Doctors bid to unseat 50 MPs in revenge over NHS bill

[ttosca]

GPs to stand against top Lib Dems and Tories in 2015 general election as more than 240 medics launch national campaign in letter to The Independent on Sunday

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/doctors-bid-to-unseat-50-mps-in-revenge-over-nhs-bill-7576423.html

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Doctors' attempt to oust the Tory and Lib Dem filth. Mumsnet should start its own campaign. Any ideas?

It'll be a 5 minute wonder. Single issue candidates do not usually fare well (except for an occasional individual like Martin Bell).

And I'm not sure that possession of a medical degree necessarily makes one a good Parliamentary candidate (though Liam Fox made a career of it before his disgrace); though personally I'd prefer it to the typical Westminster wonk with a law/politics degree.

I think that the public feel strongly enough on the NHS and angry enough towards to coalition to oust a few coalition MPs.

What will be the non-NHS content of their manifesto?

I'm prepared to join in with the doctors, if they are prepared to be a bit more family friendly as well as saving the NHS.

The demise of the NHS is very anti families.

I'd support those doctors 100%. Even if they do only have the one issue, it's the biggest issue ever in my opinion, because it is the only issue that affects every single member of this country and it's one that is so fundamentally important. Without the nations health, we have nothing.

What will be the non-NHS content of their manifesto?

I don't know, maybe nothing at all. They would be running explicitly on a platform of kicking out MPs who supported the privitisation of the NHS.

What their manifesto says on other issues would be up to the individual, I guess.

"What their manifesto says on other issues would be up to the individual, I guess".

Which is why they'll be only a 3 minute wonder.

I would support any candidate that was in favour of undoing this calamity but only when there isn't another way. ie another party that has a manifesto and a philosophy that I feel comfortable with.

But then I can't see who else I can vote for anyway. During recent discussions in the politics thread here on MN I have come to realise just how pressing the issue is.

Not just the NHS but the fact that I don't see any party in opposition to these and I having done the rounds including looking into such way out there parties as the communist party for great britain, the SWP and others even more obscure! I couldn't vote or support them without having some really fundamental concerns and differences.

I know I can't VOTE for the aforementioned ! but I can't see how we can get change without supporting a democratically elected party.

Which is why they'll be only a 3 minute wonder.

I think you're missing the point, Edith.

They're not trying to start a career in politics. They're trying to oust MPs who supported the destruction of the NHS and to make current MPs, and the coalition, think again about their destructive, unpopular policies.

I'm not missing the point because if they become MPs, they will have to represent their constituents on everything - including a new agenda to make other cuts to countervail different expenditure on NHS. Without that, they will not be credible. I can see the emotional appeal of their stance, but do not think it is sufficient in the face of the economic pressures.

What is lacking is a proper forward plan, both for the NHS and for wider welfare and government expenditure. If a positive forward alternative was being articulated, it would be quite a different thing.

A couple of people have said 'they'll be a three minute wonder'. Yes, but they'll be a 'three minute wonder' for the duration of their term, won't they? My guess is, some of them will get in. Only thing is, they need to drum up support in the form of friends and colleagues who will put effort into doorstepping and flyering - and of course they need to do a lot of that (and soapboxing) themselves, as well. People are impressed by politicos who make an effort. Good luck to them.

This is the only way we have that coud actually make a difference. Of course there are problems with single issue candidates, but if one gets in, then should should be a clear indicator to the government that what they are saying really matters to the public.

The government are supposed to represent us, it is very sad that this is what has to be done to stand a chance of being listened to.

I'd vote for them.

Bring it on.

I'll vote for them if it gets rid of a few Tories and lets the coalition know that we're not all just rolling over.

For this to change people need to show they disagree -in a way that will actually impact them.