Which party would you vote for if there was an election today?

[StocksAndScares]

And why?

I don't feel represented by any UK party, even the smaller ones.

The only ones that stand up for women's rights are the Tory's. However, as a working class Northener, I just couldn't vote for them.

I think I'd spoil my ballot.

I'm politically homeless

In reality though I think that's a position many of us feel in at the moment.

I live in a Tory safe seat with a high up Tory in charge and who's politics and public comments I cannot align with.

However my local Tory councillor is so far from what you'd expect a Tory councillor to be (much more labour type policies and I wonder if they align to Tories because its guaranteed vote whatever your actual policies!). So I'd vote for him!

GE I just have strong feelings any which way towards a certain party enough to state I'd vote for anyone with total conviction.

[quote Ihatemyseleffordoingthis]@LyingWitchInTheWardrobe
How can it be sneery? It is a factual statement, that any examination of the personal politics of those key figures makes abundantly clear. And a response to all those upthread who say they are doing precisely that.

People voting Tory on the basis of opposition of self-ID, is pissing in the wind compared to the savage impact of Tory social and economic policy on women and families, especially in poor communities. IMO their anti self-ID stance is reactionary and anti-progressive, rather than pro-women.[/quote]
Fair enough, I understand what you're saying - and I apologise for saying your post was sneery.

What I meant was that post-election, there are threads and threads filled of posters pitting their voting choices against other posters, each thinking they're right - and the other is wrong.

From my understanding (which isn't great, admittedly), of the two lead parties, one is better with women's rights but is deplorable with our health service, with a mandate to all but disband it. The other lead party is diametrically opposed. Just as bad but positions reversed.

What would be great, absolutely brilliant in fact, is to have the best political minds on MN coming up with a strategy for securing the best, most achievable outcome, for all the things that matter to us. It is hugely complicated and posters are forced to tactically vote in order to achieve 'less bad'. That can't be right, can it?

What frustrates me, really bothers me - is the post-election berating. What's the point of it? Why can't we pull together on this and get a unified direction for the un-decided/stuck with the rock/hard place scenario? There are some incredibly erudite women on this chatboard who could really make a difference IF it's before the vote. Afterwards is just impotent posturing.

Even on this thread we can see that posters are earnestly stating they will/would vote for either of the two main parties because, a preferred third option wouldn't be able to get in power and that's probably true.

There's got to be something that can be done - whilst it could still make a difference, surely?

@Deathgrip - You can’t expect people to prioritise a hypothetical future issue over the things that are harming them happening right now, no matter how much they disagree with the policy.

Firstly, there's nothing 'hypothetical' about the danger to women/girls from Self-ID, as has already been demonstrated in a number of cases. Even without this danger, I'm not going to stand by while Women's rights, that were fought for on my behalf by women in the past, are given away to selfish men.

Secondly I haven't just voted Labour in the past - including in 2019, putting forward exactly the same arguments online and in RL as you've put. I've gone out and leafleted, tramped the streets in all weathers, knocked on doors to argue about policies (and had a lot of those doors slammed in my face for my trouble!) By doing that I helped the first Labour MP in many years get elected to our area in 2017 and re-elected in 2019.

So this isn't some knee-jerk, unthinking selfish reaction on my part, it's a massive shift and something that hurts me to my core - to feel that Labour don't represent me any more, don't care about me and my issues, don't deserve my trust or my vote.

Re: voting Tory. I have never done it but I think it boils down to would you prefer to vote for a party that recognises women as a sex class - and then try and convince them on the rest. Or would you prefer to vote for a party that aligns more closely with the policies you support and then try and convince them that women are people. I'm veering towards the first to be honest.

"I'm not going to stand by while Women's rights, that were fought for on my behalf by women in the past, are given away to selfish men."

And will do that by voting for a party whose grandees include Rees-Mogg who is actively working to dial back women's reproductive rights (anti abortion even in cases of rape or incest)?

"I think it boils down to would you prefer to vote for a party that recognises women as a sex class - and then try and convince them on the rest." You have to know that this will never, ever happen!

You have to know that this will never, ever happen!

Probably not but I can see why you would! (I'm not voting anyway so don't worry - it's hypothetical!)

I'd vote Conservative. I have voted Green in the past. But they've jumped on too many bandwagons now nothing to do with the original aims.

I'd vote for my cat. He's an arsehole, but I like to think he cares.

@Ihatemyseleffordoingthis

"I'm not going to stand by while Women's rights, that were fought for on my behalf by women in the past, are given away to selfish men."

And will do that by voting for a party whose grandees include Rees-Mogg who is actively working to dial back women's reproductive rights (anti abortion even in cases of rape or incest)?

I have not once said that I would vote Tory.

And will do that by voting for a party whose grandees include Rees-Mogg who is actively working to dial back women's reproductive rights (anti abortion even in cases of rape or incest)?

Also you are citing one MP. Disagreeing with one MP is less problematic than disagreeing with a party policy that they all have to sign up to.

@Pinchoftum

Labour because despite of self-ID there are other equally as pressing matters such as the sell off of the NHS and the increasing poverty that the Tories will worsen more than Labour. Also Boris Johnson is a self serving narcissist and misogynist and should not be leading our country.

Exactly. My priority is voting to get rid of this appalling government and of Johnson.

Labour, SNP only want independence at any cost and it’s scary.

Apologies @Impatiens ....mine intended as a question.

@Gerla - entire Tory ideology is built upon punishing the poor and maintaining the patriarchy, asset-stripping public services and resources : the impact of which disproportionately disadvantages women.

@Ihatemyseleffordoingthis I know. Not sure what your point is or why you're telling me though.

@Gerla as you seemed to think my objections were only to Mogg

That was the example you gave. Sorry if I misunderstood.

Labour. Despite self ID they still support women much better than the tories with their policies on pay etc.

I could never vote for a party who added disadvantages to the disabled, single parents and those genuinely reliant on benefits.

I'll never vote tory. Labour are a lost cause in Scotland. Both votes SNP.

The tories have lied. They have spent billions of your taxes on a track and trace system that doesn’t work. They gave Poe contracts to their buddies and caused nhs staff to have inadequate treatment. We have practically the worst death rate from coved in the world due to their mismanagement. The success of the vaccination programme is down to the NHS which they are privatising . Johnson is a lying misogynistic narcissist. They have ruined the countries economy through Brexit and divided the country. And people would still vote for them. I don’t agree with insults on here but are you all brain dead .

Not Poe - ppe

Conservative

And caused nhs staff to have inadequate equipment

@Impatiens

It sounds like you're a labour party member? Why don't you stay and fight self id from within? You don't have to then vote for them but the women in the party need you more than ever right now. I was on a thread a while ago on this same subject about the Green party and people leaving because of self Id and it has actually prompted be to join the Greens (haven't yet but have emailed them). I will make my views loud and clear and WILL NOT leave, they'll have to kick me out and if they do I'll shout even louder.

I couldn't vote Tory ever again. I don't know how anyone could.
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/tory-austerity-deaths-study-report-people-die-social-care-government-policy-a8057306.html