Thread 22 Starmer - Running up to local elections

[BIossomtoes]

Here we go. Previous thread.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5305431-thread-21-starmer-casting-nasturtiums?page=40&reply=143731831

Anniversaries are very tough - look after yourself @placemats

Regardless of intention, it's information that will be hijacked by those that thrive on culture wars.

Placemats Be kind to yourself the next few weeks. That’s a lot of emotional stress to be dealing with.

Here’s some blossom from my sister’s memorial tree as tax.

What a beautiful tree, @RafaistheKingofClay Is it a cherry tree?

It is.

Well, we've just received our 3rd local election communication from Reform UK, deliver by post, this time, in which they suggest that other parties waste money (one listed money spent on translation services as wasted money). The opening line was immigration.

Jenrick in favour of a tory-reform coalition

https://news.sky.com/story/robert-jenrick-vows-to-bring-coalition-together-to-end-tory-reform-fight-13354004

Is Jenrick making his play for Badenoch's job? Wonder what she'll do about it.

Yes, the undertone to that article was when, rather than if, she is replaced by her party.

We had a leaflet through last week from the Reform candidate for our area and I'm quite pleasantly surprised with what he has said.

Lib Dems won the local election last time, usually between them and conservatives. Will be interesting to see what happens on the 1st May.

What was it that you were pleasantly surprised by?

Our next elections are in 2027 so it's pleasantly quiet here

We don't have local elections, it's usually between Cons and Lib Dems here too.

The majority of councils in the elections are Tory seats, I think

None here either.

He seems a decent chap, has worked in the RAF and for the Ministry of Defence. Says he will use logic, commonsense and reason in all matters concerning the community and will fight for better community facilities and enhancing our green spaces. Says he will take responsibility to focus on what matters for local residents.

Yes, but what does he think 'matters'? Has he elaborated?

And what is 'commonsense? I always think that's a bit of a dog whistle word.

Says he will use logic, commonsense and reason in all matters concerning the community

Well what else would anyone do?! Voodoo?!

Improve services and infrastructure for existing and new residents, prioritises education, social care, stop blaming others, thinks about unintended consequences before rather than after which reduces wasted tax payers money.

No need to be rude!

Why?

I am now musing what prioritising education looks like in the Reform world. I did once read their education policies. They can promise much and deliver nothing. Some of their ideas were truly dreadful.

It sounds rather like the party approved leaflets they produced at the last election, including by the man even Reform had to eject as being too right wing. You know, those ones that cleverly hide what they really think. Someone did an interesting analysis on Twitter of the encoded words.

I am not saying that they are the only party who do that.

'Stop blaming others', that is good to hear

What does he mean with 'unintended consequences'? Any examples?

I’m sorry - it wasn’t really rude though, was it? It’s pointing out the absurdity of what he’s claiming to do. Sounds good, but just pretty empty words.

And as for this:

Improve services and infrastructure for existing and new residents, prioritises education, social care

Undoubtedly this sounds laudable, but how is he planning on doing that? Anyone could make those claims. A fully costed plan of action is more important and impressive.