Conservatives closing the gap on reform

I think stopping handouts before having paid in for 10 years for anyone that arrives here (legally or illegally) would be a start.

How exactly do you think they will do this?

Farage said he would have the small boats issue resolved within a fortnight of taking power. He then changed this to within a fortnight of having changed all the laws which make this difficult. Anyone with even the vaguest understanding of the UK political process knows this will be impossible within the lifetime of a parliament.

Yes that's going to be their big battle. If they can do that, they have my vote.

I don't want to vote Reform but I don't trust the tories enough to do what they need to with regard to immigration. After all, they did nothing to sort it when they were in power and they've a mountain to climb to resolve and it. Literally millions.

In your pp it seemed more certain, Kemi and Conservatives would not win.

I think it could be a broader coalition and it’s up for grabs.

Reform policies create momentum and popularity Conservatives adopt them and so support increases - simple but unpalatable to some maybe but how do you gain power without the popular vote.

I don’t know. I feel very politically homeless. I’m guessing it will be some sort of coalition. It could be a Reforn-Tory-DUP one, though I think a lot of Tories would have to hold their noses in order to rubber stamp that, or it could be a Labour-LibDem-Green one, perhaps with Plaid and or the SNP thrown in for good measure. I guess we need to remember that Labour have only been in post for a year and a half - and three and a half years (to the next election) is a very long time in politics, so it’s really too early to predict anything.

One thing the Conservatives need to do in my opinion to be in any way electable is to kick out all the closet Lib Dems in the party. Quite understandable that they were there during the Coalition but inappropriate now. They will hold the Conservatives back from doing what needs to be done.

Not defeatist, just pragmatism.

Labour are unelectable for a second term and have no viable talent progressing through their back benches that can effectively lead them. They have broken the psychological contract with their own voters, so have no real chance of winning over the floating votes. Their polling numbers are horrible and even 3 years probably won't be enough to undo the damage.

By definition that leaves two leading candidates who will no doubt battle it out to take over.

People can argue, speculate and raise cases about ' what about...' but taxes and employment are the clincher for the majority of voters. Hurt someone in their pocket and the voters won't forgive you.

Citing years of Tory rule as being inadequate won't work either. Voters have short memories and compare how they feel now to how they felt then. Most would probably say they feel less secure and confident now than they did so will vote on feelings.

Its got to be a centre right party. The left will be idealogically unable to take on the challenge that this country faces. I see the new head of the EHRC is saying the opposite of what the majority of the country feels (according to the polls) regarding immigration. We need more of it apparently including more asylum seekers. And we shouldn't be saying negative things about the consequences.

@ThisQuirkyHare that’s rather defeatist, the lesser of 2 evils, in your opinion it will between them, so you’re going to help them on their way🤷‍♀️

Well, Labour have made themselves unelectable for at least another decade, so it really does come down to a choice between Tory and Reform. Pick your lesser evil.

It's shocking just how badly Labour have performed. I know a lot of people expected a shit show but I think this Labour government has set a new low.

It's a two horse race now between Reform and Tory whether people like it or not.

yes, exactly this.

Who will win the next GE in your view?

Yes, this^

Are you a very high earner? If not Reform's policies aren't aimed at helping you. And rather like Brexit will make you poorer.

Issues weren’t being fixed when the conservatives were in for long enough, what was it 14 years.
I just feel, people are yes, fed up with politician's what with Brexit, covid, etc which did badly affect our economy, which is going to take years to improve
I just don’t understand why Labour are getting all the blame, which conveniently is coming from the Tories and their voters and right wing press.My concern is, reform, and the conservatives will do anything to get back in, and will align with them.

Yep it’s understandable people who know more in those groups will stick to Labour but overall their support is falling. Next May will be interesting.

I’d be very concerned about Reform forming a government unless they have convincing policies on things like transport infrastructure, environment, adult social care, skills and employment, energy security, and education. From what I can see they’re a one trick pony, focusing all their energy on immigration which they appear to blame for absolutely everything. They have completely bolloxed up Kent County Council and haven’t delivered or committed to their election promises. Farage is an expedient weasel who will say whatever will get him into power, and there are still questions about links to Russia.

Kemi has been undistinguished - she’s not a winning prime minister and is only in post as an interim. The Tories know they’ll lose the next election - memories of Covid and Brexit lies and profiteering are still too fresh. Once they lose they’ll replace her with someone they can get behind to win in the election after that.

I suppose the result of Labour policies is exacerbation of the split in the country. People who "know more people whose lives were adversely affected by the policies of the previous government." are presumably saying that under Labour those people's lives are now improving. That means those people are probably on benefits, work for the public sector or are immigrants. Because not many other people could say that their lives have improved under Labour.

Interesting to see that while the private sector jobs market is being decimated (see today's figures re the near halving of graduate jobs for example this year) Labour are increasing public sector jobs (paid for by the dwindling private sector). The cynic in me wondering why they would do something so counterproductive, suspects it might be something to do with getting their vote...Notwithstanding that it will pile on more debt for our children and wreck the economy.

Desperate times.

And the current government?

I know more people whose lives were adversely affected by the policies of the previous government.

Hmm speak for yourself and take your own advice😬