Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbour has put political banner on his fence

256 replies

IonaJ · 08/07/2025 20:52

Our neighbour’s house has a fence which faces a fairly busy road. He has taken it upon himself to tie a political banner (think ‘vote X’) to that fence.

Before anyone says it, yes I know it’s his property. But said party are divisive and I worry there may be some unwarranted attention as a result.

Do you think we would be unreasonable to politely suggest it is taken down, or to compromise, only put there during election periods?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Corinthiana · 08/07/2025 22:14

TheGrimSmile · 08/07/2025 22:13

Most people see them as moronic thugs, I'm afraid. I wouldn't like to live next door to one. Lowers the tone 😆On par with an England flag... or any flag for that matter.

Show quote history

Including a Palestinian flag, like pp?

TheGrimSmile · 08/07/2025 22:13

TheNuthatch · 08/07/2025 21:06

You don't need to feel sorry for residents who want to sell their homes. Reform are the most popular party in England and Wales rn, so the banner may help to boost interest.

Show quote history

Most people see them as moronic thugs, I'm afraid. I wouldn't like to live next door to one. Lowers the tone 😆On par with an England flag... or any flag for that matter.

Magnir · 08/07/2025 22:12

I thought a Labour banner.

Keepingoin · 08/07/2025 22:12

IonaJ · 08/07/2025 21:00

Yes it’s a Reform banner. Each to their own in terms of politics, but being the first thing you see when turning in to our street is not great. I feel sorry for any residents who are thinking about selling their house soon.

Totally agree with you regardless of what the banner represents.

WhereIsMyJumper · 08/07/2025 22:11

Jennps · 08/07/2025 22:07

That didn’t take long. The reason you have an issue with it is because it’s a reform banner.

I suppose you’d not have an issue if it was the Green Party or some other left wing batshit loony tunes political outfit.

Reform is pretty much mainstream now. Get over it.

Show quote history

This. I’m not a Reform voter - didn’t vote in the locals and if there was a GE tomorrow I honestly do not know how I would vote.

But people need to start taking Reform, and their supporters, seriously. If they keep scoffing at them, calling them thick and racist then they will walk the next election. They did well in the locals so their supporters are emboldened. People are discussing their policies more and openly starting to admit support for them. Those of you that keep branding them all racist need to cop the fuck on.

And the current shower of shit we have following on from the previous shower of shit we had, have not helped the issue.

Jennps · 08/07/2025 22:11

IonaJ · 08/07/2025 21:15

Probably the latter as the main concern if I’m honest. I would like to think we live somewhere affluent enough to not attract those who’d cause damage etc, and whilst we do have some social housing nearby in one of the new build areas, I think they are more likely to be in favour of the sign!

Show quote history

This totally sums up the left. The fact that people think the left are all about equality is delusional. They are all about keeping the riff raff at bay while they cosplay ladies who lunch.

Hoardasurass · 08/07/2025 22:11

IonaJ · 08/07/2025 21:15

Probably the latter as the main concern if I’m honest. I would like to think we live somewhere affluent enough to not attract those who’d cause damage etc, and whilst we do have some social housing nearby in one of the new build areas, I think they are more likely to be in favour of the sign!

Show quote history

You do realise that most of the militant left are the grown children of middle class/upper middle class families not working class. So if you live in a nice area you'll be more likely to get hassle about it than if you lived in a working class area

justasking111 · 08/07/2025 22:09

I'm in Wales. Signs like this spring up at every election. Every party. No-one turns a hair. Will be interesting to see if Reform throwing their hat into the ring this time will be viewed differently.. We've Senedd elections next year.

Mind you our Welsh flags come out regularly for events. And no-one is offended.

Moonlightdust · 08/07/2025 22:09

I have my personal views when it comes to politics but choose to keep them to myself…HOWEVER there is something called Freedom of speech in this country and a public citizen is within their rights to promote a political party on their property.

CheekyFish · 08/07/2025 22:09

IwasDueANameChange · 08/07/2025 21:44

For me it would be about the typical demographics associated with reform. Older, conservative voters, men more so than women. The vast majority of reform voters voted leave. Studies have shown reform voters think immigration/stopping the boats are the most important issues facing our country.

These aren't neighbours I'm going to gel with.

Wouldn’t conservative voters vote conservative?

bellamorgan · 08/07/2025 22:08

ilovesooty · 08/07/2025 22:03

I don't see why someone would put up a political banner when there isn't an election going on.

There’s a few up locally not just reform. People are clearly passionate about their political beliefs publicly.

Scout2016 · 08/07/2025 22:08

Yes YABU. And I'd stop digging if I were you OP.

For what it's worth I am entirely unsurprised that a resident in a nice affluent area is a Reform voter. I doubt anyone seeing the sign is going to be shocked either.

Jennps · 08/07/2025 22:07

IonaJ · 08/07/2025 21:00

Yes it’s a Reform banner. Each to their own in terms of politics, but being the first thing you see when turning in to our street is not great. I feel sorry for any residents who are thinking about selling their house soon.

That didn’t take long. The reason you have an issue with it is because it’s a reform banner.

I suppose you’d not have an issue if it was the Green Party or some other left wing batshit loony tunes political outfit.

Reform is pretty much mainstream now. Get over it.

RebelMoon · 08/07/2025 22:06

ColinOfficeTrolley · 08/07/2025 21:33

Nah not really. It's how you end up with like minded people. That's not an echo chamber. That's just finding your people.

If you think that having the same fundamental views as your spouse and friends, is an 'echo chamber', then that's up to you.

You don't have to agree with absolutely everything those around you believe, but I do believe the importance of how you treat others, can be reflected in the company you keep.

Show quote history

I hate to tell you this but there's a fair to middling chance that at least one of your friends is a secret Reform voter.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 08/07/2025 22:05

IonaJ · 08/07/2025 21:15

Probably the latter as the main concern if I’m honest. I would like to think we live somewhere affluent enough to not attract those who’d cause damage etc, and whilst we do have some social housing nearby in one of the new build areas, I think they are more likely to be in favour of the sign!

Show quote history

Get over yourself.
I hope other neighbours join him.

Bridport · 08/07/2025 22:04

Photo or there's no banner.

ilovesooty · 08/07/2025 22:03

I don't see why someone would put up a political banner when there isn't an election going on.

RobertaFirmino · 08/07/2025 22:01

Sneak out on the middle of the night with some paint and a Sharpie. Change the R to a D. They'll soon take it down.

CurlewCelia · 08/07/2025 22:01

DrCoconut · 08/07/2025 21:51

I usually can't stand flag poles in gardens (really naff) but this calls for one, with an EU flag flying proudly.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide/flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide

Flying flags: a plain English guide

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide/flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide

ChocolateCinderToffee · 08/07/2025 22:00

MyMoneyIsAllSpent · 08/07/2025 21:00

Are you serious? Obviously Rachel Reeves hasn’t hiked taxes enough if that’s all you have to worry about.

ODFOD

PiggyPigalle · 08/07/2025 21:58

You're surely not suggesting the Left are violent? Better notify MI5 as they think it's the far Right who are the danger.

WildPinkHelper · 08/07/2025 21:56

You better hope Google maps doesn't do a drive around or your property prices are going to go through the floor.

Livelovebehappy · 08/07/2025 21:55

Lavender14 · 08/07/2025 21:11

Tbh I would hate that because of the connotations associated with reform and how it might make other people either living or visiting the area feel uncomfortable so for that reason I would report it anonymously to the local council but realistically if he owns the house I'm not sure there's much you can do.

I'd second an F off farage poster as well.

Show quote history

You're suggesting the council may be able to do something? Why? They're a political party just like Labour and theTories are. It's not illegal for anyone to display their political party preferences on their private property.

waxymoron · 08/07/2025 21:53

I think the op is mar'vlous. She happliy mixes with the 'poors'(I mean one wouldn't encourage the kiddies to be pals obvs, but we can chat nonsense with the mummies!)
I would be appalled if someone in our street put up a massive reform banner I agree, but I'd probably try to telk to them and get their viewpoint. Personally I think reform voters are sad disenfranchised, despondent (probable) racists, but a conversation explaining realities is always worth a try

DrCoconut · 08/07/2025 21:51

I usually can't stand flag poles in gardens (really naff) but this calls for one, with an EU flag flying proudly.

Swipe left for the next trending thread