Published on 12, July, 2020
Well that was a thumping majority, but I think a wide but shallow one. Reform did less well that exit polls predicted, for which I'm glad, but they have quite a high vote share. THe LibDems had a brilliant night.
A nice collection of Tory scalps for new MP's, Rees Mogg and Truss amoung them.
I stayed up until 3am and then had to go to bed, so I didn't see the big scalps taken, I'm tired today though.
It dosen't feel all unicorns and rainbow, frollicking fauns, and splashing mermaids, but I'm glad we've got some change, but it's a poisoned chalice for Starmer and gang, this country has so many problems in need of fixing. But I hope we have a stable government and not all this continual chopping and changing of PM and other ministers, I think part of the problems have been caused by so many reshuffles, ministers don't have time to get on top of their brief before they're moved on. That means any policy objectives they had are discarded by the successor, so nothing gets done and the rot sets deeper.
I feel pretty much the same. The amount of votes Reform got was scary, and I worry about the future. Farage has been given more of a platform and he'll know how to use it to best effect.
My hope is that if Starmer can improve things for people’s day to day experience in the U.K. (eg using the health service etc) then Reform’s support might dwindle away. Starmer has likely got 5 years to win over peoples confidence in Labour - most people just want society to function efficiently, and to have good basics like healthcare, affordable housing, decent schools, public transport etc. If Starmer can improve those fundamental aspects of people’s lives then they might feel less angry and stop blaming immigrants for all their problems. Right wing parties thrive on people’s anger, disillusionment and disenfranchised mindsets - what we need is to make those people feel invested in the idea that the government is working for them too, and improving their lives. It’s possible to do that. We’ll see!