The 2019 General Election Result and Aftermath

[Bletchleyite]

The electorate also saw mild and moderate Miliband (as Blairite as they come) as the greater of two evils- remember the dire warnings of his "coalition of chaos"- which is precisely why Corbyn got elected as leader.

So if Diet Tory doesn't work, and suburban socialism doesn't work, then I'm all out of ideas. I'm honestly not sure what would work.

Blairism clearly did?

 

[TrafficEng]

Let’s just make one point clear - Boris Johnson clearly hasn’t been the architect of this campaign - he’s a figurehead at best, carried along by his waffles and his ego. This Tory win (if it is as big as the poll suggests) is a huge success for the big-data miners and analysts, the long-game strategists and the far right-wing brains currently advising Downing Street. Dominic Cummings and the like.

Sure. And if the Conservatives ended the night out of government then it would be 100% the fault of Boris wouldn't it?

 

[Tetchytyke]

Blairism clearly did?

It did for a while, but Brown was rejected and Miliband was comprehensively rejected, both standing on Blairite platforms. Neither had the charm of Tony, admittedly, but still.

I suppose Labour are going through the same pain the Tories did in the late 90s. In response to a thrashing in 97 they lurched to the right with a low wattage extremist leader who had all the charm of a bucket of cold sick.

I just hope Labour don't do what the Tories did in replacing one low wattage extremist with another- who was somehow even les appealing- in 2001 and then a third one.

 

[Grimsby town]

I think the conservatives played a blinder in passing off the global crash as being caused by labour. People some how think the tories are the masters of economics and when they seem to lack a basic understanding of the possible knock on affects of austerity.

 

[43066]

We both know the Tories will never do anything to help people in places like Blyth. Your boys have won there but they need to deliver there now. To do that they now need to deal with people in really tough situations and make lives better in poor towns. They need to create jobs that are secure and pay well, they need to improve opportunity, they need to invest in better public services, they need to fix the NHS, they need to make sure that benefits work ( and pay) and they need to look after these people and make things better. They wont. We both know that. Oh and they need to make the impact of brexit not be massively damaging in poor working class towns. Over to you.

On the analysis I would prefer if you could avoid the glib and obvious trolling..............

Over to me? Well ok then!

Firstly, where the hell is Blyth? Isn’t it in Wales?

Secondly, if people in these supposedly marginalised towns struggle for work, perhaps they need to get onto their bikes and go and bloody well look for work.

My grandparents grew up in northern slums in Leeds and Jarrow, during the Great Depression. Granny’s father’s ship was laid up. They lacked running water or even a flushing toilet in their own homes.

No welfare state to pay for fags and a flat screen tv in those days... Surprise surprise!

Yet they managed to find work and worked to make something of themselves. They certainly didn’t sit around making excuses for themselves - they just cracked on and did it.

You’ll therefore excuse me when I say I find your northern sob story above a new line of 2019 BS.

 

[bussnapperwm]

Newcastle Upon Tyne East has returned Nick Brown to Westminster. At least the Geordies have sense....

Over to me? Well ok then!

Firstly, where the hell is Blyth? Isn’t it in Wales?

Secondly, if people in these supposedly marginalised towns struggle for work, perhaps they need to get onto their bikes and go and bloody well look for work.

My grandparents grew up in northern slums in Leeds and Jarrow, during the Great Depression. Grannies father’s ship was laid up during the Great Depression. They lacked running water or even a flushing toilet on their own homes. Yet they managed to find work. They certainly didn’t make excuses for themselves - they just cracked on and did it.

No welfare state in those days.

You’ll therefore excuse me when I say I find your northern sob story above a new line of BS.

Blyth Valley is in Northumberland

 

[bramling]

Blairism clearly did?

I’m not sure it did. It worked as a brand for a few years (against an utterly shambolic Major government followed by a badly wounded Conservative party), but I think people saw through Blairism over time and realised that Blair didn’t really deliver a lot of what was promised. One could argue for example that Blair’s increase in immigration has ultimately led to Brexit, whilst Scottish Devolution might ultimately lead to the loss of Scotland.

 

[bussnapperwm]

Sunderland Central has returned Julie Elliot to Westminster. Greens loses their deposit

 

[AlterEgo]

The electorate also saw mild and moderate Miliband (as Blairite as they come) as the greater of two evils- remember the dire warnings of his "coalition of chaos"- which is precisely why Corbyn got elected as leader.

So if Diet Tory doesn't work, and suburban socialism doesn't work, then I'm all out of ideas. I'm honestly not sure what would work.

The answer really lies closer to cultural and social conservatism, which Labour hasn't offered for about 30 years now. There are more social and cultural conservatives - who have fiscally left-wing views - than people in online spaces often imagine. Labour's incessant, divisive, and illiberal identity politics are one of the reasons why I abstained from voting for them and why I am happy to see Lib Dem leader Swinson is going to lose her seat.

 

[bb21]

Now everyone try and calm down please. Thank you.

 

[43066]

I hope Brexit works out because we're all screwed if it doesn't. And if it works out OK then nobody will be in the mud.

You obviously believe the Tories will do wonders and achieve a glorious Brexit. Nobody will die in the mud, it'll be sunny uplands for all. So if you have faith in Johnson to be a roaring success, why would my comment be "classy"?

But if Brexit does destroy the economy and these towns take the brunt- as I suspect will happen- I'm not going to be particularly sad. Actions have consequences.

I get the distinct impression you don’t want Brexit to work out well, just so that you can say “I told you so”.

Blyth Valley is in Northumberland

Thanks. Poor knowledge on my behalf, I must admit.

 

[Howardh]

I get the distinct impression you don’t want Brexit to work out well, just so that you can say “I told you so”.

Johnson could now, in theory, work out a close relationship with the EU as he should have the numbers to beat the ERG hardliners

 

[TrafficEng]

The combined vote for the Conservatives and Brexit Party in Sunderland Central would have been enough to win the seat with a 2000 majority.

Not surprised Gove isn't thanking Farage.

 

[Grimsby town]

Johnson could now, in theory, work out a close relationship with the EU as he should have the numbers to beat the ERG hardliners

If he had any sense he will. This result shows we need to leave even though I think it will be a damaging decision. However, as Brexiters have said their vote has to be respected, if the country is to be brought back together remainers have to be listened to and a close relationship should be negotiated. I don't hold much hope though.

 

[TrafficEng]

Johnson could now, in theory, work out a close relationship with the EU as he should have the numbers to beat the ERG hardliners

Based on the exit poll numbers it would appear a closer relationship with the EU has been rejected by a lot more than just the ERG 'hardliners'.

 

[43066]

Johnson could now, in theory, work out a close relationship with the EU as he should have the numbers to beat the ERG hardliners

I don’t think that would play at all well with his voter base. Certainly not this member of it.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Firstly, where the hell is Blyth? Isn’t it in Wales?

Secondly, if people in these supposedly marginalised towns struggle for work, perhaps they need to get onto their bikes and go and bloody well look for work.

Oh boy.

Caring One Nation Conservatism

I get the distinct impression you don’t want Brexit to work out well, just so that you can say “I told you so”.

I hope it will work out, just as I hope my lottery numbers come up.

The chances of success of those two things are about equal, unless Boris invites the ERG to go swivel and achieves the softest of soft Brexits.

 

[43066]

I live in a labour safe seat.

I actually wish I’d voted Brexit Party rather than Tory, to doff my cap to Mr Farage for the amazing work he’s done to take us out of the EU over the last couple of decades. But I was too terrified by the prospect of a Labour majority.

Too late now. Not that it matters.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Labour's incessant, divisive, and illiberal identity politics

Was that ever something Labour campaigned on? I can't say I noticed. It's always been a student union staple, but that's not new. Or relevant.

I'm not sure what "social conservatism" would appease Brexit supporters in northern towns. "No blacks, no Irish, no poofters"?

I'm not even joking. It's what was being demanded way back in 2010 with "that bigoted woman" in Rochdale. It's what was being demanded in 2004/5 when the BNP gained traction in these towns. It's certainly what I hear in my home town of Bradford.

 

[bussnapperwm]

Swindon North Tory
Middlesbrough Labour

 

[Tetchytyke]

if the country is to be brought back together remainers have to be listened to

That assumes "bringing the country back together" is an aim. Why would it be? FPTP means you don't need to appeal to the many, you just need to get 50%+1. Everyone else can go whistle.

A country split neatly down the middle over a single contentious issue is great under FPTP politics. We've already seen that tonight in Blyth Valley.

The chances of Remainers being listened to are slim. That's democracy, we lost, get over it. And get comfortable and get the KY Jelly ready; boy are we going to need it.

 

[43066]

Caring One Nation Conservatism

One nation Conservatism? No thanks.

Northern Ireland should be ceded back to the ROI as soon as possible, in order to correct an enormous historical mistake.

As for Scotland?

If there’s a future Scottish independence referendum and I’m given the chance to vote as an Englishman, they’ll be on their merry bloody way (but no further support from Westminster).

The chances of success of those two things are about equal, unless Boris invites the ERG to go swivel and achieves the softest of soft Brexits.

Preferably the hardest of Brexits, if you please! Too much to hope for...

 

[Tetchytyke]

Northern Ireland should be ceded back to the ROI as soon as possible, in order to correct an enormous historical mistake.

You are aware of your party's actual name, aren't you?

 

[AlterEgo]

I'm not sure what "social conservatism" would appease Brexit supporters in northern towns. "No blacks, no Irish, no poofters"?

Sigh.

 

[43066]

You are aware of your party's actual name, aren't you?

Sinn Fein *cough* Tory, at least whilst I’m on the mainland.

I'm not sure what "social conservatism" would appease Brexit supporters in northern towns. "No blacks, no Irish, no poofters"?

What an insulting and stereotypical comment!

 

[Bald Rick]

Haven’t read the thread, so apologies if I repeat anything.

I’m slightly relieved. Not because I voted or supported the conservatives (I didn’t). Not because I’m looking forward to 5 years of conservative rule (I’m not). And certainly not because I want Br**it (most definitely don’t).

Relieved because this will, hopefully, cause the Labour Party to have a seismic change in direction, and most importantly leadership - and not just at the top. Then come back much stronger with a sensible set of policies, and with a credible and reputable leader and leadership team. The next two weeks are crucial for the Labour Party. Will Steptoe go? Will momentum be sidelined? Will a new force emerge? If not, the country will be blue for the foreseeable future.

 

[bramling]

The answer really lies closer to cultural and social conservatism, which Labour hasn't offered for about 30 years now. There are more social and cultural conservatives - who have fiscally left-wing views - than people in online spaces often imagine. Labour's incessant, divisive, and illiberal identity politics are one of the reasons why I abstained from voting for them and why I am happy to see Lib Dem leader Swinson is going to lose her seat.

It’s the divisive identity politics which IMO has pissed people off. It happened under Blair, but kept behind the scenes. London is blind to it, but the rest of England, and seemingly Wales, really detests it.

 

[gnolife]

Sinn Fein *cough* Tory, at least whilst I’m on the mainland.

I'm not familiar with a party officially called Tory, who are they and what do they stand for?

 

[43066]

I'm not familiar with a party officially called Tory, who are they and what do they stand for?

If you don’t know who the Tories are, you need look no further than your (renewed) PM, for further elucidation.

He’ll be able to remind you, on the morrow.

 

[Howardh]

I don’t think that would play at all well with his voter base. Certainly not this member of it.

You'ver given him the right to do whatever he wants!