What can an individual do to keep Reform out?

[Thepoliticsofchaos]

I have a young friend (a university student) who is getting depressed about the prospect of Reform getting in next election. He thinks that the UK is fucked, basically. He's left-leaning, I assume a Labour voter. I've advised him to get politically engaged (so that in the future he'll at least be able to feel that he did what he could). He's not the most outgoing of people, though is interested in politics. Can anyone suggest how he could become usefully politically engaged to try to reduce the Reform vote? Not just joining a party and turning up to meetings, but actually doing something?

I did hear a brief clip earlier where their leader, when asked if people are generally born male or female, he said no and that it’s more complicated than that. He also clearly stated that of course a woman can have a penis, doesn’t sound like science to me !

I think he probably needs a reality check and understand that the majority of people are thinking what can they do to ensue they never have another Labour government ever again in their lifetime.

👏👏

The majority of people are doing no such thing. For every one of those there’s another who will vote for whichever candidate has the best chance of beating Reform.

Based on Labour's approval ratings, polling figures and bi-election results it's clear that the majority are voting against Labour.

Now. As I keep reminding you, almost four years is a very long time in politics. There will be tactical voting on steroids in 2029.

You used present tense "The majority of people are doing no such thing". You're blatantly wrong as all the metrics I mentioned above shows. At the moment, the majority of people are voting against Labour. I realise you find this hard to get your head around though.

I'm not an imbecile so I'm fully aware of when the next election is but the acclaimed conference speech did nothing to improve ratings and Digital ID is being opposed by the majority. If they keep going down that road then they won't win any supporters back.

Everyone writing about Reform say that it’s for a friend 😂 I’m not disbelieving you, but it is funny.

I don't think people are embarrassed about intending to vote for Reform these days? The polls show they are in very good company.

It might be more that many people don't trust people on the left to restrain themselves and not blurt out the usual Tourettes (apologies, John) vomit of "reform racist nazi far right". Far easier to just smile along and pretend they agree. And then vote against everything the left stands for in the privacy of the voting booth.

They aren't really points.

Work out which party is the biggest threat to Reform in his constituency and volunteer for them- door knocks, leafleting etc. Reform’s weakness is that they don’t have the established local networks that the more established parties have and that can make a big difference.

@Leavesfalling repent at leisure!

That's rather a sad start for a young boy though? What does he actually believe in positively? What if the party that is the biggest threat to Reform is the Conservatives I thought he was left wing.

Not a great believer in tactical voting, personally. Even if it would keep Labour out.

Encourage centre and left wing parties to address the concerns of a huge part of the population, rather than calling them racist and transphobic. You’re never going to get in if you demonise and alienate the majority. Just maths.

The op used it for the friend in her op and Labour.

Probably not.

So say everyone who voted Labour apart from a few hardliners! 😆

He should probably learn what democracy is and not get depressed because he cant get his own way because his opinion isnt the only one that matters.

Certainly will, get Labour out

And just as much to keep Reform out. Christ I’d even hold my nose and vote Tory if that was what it took.

Polls are a snapshot in time. Even the pollsters make that clear. Read the caveats. Voting patterns, how votes are distributed and who stands or doesn't stand where will have an impact.

I agree also with @BIossomtoes , there will be a massive tactical voting campaign against Reform and similarly I would vote Tory (🤮) to keep Farage put of no.10. I think we will possibly have a hung Parliament in 2029. Unless Labour can get its act together and win back voters.

Re: by-elections. All the recent by-elections bar one, which Reform won by the skin of its teeth, have been council by-elections which are by their nature a very different beast to Westminster elections.

There was the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which was a Labour gain for the Scottish Parliament. Reform came third.

Another test will be the Senedd election in Caerphilly. Still not a Westminster election, but a better weather-vane than council by-elections IMHO.

Yes, I know the usual lot will say I'm deluded etc., but the thought of a Farage government scares me. It could break up some of my friends and family who are married to people with ILTR.

Well Labour are currently scaring many of us NOW!

Well I am sorry you're scared. I don't want anyone to be scared. It is not a nice feeling.

A lot of people are as a direct result of Labour's actions so far plus what's yet to come inc digital ID.
You can be as patronising as you like but surely you're not that disengaged from public feeling at the moment? Or, maybe you are.