time, but the swing necessary to achieve that is what really matters here. Okay, this could be the same eventual outcome as the SDP back in the eighties. I hope not, but let’s be cautious nonetheless. If, however, Reform has managed to break the two-party grip, that can only be a good thing. If this keeps up, I think we could be seeing a Reform/Tory coalition. I don’t think it will be enough to get them into power on their own. That I suspect will take two election cycles.
None of this alleviates the concerns I have about Nigel Farage and the Rupert Lowe affair.
Makes you wonder how big the swing would have been had Farage and his crew not turned on Rupert (and Ben), once again Farage causing mayhem as a political movement finds themselves gaining success.
There must be thousands if not millions, like wifey and i, who cannot bring ourselves to vote for Reform currently following yet another episode in the Farage saga, i fully understand why people did and i’d been undecided what to do, in the end apathy with it all won the day for us, haven’t voted uniparty for 30 years or more and can’t see ever doing so again, my fear is Farage and #’that lot’ proving to be the 4th branch of the uniparty should they get in power.
I’m hoping Ben Rupert Andrew (Katie Tommy and numerous others) form a united alliance under one party banner, one right thinking party united, Reform might have broken the mould but i don’t trust Farage an inch, haven’t for many years, and can’t see that changing.
Don’t forget the twat Tice and his comments about not wanting anything to do with “those poeple” referring to many of the Reform (and Tommy Robinson) supporters.
Not forgetting his girlfriend with her condescending remarks from that all knowing smirk commenting on Talk just after the Rupert Lowe farce kicked off.
I think Simon Webb nails it as usual. Gimmegration – realistically the long term consequences – is likely the main issue animating anger at present.
This is an issue that cannot be acknowledged of course, but it is SO in your face it’s difficult to see past it.
Is Farage just a sellout?
I don’t know (genuinely) but he is a focus for protest, and love him or loathe him, he is getting votes.
You may well be right about two election cycles. Reform on the next one and then a proper solution the one after.
But ye gods, for labour to lose a seat like that! 16th most secure I believe (was!).
I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll have to wait until 2029.
About 400 liebore MPs have been put on notice. Their naked self interest vs their ideological controllers. Should be interesting.
Farage is certainly a divisive figure but, to his credit, he gets things done, sometimes almost impossible things. Brexit would never have happened without his personality and long-term input. Similarly Reform UK would not have achieved yesterday’s results without him.
That’s the dilemma. Farage is the best chance of busting the Uniparty, so maybe we learn to live with the downsides in order to get the result.
Never let aiming for the perfect become the enemy of the good – I’m not currently seeing the ‘perfect’ anywhere (apart from my shaving mirror).
My SIL lives in Hessle near Hull. Visiting today I spotted a leaflet from Labour stating that only they can beat Reform. I find it significant that Reform have replaced the Tories as Labour’s bogeymen.
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Farage was great. I went off him when he walked away after Brexit and left our lying politicians to implement it when the world know they didn’t want to. Then the Brexit party where he showed he was unwilling to compromise. Finally he turned into a real politician with reform and he doesn’t have the same wants as the public. I still like him but he isn’t able to compromise and his will must dominate. He is a massive dis-appointment in his role as leader. He has broken the mould and opened it up to others and if he turned Reform over to the public and cedes control them it will dominate, otherwise we need a new party, again.