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Why do poor/middle-class people vote for the Conservatives?

324 replies

moneymoneymoneymakestheworldgoround · 24/09/2022 18:26

When the Conservatives protect privileged interests, why would anyone not particularly rich vote for them?
The conservatives are now uncapping bankers' bonuses ffs

OP posts:
RedWingBoots · 24/09/2022 18:42

When I lived in an area with a Labour MP around 2003 he did SFA for the local population and was invisible. The Tory candidate was everywhere for over 2 years though he didn't both talking to me or other non-white people.

At the election that came along in 2005 the Tory candidate got voted in and is still the MP for that constituency.

Before and after that I never had an MP who was so invisible. One of my friends' had similar with a different party against a sitting Labour MP in 2010, even though her then Labour MP was very well-known.

Point of my story is some MPs are useless, and a Tory candidate just by being more visible than the sitting Labour MP will get votes.

PinkPupZ · 24/09/2022 18:42

Media influence and ignorance of underlying beliefs and policies. Or voting for an individual.

RedWingBoots · 24/09/2022 18:43

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:32

Uncapping the bankers bonus has been done to protect the City by allowing the best pay to attract the best talent in the world. We would all be much poorer if the City fell into decline.

Balderdash.

You do know why 2008 happened and why we are all now poorer in the UK?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:43

I think people could see what a hypocrite Starmer was when he was caught drinking beer at his own little party.

CaptainSamCarter · 24/09/2022 18:43

Because they read the Daily Mail and believe every word.

Honestly the stuff my in laws come out with at times is hilariously tragic.

hattie43 · 24/09/2022 18:43

I have only ever voted conservative and will continue to do so . And no I'm not thick .

RedWingBoots · 24/09/2022 18:44

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:43

I think people could see what a hypocrite Starmer was when he was caught drinking beer at his own little party.

What you posted is a lie and a story made up by the right of centre media to get the heat of Boris Johnson.

fatgirlslimmer · 24/09/2022 18:45

Media & Propaganda, mostly about immigration and benefit claimants,
And lack of competition and challenges from other parties.
Apathy

Cosycover · 24/09/2022 18:46

MintJulia · 24/09/2022 18:39

I'm old enough to remember the last real leftwing government in the U.K. and all the misery that entailed.

I'm very cautious about allowing Momentum anywhere near power - and that is what will happen. But the Tories are pushing even my limits.

What misery did it bring?

jgw1 · 24/09/2022 18:46

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:43

I think people could see what a hypocrite Starmer was when he was caught drinking beer at his own little party.

Two out of three so far. Come on, there must be a But Jeremy Corbyn out there.
I don't think mentions of Momentum are enough.

TaraRhu · 24/09/2022 18:46

My gran was working class and life long Tory.

I think People like her vote Tory as they want to see themselves as middle class? They usually work and resent that they are less well off than some people on benefits.

They probably come from quite stable backgrounds and don't understand that this has contributed to their ability to lead productive lives/work.

I also think she didn't see how rigged the system was. She thought you could do anything if you worked hard. She didn't realise that basically the rich are generally born rich and stay rich.

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:47

The Labour Party consists of white middle aged men, simply out of touch with the nation as it is today.

ChopSueE · 24/09/2022 18:47

Round here it's because the conservative MP is very active in the community and smiley and friendly. It honestly is that simple.

ThisIsNotAFlyingToy · 24/09/2022 18:47

They appeal to the instinct to look down on someone to make yourself feel better. So for working class and/or low income people, by voting Tory it comforts you that there are other people below you in the pecking order. I think they appeal to that money = aspiration mindset and that voting for them means you've moved up a social class - "it's what wealthy people do so if we do it it means we fit in with the wealthier class".

grayhairdontcare · 24/09/2022 18:49

Because the one and only time I voted Labour.
We ended up with the shit show that was Blair.
At least I know the Tories are what they are!

RedWingBoots · 24/09/2022 18:49

ChopSueE · 24/09/2022 18:47

Round here it's because the conservative MP is very active in the community and smiley and friendly. It honestly is that simple.

Unfortunately unless you have had a lazy or non-self promoting Labour MP who lost their seat people don't understand that.

jgw1 · 24/09/2022 18:50

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:47

The Labour Party consists of white middle aged men, simply out of touch with the nation as it is today.

Did you watch the budget yesterday?

How did the white middle aged man who is the Shadow Chancellor do in their reply?

ChopSueE · 24/09/2022 18:50

Carrying on from previous post....It's like there's a curious disconnect round here. People love our Tory MP whilst simultaneously complaining about the NHS and they really do not see any link at all.

superplumb · 24/09/2022 18:54

Many because of the shit get brexit done bollocks hope they're all hally now.

BeautifulWar · 24/09/2022 18:55

Because they don't trust any of the recent Labour leaders of recent years with the economy.

The Tory party we've seen of late has been Tory lite, centre right whilst Labour have slid further left.

Many voters feel frustrated with Labour and feel that they don't attend for the average person.

Jewel1968 · 24/09/2022 18:56

I think Labour are not really offering an alternative. I realize that I have probably always fared better under Tories but still don't vote for them. I don't want a society that rewards people who are able to stand on their own feet and navigate the job market etc ... I want a society that looks after people who for whatever reason are not able to get that higher paying job, or work hard at school/uni or take risks etc ... I just think some people can't and should be supported. We all benefit from a kinder society..

I think the deference vote still exists.

I have some friends who vote Tory and they are kind people who care for people. I don't really understand why they vote Tory. I guess they figure they are better off under Tories. Maybe they are.

dalisdrippingclock · 24/09/2022 18:57

XDownwiththissortofthingX · 24/09/2022 18:28

'aspirational toryism'

One of the most ridiculous things going, but one of Thatcher's most enduring legacies.

Yup, absolutely an aspirational votes.

Crikeyalmighty · 24/09/2022 18:58

@DillDanding I've never met a bigger bunch of 'I'm all right jacks' than I met in construction- the Harry Enfield 'loads a money' was bang on in my experience. I'm sorry if you don't see it that way- but I do. They are a particular type of Tory voter I've just got no time for-

goldfinchonthelawn · 24/09/2022 18:58

DappledOliveGroves · 24/09/2022 18:40

We're comfortable but not rich by any stretch of the imagination.

I vote Conservative for the following reasons:

  • They can identify an adult human female and don't think men have a cervix; and
  • They fundamentally stand for an ethos of taking responsibility for yourself and your decisions and not relying on the state to get you places. I'm inspired by my father who was born pre-WW2, in absolute poverty in the slums of London, whose mother died when he was eight and whose father walked out on the family (my father and his younger siblings), who then joined the Navy, educated himself and made a career, bought a house and ensured his wife and child were provided for and gave me an education at an independent school. He did that entirely of his own volition and had no help from the state. He voted Tory his whole life and it's that type of mindset and ethos that I feel the Conservatives represent.

I have an Oxbridge degree and various post-grad qualifications. I'd like to think I'm intelligent and don't think that hurling insults at those you disagree with is a particularly effective way of getting them to share your opinion.

Of course there are Tory policies that I don't agree with. I'm very dubious about the new tax cuts and trickle down economics but overall I feel that their political outlook most aligns with what I believe.

Then you are surely intelligent enough to know that a huge number of people work long hours, in two or three jobs and still can't afford the basics in life. The life your father achieved is unachievable now. Judging by when he was born, he was able to take advantage of fair house prices which didn't take up a disproportionate chunk of his income, along with job security These things are no longer a given.

E.g. My father was an acaemic. From before we were born he had what is now known as tenure - ie, he got paid a salary year in year out, with a linked pension which provided very well for him even though he took early retirement. I work in academia. There are few full time jobs with tenure. you;re hired year t year or even module to module. No job security. I know people who have worked for 14 years for one of UK's top unis who have just discovered this year there is no work for them. No pension, no redundancy. Just no contract renewal.

Life is not as it was when your father was making his way in the world. The current bunch of Tories don't care. They look after the super rich who have all the power. The rest of the population don't really matter to them. I would hugely prefer to live in a society where we took pride in caring for one another. not a nanny state, just a state that prioritised decency, kindness, respect for others, a sense of community and a social, nationwide respect.

I've just been on holiday to a country where this is apparent. The whole place is clean, eco, friendly, caring. The country looked well loved, well-cared for. I feel like our country is run like a neglectful, chaotic family where filthy public spaces, poor education, poor healthcare, barren city centres don't matter at all as long as the parents are having a good time.

Newgirls · 24/09/2022 19:01

Luckydip1 · 24/09/2022 18:32

Uncapping the bankers bonus has been done to protect the City by allowing the best pay to attract the best talent in the world. We would all be much poorer if the City fell into decline.

Banking is global with many working remotely - the world has moved on.

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