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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To reckon that Reform will win the next election, and to be utterly terrified about it? 😪

584 replies

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/01/2026 14:33

i am a leftie

I think they’ll win

If don’t, they’ll have the majority in a hung parliament and govern as a minority party before joining with the Tories.

i’m going to tighten my belt re running my home and prepare for onslaught as the country becomes unrecognisable

OP posts:
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Alexandra2001 · 27/01/2026 18:05

onpills4godsake · 27/01/2026 17:27

I think the reason why reform will get power is the inability of people to have a sensible grown up political debate without getting offended.

the cancel culture and the blanket labelling of voters as racist or extremist won’t change their votes or engage them it just pushes them further in that parties direction

people should be able to disagree about politics and still be friends - civil.

the minute you label someone wrongly you lose credibility with them

Nope, it'll be because of the constant anti Labour media, its been non stop from July 24.
Started with perfectly legal expenses and gifts properly declared and has continued ever since.

People have often complained that Politicians should change tack if their policy is wrong but when Labour do that, its "another damaging U-turn..."

Good things like Renters Rights or the latest today on Lease Holder ground rents all ignored.

Meanwhile the Russian links on Reform... all ignored.

I don't even support Starmer or many Labour policies but Christ the bias they have against them is unbelievable.

Teddybear23 · 27/01/2026 18:03

So you’d rather have Labour who have lied again and again and are spending a ridiculous amount on migrants!!

onpills4godsake · 27/01/2026 17:27

I think the reason why reform will get power is the inability of people to have a sensible grown up political debate without getting offended.

the cancel culture and the blanket labelling of voters as racist or extremist won’t change their votes or engage them it just pushes them further in that parties direction

people should be able to disagree about politics and still be friends - civil.

the minute you label someone wrongly you lose credibility with them

ContentedAlpaca · 27/01/2026 09:34

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 26/01/2026 14:47

You think Farage has something better to offer?

"purely sickening" suggests that this is not something they're in favour of.

It does seem to me that the way the two parties are going about, if they wanted reform in place, this would be the way to go about it.

SabrinaCarpetCleaner · 27/01/2026 09:30

Alexandra2001 · 27/01/2026 09:12

Yes they are but just like Brexit, its all a Wish List.... no policies based on reality.

So Farage announces a 20k tax threshold, weeks later, its now an "aspiration"

He said he'd STOP the BOATS on day 1 !! then "no we cannot, need to change the law..."

Plus how do you deport people where there is no means of getting there or refuse their citizens?

Yes the Status Quo is broken but the people who helped break it, are now in Reform....

You may trust people like Zahawi, Braverman, Jenrick and god alone who else will join but i don't and neither do 75% of those eligible to vote.

Voting for "Change" when you ve no idea what that change will bring is never wise.
Things can always get considerably worse.

The reason we're stuck in the cycle of the two party system is because the 'could get considerably worse' line is habitually peddled. While things get considerably worse.

I don't trust any of them, I thought I'd made that clear. And none of them stick to their manifesto, lets not pretend thats unusual just because we're talking Reform.

researchers3 · 27/01/2026 09:25

attichoarder · 26/01/2026 14:58

I don’t think is a foregone conclusion. I think people are fed up of the current government which despite proclaiming to be for working people has left many worse. The scrapping of two child benefit cap , the freezing big personal allowances etc if you are working you are worse off but if you are on benefits the perception is Labour has been good for you. I know that isn’t necessarily the case but that is the perception, the Tory’s made such a bad job of things that people want change and I can understand the view that it can’t be much worse as Reforms rhetorical in parts sounds like common sense. I don’t think Reform will be a disaster but neither do I think they have the answers

How do you not think Reform will be a disaster?

Alexandra2001 · 27/01/2026 09:12

SabrinaCarpetCleaner · 27/01/2026 09:02

Maybe Reform will be better at running the country than the shower of shit we've endured for decades. No question mark btw, because it's rhetorical (obviously; they're a brand new party).

Quite why anyone can still vote for the status quo when they're living the miserable existence it has inflicted upon them is the perplexing aspect. Just so you can proudly say you're a leftie? No one, except you, actually cares about how terribly virtuous you are.

The only people I can relate to now politically are those who are politically apathetic (scunnered, as we say in Scotland). When someone proudly commits their support to any of the established left/right parties my thought is gosh how foolish, turkeys voting for christmas. I can at least understand why a person is tempted by a new party; reform may prove as ineffectual as the others (i'd go as far as to say it's likely!) but it's an unknown. People voting thus are, at least, voting for change.

Yes they are but just like Brexit, its all a Wish List.... no policies based on reality.

So Farage announces a 20k tax threshold, weeks later, its now an "aspiration"

He said he'd STOP the BOATS on day 1 !! then "no we cannot, need to change the law..."

Plus how do you deport people where there is no means of getting there or refuse their citizens?

Yes the Status Quo is broken but the people who helped break it, are now in Reform....

You may trust people like Zahawi, Braverman, Jenrick and god alone who else will join but i don't and neither do 75% of those eligible to vote.

Voting for "Change" when you ve no idea what that change will bring is never wise.
Things can always get considerably worse.

AwayInTheWind · 27/01/2026 09:09

@SabrinaCarpetCleanerPrecisely 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

SabrinaCarpetCleaner · 27/01/2026 09:08

AwayInTheWind · 27/01/2026 09:06

as the country becomes unrecognisable …
That’s pretty funny for a Tuesday morning, thanks

Presuming we're not talking about unrecognisable as in no longer being an utter shithole.

AwayInTheWind · 27/01/2026 09:06

as the country becomes unrecognisable …
That’s pretty funny for a Tuesday morning, thanks

SabrinaCarpetCleaner · 27/01/2026 09:02

Maybe Reform will be better at running the country than the shower of shit we've endured for decades. No question mark btw, because it's rhetorical (obviously; they're a brand new party).

Quite why anyone can still vote for the status quo when they're living the miserable existence it has inflicted upon them is the perplexing aspect. Just so you can proudly say you're a leftie? No one, except you, actually cares about how terribly virtuous you are.

The only people I can relate to now politically are those who are politically apathetic (scunnered, as we say in Scotland). When someone proudly commits their support to any of the established left/right parties my thought is gosh how foolish, turkeys voting for christmas. I can at least understand why a person is tempted by a new party; reform may prove as ineffectual as the others (i'd go as far as to say it's likely!) but it's an unknown. People voting thus are, at least, voting for change.

Alexandra2001 · 27/01/2026 08:57

PistachioTiramisu · 27/01/2026 08:25

I think this is a very naive reply.

We need farmers probably more than most other occupations (apart from doctors, etc.). They grow and produce a lot of our food which we could not easily or cheaply import from elsewhere.

Why should we 'give back' territories which belong to us just to appease a small section of society? The Chagos Islands are strategically placed to aid our (and US) security and defence.

Do you really trust the Chinese to be completely above board with this proposed HUGE embassy?

The Embassy is combining several Chinese sites into one and has been cleared by the Security Services.

If you truly believe China is a security risk, then they shouldn't even have an Embassy.

Russia has its Embassy over 3 sites, given Russia has threatened us with Nuclear weapons, might be worth looking this rather than one of our largest trading partners.

The UK no longer has deep security interests in the Indian region, this is outdated now.
Personally, i'd hand it over to the USA to deal with.

tsmainsqueeze · 27/01/2026 08:48

Playingvideogames · 26/01/2026 14:40

I’m not at all a leftie and I’m also terrified.

They’re awful, corrupt, incompetent snakes and will be a huge risk to national security.

I won't vote for them, probably none of the others either.
In my opinion a large proportion of every party are awful, corrupt, incompetent snakes.
I have no idea what any of our futures will be , I have never seen such chaos in politics.

Ihatethistimeline · 27/01/2026 08:38

A large percentage of Reforms budget is targeted towards selling the message online that a Reform victory is inevitable, to nudge voters and donors into jumping on the ‘winning’ bandwagon.

Reform is socially hard right and economically hard left. Their position would destroy our economy and country.

Phase 1 was a Brexit and everyone can see how that turned out. The majority of people don’t want Farage and his one topic pressure group anywhere near Number 10. Taking in Braverman made it clear they are desperate. Now they are all over every newspaper comments section and social media trotting out identical talking points to try and turn this own goal into a win. It’s very transparent.

Bummmmblebee · 27/01/2026 08:36

PistachioTiramisu · 27/01/2026 08:25

I think this is a very naive reply.

We need farmers probably more than most other occupations (apart from doctors, etc.). They grow and produce a lot of our food which we could not easily or cheaply import from elsewhere.

Why should we 'give back' territories which belong to us just to appease a small section of society? The Chagos Islands are strategically placed to aid our (and US) security and defence.

Do you really trust the Chinese to be completely above board with this proposed HUGE embassy?

We need farmers, but plenty of farming businesses are run as businesses and won't be affected by inheritance tax because an individual isn't set to inherit the asset lockstock; did you know 20% of britain's farms produce 80% of our food? Why are we paying directly into the pockets of and giving tax breaks to the 80% that are producing 20? It's time it all got tidied up and became a proper meritocracy; our food supply is important.

PistachioTiramisu · 27/01/2026 08:25

Ohanotherflippingcold · 26/01/2026 20:43

  1. It's about time Farmers paid the same taxes as everyone else. I think shedding tears for farmers that are millionaires or have bought farms as a tax dodge is laughable
  2. You aren't bothered about the ' Chargos' Islands are you? You are against the giving them back because Trump and Farage have said it's a bad thing
  3. The security services approved the Chinese embassy after Starmer asked for a report into it. It is good for diplomatic relations and the economy to to develop better connections with China.

I think this is a very naive reply.

We need farmers probably more than most other occupations (apart from doctors, etc.). They grow and produce a lot of our food which we could not easily or cheaply import from elsewhere.

Why should we 'give back' territories which belong to us just to appease a small section of society? The Chagos Islands are strategically placed to aid our (and US) security and defence.

Do you really trust the Chinese to be completely above board with this proposed HUGE embassy?

Quine0nline · 27/01/2026 08:22

Do you think the Establishment, having seen what happened with the Brexit vote will let this happen?

Alexandra2001 · 27/01/2026 08:06

The Left have IMPOSED mass immigration on this country, and they have IMPOSED a new identity on us. No one asked for it, and no one voted for it

Hilarious!
Bojo, then Sunak imported 5m people from SE Asia and Africa... in just 3 years... none will ever go home, changing communities forever.

The 'right also took us out of the EU, so opening the doors to cross channel immigration, we had none before, as the threat to send back migrants under Dublin Treaty worked.

Alexandra2001 · 27/01/2026 08:01

caringcarer · 26/01/2026 20:24

I think no it's a bit of a joke to say Reform would be a security risk when it's Starmer who is attacking farmers and putting our food security at risk, trying desperately to give away the Chargos Islands and rent them back costing billions and allowing a mega Chinese embassy to open in London far larger than necessary for purpose.

Attacking Farmers? you mean a u-turn on IHT and handing out billions in support to replace the CAP ?

Supermarkets stuff over Farmers on pricing and its Trumps Tariffs that have wrecked milk prices, US farmers unable to sell Soy to China have dumped it on world markets, crashing feed prices and leading to over production of milk = lower prices - Dairy is a commodity like all others.

Chagos? so we ignore International courts! & its a deal the Tories negotiated, supported by the US... we would then have a legal basis to challenge anyone entering Chagos waters, something cannot do now.

Chinese Embassy? the building sold to the Chinese by the Tories, when the USA wanted it and then gave outline pp for an Embassy....

Regardless, the Chinese have several sites all over London, all these will close down and they will be in one place, far better to mitigate risk - if there even is any, as fibre moved and in any case, its all heavily encrypted and shielded against interference...

Reform on the other hand.... have seen a prominent leader & close friend of Farage, jailed for 10years for spying for Russia.... Supported a referendum backed and funded by Putin, Farage appeared on Russian Today multiple times, making a fortune....

AmIReallyOCD · 27/01/2026 07:51

There is growing speculation that Khan has ambitions beyond his current role and may be positioning himself as a future challenger to Starmer. Many people believe these political shifts are not happening in isolation, but are influenced by powerful global interests and elite forums such as Davos, where international policy directions are often shaped.

My concern is that, without a significant change in national leadership, the UK risks drifting toward policies that reduce personal freedom and democratic accountability. Ideas such as excessive central control, restrictions on movement, and diminished access to locally produced food feel increasingly plausible to many citizens — and I strongly oppose that trajectory.

The Labour Party appears more focused on appeasing external interests and political allies than on protecting the long-term sovereignty and wellbeing of the country. In doing so, it risks sacrificing national priorities and public trust.

If current trends continue unchecked, I fear that Britain’s cultural and political identity will change in ways that many people neither voted for nor support. I already feel like a minority in my own country - and it’s only going to get worse.

AmIReallyOCD · 27/01/2026 07:43

sleepwouldbenice · 27/01/2026 00:36

Wow you’ve really swallowed everything you’ve been fed. Good puppy

And it seems you've not been awake with your eyes open!

BurntBroccoli · 27/01/2026 01:04

Well hopefully there will be a Brejoin. Majority want this now.

BurntBroccoli · 27/01/2026 01:01

Ablondiebutagoody · 26/01/2026 15:19

Can't be worse than Labour or the Tories.

Er… yes they very much can and they are now formed with Tory rejects.

Abhannmor · 27/01/2026 00:41

Some of my lefty friends want Reform to win. Dose of fascism to wake people up from their torpor. I used to be a bit like that when I was young like them. You want to give the kaleidoscope a good shake in the hope of getting a better result.

But now - if I still lived in Blighty - I'd settle for a grand coalition of everyone who isn't completely barking mad. And I suspect something of that ilk will happen.

sleepwouldbenice · 27/01/2026 00:36

Dappy777 · 26/01/2026 21:59

No chance. This country is dominated by the Left. They run academia, the arts, the BBC, the publishing industry and the entertainment industry, and they now have one priority - stop Reform.

As for being “terrified” 🙄, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I constantly hear the word ‘fascist’ thrown at Farage. Frankly, I don’t know how the Left have got the nerve. They’re the fascists. The Left have IMPOSED mass immigration on this country, and they have IMPOSED a new identity on us. No one asked for it, and no one voted for it. Now that’s fascism. It isn’t Reform who are stopping people speaking on university campuses, and it isn’t Reform who are re-writing the history books, or demanding novels be removed from the bookshops, or dictating what we can say and think. It isn’t Reform who are ‘de-colonising’ the libraries and demonising our national heroes and teaching us to be ashamed of our history and culture.

Though they pose as morally superior, no one on earth is more dictatorial, intolerant or hate-filled than the Left. But because their hatred is directed towards Daily Mail-reading ‘NIMBYs’, somehow that’s OK.

Wow you’ve really swallowed everything you’ve been fed. Good puppy