Another (probably obvious) Election question. Sorry, last one today I promise!

[user1493759849]

Thanks folks.

Just one more question. Sorry to ask another one. I won't ask another one today! I got a lot of help and good advice on the other thread where I asking about the election, so just wanted to ask one more thing...

OK, re; the general election. Several people I know live in an area that is Conservative run, and although they're not 'traditional Tories,' they like the MP as he has done a lot for the area and is a pretty decent man, and the Labour one they had prior to that was a bit useless. So they like their Conservative MP.

But they don't really want Conservatives in at No.10. They would prefer Labour in there.

So who, in the opinion of people here, should they vote for?

Conservatives or Labour? Or someone else?

What you you guys/gals think?

Depends what majority the Tory had last time? If it is a safe seat they might as well vote Tory. If it is a closer call then they could vote labour and see if it a constituency that can be flipped blue to red.

Personally I think I would look at the bigger picture. There is so much going on right now and whichever party wins is going to have far more impact on everyone's life.

Whoever they think matches their ideals the best.

Is this your first time voting, OP?

and please don't call us 'gals'

IF someone has worked hard and is well like and has done loads for the community i think you will find your friends vote isn't going to effect the end result. That is unless there are only 1000 or so votes in it.

Is the current Labour candidate the same person as lost the seat to the current incumbent (ie, the useless one)? If not, find out what you can about the actual person, they might be a massive improvement.

I think I'd vote Labour anyway in this situation, because the idea of the Tories in charge any longer fills me with horror, even if the local bloke is a good 'un.

Really valid question, I've been thinking about this myself, after looking at the various leaflets for the parties posted through my door. Local council election was no brainer as the candidate has excellent track record for local issues. Never heard of the same party GE candidate, current MP can't stand, totally vile record on what she's voted for. Other strong candidate sound good on paper, but don't like his "boss" or potential Home Secretary, So difficult

And you won't get many people in this leftie echo chamber suggesting they vote Tory

Yeah it's a massive Tory stronghold. It's where I live. About 60% Tory.

As I said my friends (and many others) are very fond of the MP here. (He is a Tory and always has a verrrry strong lead.) The Labour MP is awful and a bit useless, and many people prefer to Tory MP to him. BUT they don't want Tories in Number 10. They want Corbyn in, but want to keep their Tory MP. (Mad I know!!!)

So the question is, if people like their local MP to be Tory, but they want a Labour Prime Minister, what the heck should they do?

I really wish the voting system was different tbh! So our votes were for Corbyn or May. It's awkward when you like your Tory MP but not the Tory leader.

Thanks Caterina for saying it's a valid question. It IS awkward.

And the current (quite good) Tory MP is the one who took over the less than good Labour one.

Sorry if I am not making sense. And thanks for tolerating me!

Sorry if I offended anyone by calling you 'gals!'

So the question is, if people like their local MP to be Tory, but they want a Labour Prime Minister, what the heck should they do?

Hope the rest of the country saves them from their stupidity?

So the question is, if people like their local MP to be Tory, but they want a Labour Prime Minister, what the heck should they do?

think about the bigger picture. Also concentrate more on local authority elections, as local councillors have much more control over day to day local issues that your MP will.

LOL wonko. Can't figure out of your comments mean you are a Tory fan or Labour.

Thanks @occasionalnachoes,

So are you saying even if my pals want Labour in at No 10, they should vote Tory as the MP is the best for this area? (and the Tory stronghold is huge.)

I don't think anyone is saying who they 'should' vote for. What have they done previously?

Even the US system isn't quite as simple as voting for the President - they vote for whom they want the electoral college to elect.

If it helps, here is some info about the political system which might be useful for you and your friends

This is a little more comprehensive (and politically unbiased, unlike most of MN )

Thanks Livia. I will have a look at that.

Most of my pals have voted Tory previously. I have voted Labour.

As I said though, they want Labour in No 10, but a local Tory MP.

And I want labour in, but am convinced (pretty much!) that the Tory MP will win around here.

It's so confusing, and we don't wanna get it wrong.

I personally could not vote for a Tory MP if my desire was for a Labour government - it suggests to me that they don't have full information about the candidate. If they took a look at his voting record in Parliament on say issues like refugees, or fracking, then this might influence their opinion and make them feel less conflicted in the decision about who to vote for. Our voting system is imperfect, in fact, all voting systems are, but it relies on the premise that voters will vote for the local candidate who represents the party that they wish to see in government. In practice, voters will also vote tactically by voting for a candidate that does not necessarily represent their first preference party, but the vote will help to block their least preferred party from getting into government (so voting Lib Dem if you are a Labour follower because in your constituency the vote will be won by either Lib Dem or Conservative and your vote will therefore be an anti-Conservative vote).

My advice would be for your friends to vote for the candidate that represents the party that they wish to be in government - i.e. Labour. In addition to this, they should use their voice and speak to the Labour candidate - email, visit their surgery, and tell them about the conflict they have felt during the election. I find it heartening when people's political opinions become more passionate during an election, but when all this has blown over, keep it up - don't accept a sub-standard MP - make them earn their salary I say! They should be representing your community, and in my experience, our local MP is receptive to dialogue (even more so during a general election).

There is no wrong or right. Read up what you can from as many sources as possible and make a decision. Read up on the process too so at least you are making an informed choice, rather than taking voting advice from internet randomers

An absolute no-brainer. They should vote Tory of course!