Voting for party or voting for individual MP?

[MajorMischa]

Obviously both are important and ideally would align. But in the real world...

Our local MP is useless. But to be better illustrate my question, we have a really solid MSP here, who has been great at standing up for us, including against their own (governing) party. I would vote for them on this basis regardless of my views on this party. But I couldn't stretch it to Tory, even if they were the best person for the job.

So where's the line? How important is your local MP vs voting for the party you want?

That's the real conundrum for many of us.

In my case:

Local MP who is very good, accountable, advocates effectively for this area, but I don't agree with what their party stands for.

Or

Unknown (new) MP candidate who could be shit, for all I know (his predecessor was), but the party's manifesto is closest to what I care about.

I still haven't decided who to vote for.

Our MP is Conservative and has done a good job with local issues, but on FB lots of people are saying while they consider him a decent bloke who gets things done, they won't be voting for him as they've had enough of the Tory government. It's sad really, when you think about it we should all be voting for the local candidate we think best, rather than just based on what party they are.

My MP was absolutely ficking useless and disengaged when I needed her help to fight the CMS. So, I'll be voting for the party, but I make it clear to anyone canvassing that I'm voting for the party, not for her. I doubt it will trouble her that much, if they even give her the feedback.