Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

Arrogantly complacent leaflet from Labour written as though Starmer is running for President

65 replies

IwantToRetire · 28/06/2024 19:03

So far I have only had one leaflet re GE. It was from Tory candidate who set out how they thought they could represent the constituency.

But today I got a hand delivered (but addressed to me) a leaflet about voting fot Starmer.

Nothing why I should vote for the Labour candidate.

Nothing about the constituency, nothing about the work the candidate (former MP) has done locally.

Just a long list of Starmer's Labour superiority over the Tories, and how saint Starmer has saved the Labour party.

And then loathsome US style garbage about "service" and country.

It is obviously a standard leaflet that they have just mail merged the candidate's name and constituency name into, although stuck to the safe option of referring to the candidate as they.

Not sure who this is meant to appeal to. Or are they assuming everyone is on social media and geting information elsewhere. Not heard of any hustings.

I had heard that Labour had got trillions more donations than Tories for their election campaign, and cant think why they have used this to churn out such a non credible "why you should vote for me" leafleting.

Not forgetting I dispise him anyway, but genuinely cant think who thought this was a way to encourage people to vote for them.

OP posts:
Freysimo · 29/06/2024 07:38

I'm in SW Wales. I've had a communication exactly the same. You had to search for the candidate's name and it was all about Starmer. Our Labour candidate is one of Starmer's parachute boys whereas the Cons has majority of 5k and has lived here all his life, MP for 20 years. Labour man predicted to win but I really hope he doesn't. His only connection to area is mum has holiday home.

IncompleteSenten · 29/06/2024 07:20

UtterlyOtterly · 28/06/2024 19:24

I am convinced the vast majority of people who will vote Labour are doing so to vote the Tories out. It is not that they want KS in power.

Self congratulatory leaflets will only make people feel less inclined to vote for the puffed up person.

That's what I'm doing.

Through gritted teeth, mind.

The only way to get the Tories out is to vote tactically and in my area that means labour. To vote any other way is to waste my vote.

I'd have spoiled my ballot instead of that actually did anything but it doesn't. They don't give a shit what you write on it or do to it. They simply discount it.

GiveMeMySoddingCokeZero · 29/06/2024 07:13

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 28/06/2024 19:27

Every local election the Lib Dems (in power for the last two elections) write to everyone saying 'Thank you for voting for us.' I just write 'I didn't' and send it back.

The one I find weird is all the orange boards on sticks and window posters saying "Liberal Democrats Winning Here".

I feel sort of like, if I maybe wasn't that into politics but I'd quite like the Lib Dem to win, I might see those and think, "Oh okay, if they're going to win, I don't need to bother going to vote, happy days". And if I really didn't want the Lib Dem to win, it could only galvanise me to get out and vote against them to try and stop it happening. As a slogan it seems… potentially counterproductive?

(Also their posters always say that, and they never bloody win, so it comes across deluded and arrogant to boot.)

suggestionsplease1 · 29/06/2024 02:12

Can you upload a photo of the leaflet you have received OP?

There's a lot of shite doing the rounds at the moment but people get a better idea of what's really happening, leaflet -wise when photos are uploaded. As otherwise it's just a load of digital bumf that is Is created in under 20 secs. Or not even that.. something that is alluded to but never ascertained.

I'm sure you will be aware.

If you upload a photo that will give some credibility for Mumsnet FWR to go from and discuss. It's very easy to photograph and upload now.

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 29/06/2024 01:53

capitanaamerica · 29/06/2024 01:10

And then loathsome US style garbage about "service" and country.

No!!! The absolute monsters.

Not monsters, but just an example of how UK politics have turned into the banal posture politics of the US as portrayed in the media.

And as well answered by a PP not applicable to electing a candidate who is asking to be elected to represent a constituency.

Empty tub thumbing US style has led to Farge being taken seriously as a politician and as revealed by yesterday's events leads to the narrow minded bigotry caught by C4 news.

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 29/06/2024 01:49

This is absolute rubbish and not my experience at all

Your statement actually shows that what I have said isn't rubbish?

What prompted you to write something so evidently untrue.

The whole point of the thread was saying this was my experience

Others have managed to contribute to the thread about what their experience has been. Some the same some not.

What prompted such an over wrought statement which is implying I am lying.

I wont be so petty as to get MNHQ to delete it.

But unless you can somehow transport yourself to my home and shadow me and experience the past fews hours of today you are the one talking rubbish.

And even if I wasn't (and PPs have shared similar) whatever made you so adament about trying to claim it couldn't be true.

Really, really weird reaction.

Do you think all the others who have also received this mass produced document are also lying.

Or are you under the impression that your experience is the only other one, and the rest of us should just pretend we didn't experience something that did actually happen to us.

Hopefully we can go back to how the thread was developing with different experiences and some that chime.

It have been quite informative.

OP posts:
capitanaamerica · 29/06/2024 01:10

And then loathsome US style garbage about "service" and country.

No!!! The absolute monsters.

SnowFrogJelly · 29/06/2024 01:01

IwantToRetire · 29/06/2024 00:42

By contrast have just had a (self designed?) 2 sided A5 leaflet from the Lib Dems.

In that small amount of space they conveyed more information about their Party platform and how candidate said they would work for the community.

I have started to think that this all purpose letter (how Starmer will save us) is in fact the grip Labour HQ has on what can or cant be said.

Basically the leaflet is saying we dont trust local Labour candidates to say the right thing, so we will go on being bland.

Nobody must have an opinion.

Nobody must speak out of turn.

Unless of course you are one of the favoured few and can stick the boot into women. https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5107604-angela-rayner-wont-apologise-for-calling-wpuk-and-lgb-alliance-hate-groups

This is absolute rubbish and not my experience at all. I have had several communications from our Labour candidate detailing his policies and plans for our local community. I will vote Labour because I support him and Keir Starmer not just to get the Tories out

Ereshkigalangcleg · 29/06/2024 00:48

I got one.

It went straight in the recycling bin or I'd take a photo for you.

So did my DP (but not me) it got ripped it up or I'd get it out of the recycling bin.

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 29/06/2024 00:42

By contrast have just had a (self designed?) 2 sided A5 leaflet from the Lib Dems.

In that small amount of space they conveyed more information about their Party platform and how candidate said they would work for the community.

I have started to think that this all purpose letter (how Starmer will save us) is in fact the grip Labour HQ has on what can or cant be said.

Basically the leaflet is saying we dont trust local Labour candidates to say the right thing, so we will go on being bland.

Nobody must have an opinion.

Nobody must speak out of turn.

Unless of course you are one of the favoured few and can stick the boot into women. https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5107604-angela-rayner-wont-apologise-for-calling-wpuk-and-lgb-alliance-hate-groups

Angela Rayner won't apologise for calling WPUK and LGB Alliance hate groups | Mumsnet

Its only a short part at the start of this section - but as so many threads have now shown, Labour clearly doesn't not have an agreed position on supp...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5107604-angela-rayner-wont-apologise-for-calling-wpuk-and-lgb-alliance-hate-groups

OP posts:
artant · 28/06/2024 21:46

In my safe Labour seat the leaflet from Labour is very much about the sitting MP. It talks about his role in the last Labour government and also has short bits in praise of him from constituents. Haven’t seen the Keir Starmer leaflet.

Cycleorrun · 28/06/2024 21:32

Temporaryanonymity · 28/06/2024 19:29

That’s not how the Labour leaflets work in my constituency. Where are you? I’ve been campaigning in general elections since forever and Labour don’t send out generic leaflets like the one you describe.

That sounds just like the letter I received from Keir Starmer. Generic, accept for addressing me by my first name, and cringeworthy. No mention of the local candidate.
We've both had at least 2 leaflets from the local candidate. No mention of women's rights in either.

Chersfrozenface · 28/06/2024 21:23

Temporaryanonymity · 28/06/2024 19:29

That’s not how the Labour leaflets work in my constituency. Where are you? I’ve been campaigning in general elections since forever and Labour don’t send out generic leaflets like the one you describe.

I got one.

It went straight in the recycling bin or I'd take a photo for you.

northstars · 28/06/2024 21:20

IwantToRetire · 28/06/2024 20:03

For the 2 others (or was it 3?) PP who say they or one of their children got a similar leaflet what was their response?

Maybe in fact for newer residents it works. They are more likely to know about Starmer than someone local.

Its just feels like apart from on here (and hysterical reporting on tv news) I feel there is an information vaccuum.

But maybe that's because I am used to something different, and this is an approach that will work with younger voters?

Hmm

I was not impressed at all. I can’t stand Keir Starmer - I am in a new constituency (redrawn boundaries) with a Labour candidate who is new as well. I would’ve liked to know something about this new candidate instead of Keir Starmer. It put me right off to be honest

Redshoeblueshoe · 28/06/2024 21:03

I live in a very safe Labour seat. 7 candidates and the only leaflets have been from the Workers party, and reform. My MP is far too busy going round every other area. I haven't actually seen a canvasser anywhere.

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 28/06/2024 21:02

Againname · 28/06/2024 20:59

@MrsSkylerWhite MPs are (supposed to be) servants of the public, true. However they're also meant to serve their local constituents. Stand up for their constituency in parliament and be available for constituents with individual problems or concerns.

Exactly.

Couldn't find the words myself, and actually think it is because I haven't heard this expressed for so long, I could quite drag it out of the recesses of my mind!

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 28/06/2024 21:01

MrsSkylerWhite · 28/06/2024 20:52

What’s wrong with wanting to serve your country? Really.

Nothing - but this isn't a Presidential election.

This is about reaching out to potential voters to ask them to vote for their local MP, in the first instance.

If they had included something about them being committed to "serving" the community or anything vaguely relating to why I might want candidate mailmerge to be my representative in Parliament.

And even if we had some sort of voting system that meant the Party with the biggest number of individual votes became the Government, some quasi religious type comment, copied from US maudlin nationalistic myth, it would still be fatuous.

We need to know what they can do and what they are committed to, and how they hope to achieve it.

Not some brazen virtue signalling.

Politics in the UK has just become a joke.

OP posts:
Againname · 28/06/2024 20:59

@MrsSkylerWhite MPs are (supposed to be) servants of the public, true. However they're also meant to serve their local constituents. Stand up for their constituency in parliament and be available for constituents with individual problems or concerns.

MrsSkylerWhite · 28/06/2024 20:52

What’s wrong with wanting to serve your country? Really.

snoopydoggdogg · 28/06/2024 20:51

I got that leaflet today, in a 99% safe Labour seat with a great female MP I really want to vote for. But Starmer's smug face puts me right off!

Most annoying line in the leaflet from Keir: "I know that <insert MP's name here> will stand up for you and for <insert region here>". So generic with no local details, which is a shame as locally my MP is amazing (why she's so popular). If I could vote for her without voting for Starmer I'd be happy. Still not sure what I'll do yet.

110APiccadilly · 28/06/2024 20:34

Temporaryanonymity · 28/06/2024 19:29

That’s not how the Labour leaflets work in my constituency. Where are you? I’ve been campaigning in general elections since forever and Labour don’t send out generic leaflets like the one you describe.

I had one today. I agree it doesn't come over well. The only other leaflet with such a focus on the party leader rather than the candidate was Reform.

I'm in Wales, which made it even worse as it's so generic it talks about policies that wouldn't apply to Wales (e.g. education, which is devolved).

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 28/06/2024 20:29

Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns had a leaflet without the word conservative on it, and with a prominent picture of bloody Nigel Farage!

Is that because at the time it was printed she thought he was going to join the Tories or some subliminal message to voters that they should really vote Reform?

Sometimes I feel I have very little in common with what is happening IRL .

OP posts:
YellowHairband · 28/06/2024 20:18

Nothing about the constituency, nothing about the work the candidate (former MP) has done locally.

Just a long list of Starmer's Labour superiority over the Tories, and how saint Starmer has saved the Labour party.

I imagine they have focus groups etc that show that this is what people vote on.

Similarly for the Tories, some leaflets barely mention the word conservative, presumably because they have polling that suggests that that's for the best. Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns had a leaflet without the word conservative on it, and with a prominent picture of bloody Nigel Farage!

WickedSerious · 28/06/2024 20:16

Againname · 28/06/2024 19:57

Don't know about them bothering in swing constituencies.

I'm in one. Conservative but might go Labour. No door knockers and so far no leaflets except one from the Conservative candidate. Nothing from Labour, or any of the other party candidates.

Bit pissed off actually. Feels like none of the candidates are that bothered about my constituency. Despite it apparently being a marginal seat this time.

I agree with you btw @IwantToRetire I wouldn't be impressed with the leaflet you had. But then I like to consider voting for a good constituency MP (regardless of their party) because an MP who's there for their local constituents is as important as national party imo (especially valuable, I'd say, in an area like yours where local residents are being forced out).

A woman canvassing on behalf of the Labour candidate knocked on our door in November,nothing since then.

The next time we see anyone will be on polling day when it gets to 8 o'clock at night and they realise we haven't voted.

It'll be the Labour lot wanting to know if we need a lift.

Mumoftwo1316 · 28/06/2024 20:13

My dh said one Labour door knocker did come but he was busy working from home (I was out, either working or with the kids, dh can't remember when).

I'm gutted because I'd have had a useful conversation, as I'm genuinely a floating voter. I wonder if they'll come back.