Transform Politics is the name of a new group looking to form a fresh left-wing party in the UK. It’s made up of individuals and pre-existing parties – and it’s launched its campaign with a flurry of interest on social media, as well as some criticism.
Let’s get electoral reform first, yeah?
The optimist in me would point to how much impact UKIP had on British politics without ever winning a seat…
However I’m not deluded enough to think these guys have anything as emotive as Brexit to push policy or even pressure the governing parties.
Still, if we ever get that sweet electoral reform I’d be happy to take another look.
UKIP had impact way beyond their support because the Conservative Party will always prioritise retaining power over doing the right thing.
I mean, there was absolutely a fracture inside the Tory party with regards to Europe. UKIP managed to widen that fracture and then Cameron gambled it all and, well here we are.
No left leaning party can do what UKIP did because UKIP threatened Labour as well as Tory seats. They were a single issue party and could run as MEPs which gave them another soapbox to shout from. There just isn’t an issue that has the same kind of cross-partisan reach yet.
I think abolition of the monarchy will be that issue in 10-15 years time. Once the older Christian conservative voters die off there will be a stronger push to move to a republic. It’s something that a single issue party could run on and steal votes from the dominant parties.
Yeah, I don’t think that really works unless you’ve got a strong wedge issue that can be used to threaten the main party.
I think you’re absolutely right, we need electoral reform precisely so that more diverse views can be represented in government.
For now, though, the priority has to be ejecting the Tories.
I’m not sure what the path to electoral reform looks like. Starmer is hostile to the idea. Labour have had electoral reform in their manifesto before and happily ignored it when in power.
Perhaps a hung parliament will get us there. I don’t know what the realistic vote for Electoral reform is. Maybe a Lab-Lib government does it but Libs have been steamrolled in a coalition before.
I’m almost a single issue voter for Electoral reform at this point.
Starmer is hostile to anything that could be used to drive a wedge between him and winning, which doesn’t seem a terrible strategy for the country. Would rather have 5 years of centre left government than another term of Tory leadership. Let the Overington window move slowly, but it’s easier to advocate for left wing policies if the right of labour is in charge (through party conferences) than from the outside.
I wonder at what point this becomes the wedge that will get between him and winning. I don’t think is margins are as secure as the polls lead us to believe. Too many don’t knows and won’t says lurking around.
So I think he’s being foolish to take his base for granted. They’re not going to vote Tory, but they might struggle to turn up on the day. That could be the difference between a commanding majority and a thin/non-existant one.
Agreed. The comment I replied to said “let’s get electoral reform first”. Them splitting can’t hurt efforts for electoral reform, though it’s not likely to help either.
Splitters!
Yeah, is there anything the left does better than factionalism!
In a two party FPTP system, they’re nothing but a bunch of Tory stooges.
The opening sentence:
This is an era of crisis
🤣 Are we not able to say anything positive to inspire people to vote for your party? Doom and gloom sells I suppose?
Sounds like the UK version of “No Labels”. Probably funded by the same people.
