As I type I don’t know what the results actually are, but as you read this undoubtedly you (and I) will.
Following on from the popularity of our Brexit post, we thought we would also give our community a platform to discuss the results of the general election, should they wish to.
Unlike Brexit, where the team were all aligned in their vote I am quite sure we have all voted for various different parties during this election. We all respect each others choices and views and we sincerely hope that you will extend the same courtesy to each other within the comments section below.
From a personal standpoint I have found it quite difficult to make a definitive decision, vehnemently agreeing with some policies from some parties but not necessarily with others. I am unsure how many of the proposed policies are realistic based on the state of the economy and the uncertainty of the future. And I don’t feel any particular alignment with any of the party leaders.
Whatever the outcome I am going to concentrate on the positives and hope for a more stable United Kingdom for my daughter, family, friends and colleagues.
Please do join in the discussion.
EDIT: The election has resulted in a hung parliament, What does this mean? Information via the BBC HERE
Well I’ve been awake since 2am. Normally wake up in the middle of the night, check what’s happening and go back to sleep. This time I’ve been glued to it. Fascinating.
I’m not for either major party so will be watching with interest as the whole hung parliament, will or won’t she go drama.
At least she got her Vogue shoot in early that’s all I can say!
I took my phone to bed with the intentions of staying up Caroline but failed miserably. I had to idea Teresa had a Vogue shoot.
http://www.vogue.com/article/british-prime-minister-theresa-may-interview-brexit-political-views
I’m a Labour Party member and feel very conflicted. I love the labour surge (OO-er); disappointed that the conservatives held our local seat (despite being under investigation for election fraud) but happy salmond lost his. Scottish independence would quite split our family and mean my husband would be a wandering citizen! Concerned over what the DUP will demand…… They’re not exactly friendly to the lbgtq community or on issues of women’s health
I’m a Lib Dem supporter in a very safe conservative seat with an excellent local mp (although his hands are tied by party policy so his attempts to save our local hospital were a bit pointless).
I’m quite ok with the situation nationally. May’s record as Home Secretary was marked by stubbornness made out to be resilience (imo) and her cronies are just ugh. But John McDonnell as chancellor is not a great prospect in my view either. So hopefully the hung parliament will work out.
Sad that the Women’s Equality Party didn’t beat Davies in Shipley. And sad that Cleggy got the boot. Really think focusing on tuition fees is a step backwards when so many others need the money more than graduates- imagine what that cash could do pumped into early years for example.
A great victory for the British people in a way, as turnout seems to have been high and engagement levels improved.
Look forward to reading other comments and different views.
Definitely a positive with regards the high turnout and improved engagement levels Lucy.
The arrogance of the Tories never stops. Cameron giving us a disasterous EU ref he was confident he would win and now May choosing the worst time for an election. The country is in disarray not knowing what to do for the best; Brexit is so uncertain. Disaster.
Dismayed that the Tories won more seats up here in Scotland. No idea what these people are thinking!?! We don’t want Indyref 2 but why swing to the Conservatives 🙁
Clearly most of our nation doesn’t care about the elderly, the disabled etc – it’s depressing beyond belief.
Nikki I feel that too – everything is still “uncertain”, the pound has crashed yet again…
Thrilled that the smile has been wiped off her face. The Tories ran a shambolic campaign and still expected to win-wake up!!! Sadly though the Tories narrowly won my local seat – Vale of Glamorgan. Interesting times ahead!
I’m a swing voter, but voted labour in a marginal. I think May and austerity are running the country into the ground. I think that if you want good public services you do need to pay for them. Unfortunately my seat remains tory, but only by 31 votes. 31!
I wasn’t sure about corbyn at the start of this election, but he thoroughly convinced me in the last few weeks. I’m probably more of a natural lib dem, but now I’m all for corbyn. I feel excited about the alternative he’s offering. I haven’t felt excited by a main party for as long as I can remember.
This morning I feel hope.
Mel, I feel really similarly about Corbyn and am also quite horrified by how much the media (who clearly have a massive problem with him) influenced my opinion of him – as I thought he was an idiot when he is, clearly, a fantastic politician! This election has been eye opening as my opinion of him has been formed by what he has ACTUALLY said and done rather than what I’ve read in newpapers/online. I’ve always been a leftie and so love everything he’s saying on that front. But I’m more conservative economically and feel he needs to still prove himself on this score. That said – the Tories have always been held up as the bastions for business but given May’s horrendous approach to Brexit, I feel like that’s been totally debunked.
I wake up over the moon! My constituency which has been Tory for 156 years has finally turned red for the first time in voting history. Labour carried out an incredibly positive and visible campaign here and have ousted the standing conservative MP of 30 years (30 years!). I think it’s younger voters becoming more engaged and seeing that they have to speak up for what they believe in (either way).
Our seat couldn’t have been more safely blue. And the sun has risen red! Ecstatic!
Amazing Tallulah! I’m so amazed by how the Labour party have managed to motivate young voters.
I voted Conservative, as I always have. I would say I’m a liberal Conservative though and I don’t agree with ALL of their policies but for me, personally, they were the most appropriate. I couldn’t bring myself to vote for a party (Labour) when I had no confidence in the potential leadership – Corbyn & Abbott to me are a shambles. I do agree with some of their policies though.
For me, this election seems to have brought out nastiness and bickering at a time when there has been so much horror we should all be united and getting along no matter what party you voted for. At the end of the day, I truly believe whoever is in government does want the best for our great country. And everyone has different priorities- to some tuition fees are major (not to me) and others elderly care (again not one of my priorities) Everybody’s lives are different. You shouldn’t judge how people voted – that’s the point of democracy isn’t it? To give everyone THEIR OWN opinion and say.
I hope very much our wonderful country continues and whoever leads us can do so well.
I actually agree that all the leaders are trying to do what they truly believe is best. It’s just that some of them seem totally out of touch with the real problems facing every day people. Parities are too scared to raise taxes as it’s not a vote winner, but yet our public services are crumbling.
But also agree we all need to pull together. Trying times!!
I feel very differently. Civil disagreement and respectful debate are exactly what we need to make the right decisions and support positive change at times of national stress. The rhetoric of all pulling together to support uncritically makes me deeply uncomfortable. We can argue and disagree without sinking to unpleasantness and personal attacks.
Totally agree
I think that’s sort of the point, though, Victoria – we all have different priorities but we all view those priorities in a different light too. I’m 35 and I have parents who have a comfortable pension and probably won’t need state help – so elderly care is not a particularly priority for me but (this is a big but) the idea that ANY elderly person is going to be left miserable and alone because of state cuts makes me rage. The same said for someone with mental health issues who is desperate for help to live but can’t get it because the Tories have cut those services again and again – and have the ‘misfortune’ of not having been born wealthy or able to find this help privately.
That’s the main issue that I have in that most people who vote for Tories do so because that’s the party that is best for them on a personal level. If I’m honest – I would do better under the Tories too. But I want a party who puts EVERYONE first not just everyone like them.
Agree. I have a daughter with a learning disability and we can probably support her into adulthood. But what if we couldn’t?? Terrifying.
It is terrifying, Nikki. I can’t imagine the panic and fear a parent must feel when faced with a world where they can’t provide basic needs for their kids. No one should have to face that in 21C Britain.
Completely agree with every word of this Kate! It makes me sad that so many people vote based on their own personal interests. What about society as a whole and people who are struggling? I’d like to think I’m bringing my children up in a world where the majority of people care about others and have empathy… x
I understand the motivation behind voting based on your own personal interests because we live in a world that teaches us to do that unfortunately. But, like you say, I think we need to teach our kids to strive for something bigger than that. Empathy is key. I think the majority of Tory voters would try to help someone in need if they came across them in the street but that’s the problem – most people don’t see the marginalized and the vulnerable in society and so aren’t exposed to how devastating Tory cuts have been to those who can least afford them.
I agree with all of this Kate.
I have seen a quote doing the rounds on social media at the moment, something along the lines of…If you’re not doing so well, vote for a better life for yourself. If you are getting along quite nicely, vote for a better life for others.
I too have been massively impressed with Corbyn and how he has ran his campaign, I really hope this result doesn’t mean the end of his party leadership. To me, he is a breath of fresh air.
xx
Love that quote Becca <3
Completely agree Kate.
Had a big debate about this exact issue with my mother. Personally I feel she has been too reliant on nasty media articles that seem to find highlighting abusers of benefits (as they see them) more important than issues such as families needing to use food banks and the cuts in funding for the disabled. These articles do nothing to invoke empathy or sympathy among the public.
I think that if I am plodding along nicely and not struggling (have a roof over my head and food in the fridge) then I’d rather pay a little more to ensure someone less fortunate gets to eat!
Beautifully said Kate. I agree with everything you said above too!
I’m very concerned about what this means for Brexit. I’m worried the EU are going to walk all over the UK.
I voted conservative (although I live in a very safe labour seat) because of my concerns about Brexit but that vote perhaps didn’t entirely match how I felt about domestic issues. But then I personally feel Corbyn would make a terrible PM.
A very difficult vote this time! But I’m glad I put my cross in a box either way.
I’m delighted, it shows how engaged the public are and will ensure issues are fully debated. Curious as to how this will pan out. I’m in a safe Tory seat, last election there was a majority of 7000 but last night they just clung on by 300! It sends a very clear message and I’m excited to be part of it. I think May hugely misjudged this and hopefully will take on board the fact that public have spoken. I changed my vote and that was down to May not debating, a poor manifesto that wasn’t costed, pushing for a hard brexit when the referendum was so close and the personal attacks on Corbyn rather than focusing on their policies. Interesting times…..
I’m thrilled with the result, it’s the best that I could hope for. I was angry after the Brexit result and it got worse when May decided to take that vote as proof of her right to do and say whatever she wanted to Europe and us. I’ve really disliked her combative approach to the Brexit talks and, domestically, the Tory approach to cutting the NHS and all public services. I was horrified by the terrorist attacks but AMAZED by the response of the security services, police, emergency etc – at a time when I know morale is rock bottom. 8 minutes it took them to end the London attack! I wish May had got up the next day and just focused on thanking them rather than going on about enough is enough and using it as a way to introduce the idea of dismantling more human rights laws (no, no, no). The Tories have been so desperate to appeal to UKIP supporters that they’ve ignored everyone else in the country and it’s come back to bite them firmly on the arse.
Where do we go from here? I’ve no idea – but what I do know is that May has not been given the massive mandate she wanted to go ahead and lurch this country to the right with a nasty Brexit deal (or no deal), cuts across the board (omg, did anyone see her response to that nurse about how there is no ‘magic money tree’ – patronising much?!) and generally little apparently sympathy or empathy for those of us in society who are less fortunate, including the elderly, those with mental health etc. And I’m ALL FOR THAT.
Couldn’t agree more!
Totally agree with this too – the ‘no magic money tree’ comment absolutely enraged me!!! Funny how there’s always money for MP pay rises and expenses though? 🤔
I’m delighted, it means the public are engaged and using their voice! I struggled as I’m in a very safe Tory seat, the last majority was 7000 votes but last night is came down to just 300!! I’m excited to be a part of it. For me, I switched parties and that was due to many things – May not taking part in debates, a poor manifesto that was uncosted, pushing a hard brexit when the referendum was so close and the personal attacks on Corbyn which felt very uncomfortable. I also took the leaders out of it and just looked at the policies and Labour resonated more, our public services need protecting and investment. Schools and the NHS are really important to me, plus I prefer a soft brexit. There was also a whiff of arrogance around the Tories which I just did not like. Interesting times…..
I have found my Facebook feed/general rhetoric during this general election campaign quite offensive. Understand that I strongly believe in our democratic right to vote so, strongly believe in everyones right to an opinon and belief and to uphold that, change their mind, whatever they want to do. But I have found there’s been a total lack of respect towards anyone who doesn’t agree with you, calling them stupid/careless etc etc. I don’t think that’s ok.
With regards to the result, it was a bad call by May to hold a snap GE and regardless of whether you agree with their manifesto and the validity of it or not Labour ran a campaign that resonated with a lot of people.
x
I’m so pleased you are happy to encourage debate on this RMS! I’ve voted lib dem and green previously but voted labour in this election for a number of reasons – the area I live now is usually Labour majority but had an increased number of Conservative/UKIP voters last time around so I voted tactically for the first time to help keep Labour in. Our local Labour MP also seems to be doing a pretty good job so far so I was happy to vote for her to continue. I didn’t have strong opinions on Corbyn really, but am so pleased with his (and others!) impact on the high turnout for young voters. And NHS / education were fundamental for me and I felt given the choice between the two main parties that Labour would do more to protect them. I felt that it would be a difficult job for either party to achieve what they were promising, but Labour had a number of core values that aligned with my own. Really interested in reading everyone’s thoughts (whichever way they voted!) and hopeful that more educated and respectful discussions are starting to emerge (like this one) despite all the nastiness in some of the press etc. Xx
I have been a Tory voter all my life, but I have to say, I vote for them because I think they are the best of a bad bunch. I’m quite disillusioned with politics. We vote for parties on the strength of their pledges, then they get into power and for whatever reason, half the pledges cannot be done and they blame the governments before them. I’m sick of the parties always trying to get one over another and get the upper hand. I want the focus to be about the people and I feel that Politicians often lose that focus with their party fighting. The NHS is in disarray and Education is suffering and we badly need to put it right. I think Labour’s push on spending on it is right and the Tories have handled it all badly, however, we can’t spend what we don’t have and that worries me. To me, it’s too short term and not thought through. I don’t want to have a few years of easiness only to find that when my children are older we have totally ruined it all for them because we were selfish and thoughtless. I would rather have a few years of difficulty and create a more solid and stable foundation for our future generations. I get that the economy is a massively complex thing, and there is no easy answer. What you give to one, you end up taking from another. What I do find frustrating, is how much money Governments waste. I want that sorted really. As Victoria said, we all vote for different reasons based on our life circumstances and EVERYONE should have the right to express their views and those views be respected. I was so saddened after Brexit to see all the abuse on social media. Healthy debate, why yes, verbal abuse and attack, well, it’s a shame.
I just hope whatever happens, I’ll look for the positives.
Vanessa I found myself nodding in agreement along with your comment. I too feel disillusioned. And like you – healthy debate ABSOLUTELY (so great to see our community putting across their views in such a respectful and intelligent manner – but I wouldn’t expect anything less) but I too am really disappointed by the abuse and attack I see on social media. It doesn’t help the present or the future.
I woke on and off through the night and checked progress feeling full of hope and optimism. But to be brutally honest the thought of DUP having any control over the course of our parliament terrifies me.
I like the analogy of a house viewing for people who don’t take to Corbyn and Abbott – i.e. you wouldn’t reject a house just because you didn’t like the curtains would you? (or would you?) You need to see past the individual and think of the collective (though please read this article from Jack Monroe on Abbott as it is enlightening: https://cookingonabootstrap.com/ )
I agree that the media have a completely skewed view of Corbyn and personally have really warmed to him in the last few months (though I never thought of him as terrible).
I am also dismayed that the Tories will now use the totally uninvested/unengaged votes of the DUP to push through policies affecting our schools and hospitals here and presumably not in NI! My kids will suffer- How can that be fair or right?
Thanks for the Jack Monroe article link, really interesting read!x
That is such an important article from Jack Monroe.
I read it the other day and it really was an eye opener – such an incredible set of achievements. (am pleased to see she kept her seat and managed to increase her majority in spite of all the personal attacks)
Social Media has been such a double-edged sword recently;
On the one hand it has been key in engaging the younger voter and in resulting in an incredible surge in voting amongst the young. And from a personal level has helped me to become a lot more engaged than I have been previously.
But on the other hand, all too often debate has turned nasty, spiteful and too full of name calling!
I’m in Scotland and while on one hand i’m surprised at the Conservative revival here (given that 20 years ago this was pretty much a Tory free zone) on the other hand it seems like a complete no-brainer. While I don’t agree with all of their policies, I think Ruth Davidson has played a blinder and I bet there are more than a few people in her party wishing she was an MP!
I think I read this morning that the Conservatives had won their highest number of seats in Scotland since 1983, I think that’s largely down to Davidson (possibly combined with Sturgeon and the SNP misjudging the appetite for IndyRef2).