A casual friend has just told me she's standing as a Reform candidate

[Mumblechum0]

And I have no clue how to respond.

I've always liked her, we're not close, ie don't do anything just the two of us, but are often in the same group at parties, book group, joint birthday bashes etc.

She's very posh, professional job, husband's a head fund manager (he walks round in a tweed cap and goes shooting on his family estate etc etc...just setting the scene, she's well educated etc.)

Anyway, she messaged me yesterday to say that she wanted me to know in advance that she's standing as a Reform candidate in our local elections; she didn't ask for my support, but didn't want me to just see her face on a leaflet through the door.

I'm married to a black man, have a mixed race son.

I haven't responded yet, as I don't know whether it's best to just ignore, or to say thanks for letting me know, or actually to say I'm quite horrified (which is my actual reaction).

Any ideas?

Mind you I did fall out with my husband's friend on a group holiday as he thought I was overly pessimistic..

This is exactly why they will get in cause you judge like this. People want their own say and are sick of being told they are idiots

Exactly, this person has stuck her head above parapet, some of her friends and acquaintances will support her, others like op won't. She will upset someone, she will expect it. Some of these responses are so vitriolic that they show themselves in no better light. Intolerance is never a good trait, it entrenches extreme views.

Realistically, how will they get in when they are watching what that means in real time in the U.S.

Reform have black candidates,the candidate in my area is black

How does it?.that's not really true is it- so your theory is if someone highlights the extreme, hateful politics of Reform that we definitely do need and won't help anyone, that will make someone think, "I know, that all sounds very attractive and a peaceful way to live, I literally can't stand all that tolerance, I'll go and vote Reform!"

Do not need not "do need"!

Which makes about as much sense as the female candidate locally.

it’s rather like a Turkey voting for Christmas really!

Childish

This topic and the responses here is exactly why I have had nothing to do with politics for the last two elections. I think it's quite sad that people burn personal friendships because of politics. As far as I'm concerned all politicians are slippery self serving power hungry liars just wearing different colour ties and dresses.

The irony.

Since this is an acquaintance it’s likely those messaged will just do this or similar, and in op’s case start an mn thread about it.

I can’t imagine people kicking off when they go to dc parties, book club together etc

It's not childish to block someone who's political views could negatively impact your family at all.

It would be ridiculous to keep a racist as a friend, especially in ops situation.

They are not going to get in
The future is green

I hope you’re right. At the moment I think I am voting for our local independent candidate at the upcoming local elections but Green are on my to consider list.

To be honest though for the first time ever my main aim in going out to vote is to help keep Reform out locally rather than really believing in any of the candidates

I would just say “thanks for letting me know/being upfront” and then block her

I’d say ‘thanks for letting me know but I’m not sure we can still hang out’ and then be civil / polite if I saw her but that’d be it. No thanks. These people are terrible. All of them.

I have friends who align with different political parties than those I do, including Reform.

I try not to lump people into a category as a certain type of person, based on their political leanings. I am adult enough to understand that people come at things from their own experience, upbringing, choice of career etc.

So I would thank her for letting you know and think no more of it.

Waaaah! Someone has different views to me! Big tantrum!

You do the obvious thing, pout, shout, stomp your feet, block her forever more and virtue signal about it all over the Internet.
Ti's the only way.

I went no contact with my father after he joined UKIP. He continued to follow the Farage path until he died. Husband and kids share my beliefs and values, so it is highly unlikely they would ever vote Reform.

I would politely say you are absolutely horrified that she would want to be associated with such a blatantly f*scist organisation, and that you consider your friendship at an end. Then block her, and remember to vote.

Green is out the window. The country is on its knees and the man on the ground can’t afford the bills and to eat even on 2 full time good wages. Unless greener is cheaper it’s over for green. Tbh I forget they even exist - and I say that as someone with an electric car and other green behaviour

How is blocking a racist, who obviously has issue with your husband and children, due to the aforementioned racism, throwing a tantrum on any level?

People are entitled to their opinions, and people are entitled to stop communication because of those opinions.

The fact you're calling it a tantrum tells me all I need to know about you.

Not just different views, they are extreme views