To be annoyed with my colleagues re their political preferences?

[Taystee]

I am probably BU but all my colleagues are going to be voting conservative next week. There's no variety at all. They all say the conservatives fixed the economy and they don't want to pay more taxes. I think they're brainwashed. Is this typical of a financial services workplace? Seems so selfish and shortsited to me.

I don't quite undestand the "how people vote is none of your business" attitude. The secret vote is on of the underpinnings of a democratic system so that people can vote as their conscience dictates without fear of repercussions. But that doesn't mean you can't discuss it! Government policies affect all of us, an open discussion of politics on all levels of society is a desirable thing, surely? OP, I am heartened to hear that there is at least one person working in the financial sector who isn't a soulless hell wraith, but you don't sound in the least happy with your working environment. By all means discuss party manifestos with your colleagues if you think it will do any good, but I'm afraid you may have your work cut out for you...

with you on this cupid. there is no democracy in many countries, we are fortunate.

I think some of you misunderstand what I'm saying. I don't mind at all if people vote conservative. I'm just surprised that the people I'm surrounded by on a daily basis have such fixed views and I'm not sure what they're based on. I can't seem to explain myself very well but it's not who they're voting for that's upsetting me. It's the fact that I'm working with them.
Hmmmm think that still sounds bad but it's not meant to.

You work within a demographic that's likely to have a high proportion of conservative voters. It's really not surprising to find right wingers in financial settings.

I know what you mean Taystee. I live in a rural South East constituency, and almost everyone in our village will be voting Conservative without even giving it a moments thought. Yet I know them deep down to be compassionate, caring and thoughtful people. It makes my head spin!

some people are a bit selfish like that any way, and won't help others seemingly less fortunate than themselves

I thought someone would eventually trot out the caricature of Tory voters.

Some may be like that, just as some Labour supporters believe that laws should be changed simply to penalise the better off. Many Tory voters care deeply about others less fortunate than themselves and believe that the Conservative Party's policies are better at helping such people.

As a Labour politician said a few years ago, it would improve politics enormously if we accepted that all the major parties want to help those who need it but differ in their approach.

TBH anyone who is a higher rate taxpayer should vote Tory. All politicians are going to wreck the NHS (remember it was Gordon Brown that introduced the PFIs that are bankrupting hospitals and Blair that introduced the private sector to the NHS), none of them are really going to do anything fantastic for schools. Milliband and Balls are muppets. Makes total sense to vote for self interest.

"Many Tory voters care deeply about others less fortunate than themselves and believe that the Conservative Party's policies are better at helping such people." You know, if I fight hard to get over myself, I can actually believe this. But that is patently not the case with the OP's coworkers! And I think that if the OP is willing to discuss an alternative view with them, they may still stand by their voting preferences, but at least they've thought about the consequences. Again, an open political discussion is and should be a part of the democratic process.

I have suggested they have a look at vote for policies. I'd be much happier knowing they were making an informed decision

I'd be much happier knowing they were making an informed decision

are you always that patronising to your colleagues?

"I'd be much happier knowing they were making an informed decision" = obviously not what the OP has said to her colleagues. But don't let basic reading comprehension get in the way of taking a cheap shot at someone whose political views don't align with yours and who would like to have an informed political discussion with her co-workers.

YANBU to re-assess your future if you feel that strongly, but YWBU to try to interfere with another person's voting decisions.

Those who thought I the coalition did a good job of clearing up the mess - are you aware of the cost of that?

An ex colleague of my parents learned the hard way - after voting the coalition in she became paralysed after an accident and was outraged that her eligibility to benefits was questioned and she was sent to ATOS and Capita interviews.

Didn't like the 'protecting the public purse' line she was given when she complained either.

It could happen to anyone. But shrug

I think you know you need a career change, the voting thing is just the catalyst. Could you change to regulation or something?

But you have foxed view about not voting conservative.

I am pretty sure labour has everyone signed up to mn to make everyone believe anyone voting conservative must be doing so because they are naive or couldn't be bothered to look into it.

If you don't like your colleagues you need to accept it or leave. I could never vote labour. Yes I have looked into I and am still deciding who to vote for. But if other people are voting labour, it does not bother me in the slightest.

fixed not foxed

I'd usually say yabu. Everyone's entitled to their vote but in this case ynbu. I detest Tory cunts. Fixed the economy where about. They should tell thT to the families queueing at food banks. And the families hit by the wicked bed room tax. I'll shut up now or I'll be here all afternoon.

I have suggested they have a look at vote for policies

And I'd suggest to your manager that they tell you to wind your neck in as you were being unprofessional.

It's not your place to try & "convert" people. I agree with them, many other people agree with them - deal with it.

I detest Tory cunts.

And I detest illiterate & ignorant Labour supporters who are only concerned about how much money they're going to get for free.

You're worried about how much money you're going to get, I'm worried about how much value for money I'm going to get....

I'll never vote conservative but get a grip and stop discussing politics if you can't handle it.

Actually' I do know what you mean to a degree. When I moved south nearly 20 yrs ago the folk I worked with (prosperous, jobs coming out of your ears town) had no clue what life was like for folk in the north. How poor and lack of jobs etc and these were folk old enough to be my parents. I had to listen to them at times talking about the scrounging lazy North that they had to subsidise etc - it can be a tad annoying.

which ever way it turns out people will still complain.

Wondering whether my family is going to have enough money to survive after next week is not grasping for free money.

Carers do give excellent value for money.

Oh and I certainly won't vote labour either. They started the whole process of demonisation of disabled people and carers.

Again, an open political discussion is and should be a part of the democratic process.

Not in the workplace where people have to get on with each other.