AIBU to think my husband was too aggressive with a canvasser?

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We’ve had a few door knockers recently with local elections approaching. These are usually during late afternoon/early evening before DH is back from work.

Today, someone knocked slightly later and DH answered. He ranted at this person about various gripes with the country today (it was someone supporting a Labour candidate), not letting them get a word in and then said who he’d be voting for and ‘unless you change to that party, don’t fucking come back’.

He has some genuine gripes with Labour, he’s a business owner who has not been helped. But I think he was too strong.

His view is that if people want to knock on random doors, they should be prepared to face some strong words.

So is every Labour councillor standing at the next election just supposed to stay home and not speak to any of their residents? I don't know what you're referring to by "everything they've done to people", but there's a lot to defend in their record too. People's views on politics are mixed. I'm no fan of the Tory party but I think their supporters should go out and make their case to the public, that's democracy.

I can assure you it's a common complaint. Probably not among the MN age group, but in some groups, yes.

There's strong and there's aggressive, isn't there.

Usually, yes, but there are a limited number of jobs that canvassing can be a part of e.g. working for the party.

I have plenty I hugely dislike about the various parties, but I respect anyone who gives up their time and is that commited to the democratic process - I'd never be rude.

I’m just pointing out if they’re knocking on people’s doors who aren’t state funded then they’re going to be in for a hard time. There is a lot of anger out there.

Please also bear in mind that it's a hard thing to do for shy people.

This, unfortunately,is the level that our country is descending to. Vile oiks who feel any situation warrants swearing and obscene language. It's so depressing.

My granny used to do that with anyone who phoned up. One day my grandad walked in the room as she was saying “Oh, yes, my husband’s definitely going to vote for you!” On finding out that was the Labour candidate, he shouted “Not bloody likely!” loud enough that the candidate probably heard it.

Ridiculous stereotype. Plenty of more affluent people vote Labour. Not saying that's good or bad, but it's true.

I don’t think you fully understand how much Labour are loathed. You don’t have to take my word for it, we can continue this conversation after the May elections.

I've been out canvassing for them - the response has been mixed. In any case, no party seems that popular with a plurality of the public at the moment.

In areas where people support themselves and their families through work?

Anyway this is a pointless conversation, we shall find out who is correct in 3 weeks.

I have campaigned for a political party for over a decade and knocked on thousands of doors. Most of us are quite thick skinned, however it can be upsetting if people are very aggressive. Part of me understands how irritating it is to be canvassed but part of me so thinks how lucky you are to be so disengaged from politics that you don’t understand. Many white middle class people live in this aloof bubble because bluntly they’ll be ok whoever gets in. I don’t have that luxury unfortunately. If facist Farage gets in, I honestly feel my family would be in danger. And this is why I can’t just relax and get a bit irritated by the odd canvasser. I think he was a bit of a dick tbh, he could have made his point without being so abusive but I am sure he will continue to defend his actions. Most do!

‘white middle class’ lol. Straight to the race and class identity politics, tell me you were campaigning for Labour without telling me.

Because the labour party promised to help small businesses but have made life really hard for them

Labour vote is holding up reasonably well in middle class professional areas. The disenchanted tend to move towards the Greens.

It's the disenfranchised, forgotten and often unemployed who tend to vote Reform.

No it’s not.

Hahahahaha of course he is

They’re the ones that are the Reform rejects, right?

why doesn’t he go out canvassing for them and see what reaction he gets?

To your original post: he was rude. He just needed to say “not interested, sorry” and close the door.

I’m guessing your husband is one of those delightful Reform voters then

OP - Restore are more or less white supremicists with some very extreme ideas. If you dont like Farage, these people are far worse.
You need to be aware this is what your "d" h is supporting.
Also swearing at the canvasser is revolting behaviour.

I wish I could give you a hundred likes!

I am standing for re-election at a borough council and it is the most intense and exhausting thing I've ever done for very little financial reward (not why I do it, of course but I couldn't do it if there was no stipend)

I've had people shout and swear at me and every time, it is shocking and frightening. I'm fairly hardened but I'm also human and I'm giving up precious time with my small child to public service because I really care about my area and the people in it. If people like me didn't do it, all you'd get is wanky men who think this is a stepping stone to being the next PM.

So next time you get a canvasser or candidate, don't tell them that 'you're all the same' or 'you're all as bad as each other' because we're really not. The majority are just your neighbours, trying to make the world a better place, the way we think it best. You don't need to vote for us or even give us the time of day but please remember that we're human and that democracy isn't perfect but it's a hell of a lot better than other systems.

And remember, Keir Starmer isn't responsible for getting your bins emptied or your potholes sorted, look at what your candidate is doing locally!

You're right about the poor and disenfranchised going for Reform but I think their vote is going wider. Places like Bexley in London are predicted to go reform, can't get much more middle class and leafy than that.

I also think that some Labour councils in London are in for a real shock, even the affluent ones. People will give the government a kicking but also, a lot of people really hate what Labour councils have done locally, such as low traffic neighbourhoods, and this is their chance to show it. They'd never vote Tory so they've just held their noses in the past but now there's an alternative.

Reform are picking up lots of right wing Tory votes - golf club bores who are pleased that racism is back in fashion. Farage himself was an investment banker.

Yes, in a ward where most people are in work, and (I would imagine) earning above-average salaries.

I agree with you Labour will lose plenty of council seats, but you're just factually wrong to say it's mainly voted for by those on benefits.

If anything, it's becoming the party of well-paid professionals. People on benefits are more likely now to vote for Reform.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-polls-starmer-reform-yougov-benefits-b2776847.html