African neighbour voted Reform

[WhatShoes4me]

I was talking to one of my neighbours over the garden fence today. I wasn't sure if they had voted as didn't know their rights and I don't know how long they've been in the country. They've lived there over a year. They're African.
I said I was glad our local councillor had kept their seat. Labour. They do a lot for us. I've had a fair bit of contact and they do what they say.
Neighbour said they'd voted Reform. They're from an African country and are black. I was so shocked I couldn't hide it. I hadn't asked they just said. I thought they were joking at first but no.
Dh said why was I surprised? I thought that was obvious?

I know someone whose family moved here from India when he was 5. He voted Brexit on the grounds that he didn't want immigrants coming here. He's not stupid either, he's a doctor.

As a Black woman, the thinkings behind the structure of white supremacy aren't immune to poc. We see it through Kemi Badenoch etc...

It's very sad and is rooted imo in a wanting to be close to the 'acceptable/palatable' Black/poc

This post more about you, than them.

1. you should ask why did they vote Reform, maybe it will change your own mind about Labour - getting a fresh perspective.
2. they may have left a country where politics were similar to current Labour gov!!
3. imo the reform party is not racist party … that’s spin & you are falling for it

you need to ask THEM, not us!!!

Why didn't you ask them why they voted Reform? Then stay silent and actively listen to their reasons.

It's is quite possible they are looking to curb the high number of migrants & refugees (small boats) coming across the channel that need housing, in social housing that we don't have, thus fuelling the housing crisis. Statistically (2024) the majority of these people were/are Afghans, Syrians, Iranian, Vietnamese, Albanians, and Eritreans.

So by your logic, why would an African, from say, Nigeria, a former British Colony, identify with any of the above people?

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

I know a few people that have attended Reform events, I asked about attendees and was told a total mix of people, so it doesn’t surprise me at all.

Oh I'm not labour any more. Just local elections.

I'm glad I posted as it's helped. Harsh posts but they're needed imo. Had it been AIBU then would be a pretty unanimous I am being unreasonable 🙂

People often vote against their own best interests.

For those who do understand it’s against their own interests, the reasons usually boil down to: they think that even if it would make life harder for them, it would be worth it to make life better for others, or it would be worth it to make life worse for others.

MIL's partner voted Brexit and he owned a property in Spain at that time
Another friend who voted Brexit was most upset when his retirement plans to france were scuppered

I think the people calling you racist are jumping the gun OP.

You may not need to be racist yourself to vote for the reform party, however the party is under the leadership of and very, very strongly associated with Nigel Farage, who is well known to have expressed racist and fascistic views. It’s a matter of public record:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-resigns-ukip-leader-brexit-leave-most-controversial-moments-racism-sexism-immigration-a7118801.html

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/letter-resurfaces-from-nigel-farages-schooldays-warning-of-racist-and-fascist-tendencies-190877/

I think it’s reasonable to wonder why someone who is the target of those views and prejudices would vote for him. The sad thing is we’re not surprised when so many white people do.

In my view it's like a turkey voting for Christmas but hey, I can't say I'm surprised. Only got to look at Latinos in America voting for Trump and how that's backfired on them.

My God, your outlook is the height of racism! Gatekeeping who can vote for what party based on their ethnicity!

Do you think that ‘Africans’ can’t think for themselves? Why shouldn’t they vote Reform?

Do you think all Latinos are illegal immigrants, or something?

Our Reform candidate is himself an Indian immigrant.

My family come from another country and we've all voted Reform. It's good to have working immigrants but not illegal immigrants.

As Kent county council is now reform led I think most Kent people would be insulted if they were told they were racists. For far too long Govts have been ignoring the massive issues in Kent particularly the county council nearly going bankrupt because of the unaccompanied children. Perhaps those in higher places will start listening to the little people. Firstly it was Brexit and now Reform.

It appears that the poster is implying that all Latinos are criminals as well.

I do think immigration needs to be addressed as it is obviously a huge concern for so many people. I think the difficulty most parties will have is doing so while complying with international law.

Given what we’ve seen in the US with the current cabal, and Farage’s financing from Musk, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were plans to leave the UN and dismantle human rights in the UK, which might not be the win for ordinary people it sounds like.

If you’ve ever watched interviews with Trump-voting Latinos, you might have some insight.

They have experienced increased discrimination and loss of oportunities because people assume they are ‘illegals’. They are angry that the rights they have fought so long to earn, by immigrating legally, by working and paying taxes are being eroded. Their status as hard working immigrants seeking to achieve the American dream is being denied them. They want mass illegal immigration stopped so that they can protect what they’ve achieved and retain/regain the respect they felt that used to have.

British voters from non white/European ethnicities want the same.

But the problem is, that's not the outcome which is achieved. The majority still see you as the group you both want out, without distinction.

What outcome? Reform have not been in power in the UK to achieve anything yet so you can’t possibly say that, can you?

In the US, the immigration numbers at the southern borders dropped within days of Trump coming into office and threatening Mexico with reprisals… so if the motivation of Latinos was to reduce illegal immigration on the southern border, he achieved that, no matter how crass he was in the process.

I’d be really interested to know what Reform voters (of any colour!) think they will achieve as local councillors, MPs or God forbid, as a government. They seem to have no proactive policies, just a lot of opinions and soundbites.

My auntie is from Malaysia and she emigrated here in the early 1970s. She voted for Brexit because she believes in controlled immigration that benefits the uk rather than uncontrolled eu immigration. She was a nurse.

They probably see themselves as “expats” rather than an immigrant. Maybe they came here with a contract and therefore get the impression that they are needed.
I am also going to guess that they despise benefit claimants (they are not entitled) and have conservative views in general so it makes sense they will be inclined to vote Reform.