THREAD: uk election

FARAGE’S Bold Invitation: Conservative Councillors Offered a NEW Political Home

24 October 2024 — Nigel Farage has invited 1,352 Conservative councillors in England to join Reform UK. The party is gearing up for its first national election campaign. Currently, Reform UK has 28 local councillors and aims to grow significantly.

In a video message, Farage said many local Conservatives align more with his party than with Westminster’s Conservatives. Unlike the 2019 election deal with Boris Johnson’s Conservatives, Reform UK plans to run candidates in every local council contest this May. Farage warned that most Conservative councillors risk losing their seats and offered them a “lifeline” by joining Reform UK.

Farage stressed that only those who truly want to change the country should apply, setting a deadline for decisions before next month’s candidate selection. He made it clear not everyone would be accepted, especially those prone to internal conflicts typical of Tory politics.

The invitation comes just before the announcement of the new Conservative Party leader — either Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick replacing Rishi Sunak. Farage dismissed the leadership contest as irrelevant, claiming the Conservative brand is irreparably damaged due to repeated betrayals of voters’ trust over successive elections and manifestos.

LABOUR PARTY’S Landslide WIN Ends Conservative Rule In UK

05 July 2024 — Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged to reverse the despair that accumulated over 14 years of Conservative rule. He promises an urgent mission of national renewal after Labour’s landslide victory.

The challenges are significant. Rising poverty, crumbling infrastructure, a lagging economy, and an overstretched National Health Service have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The defeat marks the worst ever for Conservatives in the UK.

Labour will now form the next government amid calls for immediate action to address these pressing issues. Follow AP’s live coverage of the election for more updates on this historic shift in British politics.

BRITISH Election Sees NEW Voter ID LAW in Action

04 July 2024 — Polling stations across the UK opened this morning at 7 AM and will close at 10 PM. Ipsos pollsters are gathering exit poll data to provide an early picture of the election results. Detailed seat-specific results will only be available in the early hours of Friday.

British and Irish citizens, along with some Commonwealth immigrants, are eligible to vote if they are over 18. This election marks the first time voters must show legal identification to cast their ballots in person, a measure aimed at reducing voter fraud. The Electoral Commission has approved 22 forms of ID, including passports and driving licenses.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty were seen voting at Kirby Sigston Village Hall today. Reporting on the election is restricted while polling places are open, with broadcasters banned from discussing outcomes or publishing polls until voting ends. Violating these rules can result in imprisonment for news editors.

Tice DEMANDS Right-Wing REALIGNMENT in UK Politics

03 July 2024 — Reform UK leader Richard Tice criticized the Conservative Party for its failures and called for a complete realignment of right-wing politics. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he emphasized that the Conservatives should not be rewarded for their shortcomings.

“Labour is going to win this election,” said Tice, adding that people are tired of the culture of fear created by Tory desperation. He argued for a new, common-sense approach, predicting millions of votes for Reform UK.

Host Nick Robinson suggested Nigel Farage’s revolt against legacy parties might fail due to extreme views within Reform UK. Tice dismissed this as “absolute nonsense,” claiming strong support from voters during his campaign efforts.

LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal

29 June 2024 — The U.K. general election on July 4 is approaching, with the Labour Party expected to defeat Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. Polls indicate Labour leader Keir Starmer will likely form the next government.

The Conservative campaign has struggled, facing allegations of election betting involving figures close to Sunak. This scandal has further dampened their already lackluster efforts.

In the U.K., the prime minister decides election dates, unlike fixed schedules in countries like the U.S. This unique system has led to a market for predicting election dates and outcomes.

Police officers and Conservative insiders are under investigation for their involvement in this betting scandal, adding another layer of controversy as over 50 countries prepare for elections in 2024.

GLOBAL Elections SHAKE-UP: Major Voter Impact in Coming Days

28 June 2024 — In the coming days, voters in countries like Mauritania, Mongolia, Iran, Britain, and France will head to the polls. These elections could significantly impact global politics amid ongoing conflicts and economic concerns.

Iran faces a critical election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeks a successor among hard-liners Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.

National elections this year are happening in over 50 countries with significant political changes in India, Mexico, and South Africa. Russia remains unchanged despite global shifts.

FARAGE BLASTS Sunak: Migrant Crisis Threatens Election

25 June 2024 — With just over a week until the July 4th general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces criticism for failing to “stop the boats.” Populist challenger Nigel Farage filmed 45 migrants in a small dinghy entering British waters, escorted by the Border Force. This brings the total crossings to over 13,000 for 2024 and marks 50,000 since Sunak took office in 2022.

Farage has labeled this year’s vote as the “migration election,” arguing that Sunak’s government has failed to control illegal immigration. “Rishi can’t stop the boats,” Farage declared, emphasizing that migrant numbers have surged under Sunak’s leadership. He pointed out that during Boris Johnson’s tenure, although longer, fewer migrants crossed into Britain.

“The significance of this boat is that this number on this vessel takes it beyond 50,000 since Rishi became Prime Minister,” Farage told GB News from the Channel. He warned viewers not to underestimate the severity of the situation as it continues to worsen. The ongoing crisis highlights a key issue for voters as they head to the polls next week.

CONSERVATIVE Officials in HOT Water Over Election Betting Scandal

23 June 2024 — Nick Mason is the fourth Conservative official to be investigated by the U.K.’s Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on election timing before the date was announced. Dozens of bets with potential winnings worth thousands of pounds are under scrutiny.

Two other Conservative candidates, Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, are also being investigated. Tony Lee, Saunders’ husband and Conservative director of campaigning, has taken a leave of absence amid similar allegations.

The scandal comes just two weeks before the national election, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party. Sunak expressed anger over the allegations and stated that lawbreakers should be expelled from the party.

Saunders has pledged full cooperation with investigators. Williams served as Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary in addition to being a candidate.

NIGEL FARAGE’S Bold Return: Reform UK Aims to Shake UP British Politics

04 June 2024 — Nigel Farage is back at the helm of the Reform UK Party, formerly known as the Brexit Party. He will stand for election in Clacton, a seat where his former party UKIP previously found success. Farage’s ambitions extend beyond this election, aiming for significant influence in future elections.

A recent poll indicates a potential Conservative Party defeat under Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Farage believes Reform UK could surpass the Conservatives in votes next month. He stated, "We’re going to get a huge number of votes... they are on the verge of total collapse.

Reform UK has outpolled Conservatives before, notably in the 2019 EU Parliament elections with 5.2 million votes against 1.5 million for Conservatives. However, replicating this success in Westminster elections would be challenging due to Britain’s electoral system favoring established parties like Labour and Conservatives or regional parties like SNP and Greens.

Farage aims to use this campaign as a springboard for future success, positioning Reform UK as the main opposition party against an internally conflicted Conservative Party. “We are going to be the voice of opposition,” he declared confidently, promising to surprise everyone once again with his political prowess.

LABOUR’S Radical Plan: Lowering Voting Age to 16 Sparks Controversy

25 May 2024 — Labour sources have revealed that if the party wins the upcoming July 4th election, a Sir Keir Starmer government will lower the voting age in England to 16 within its first year. This change would add around 1.5 million teens to the voter rolls, marking a significant expansion of the electorate.

Starmer confirmed his support for this move on Sky News, stating: “If you can work, if you can pay tax, if you can serve in your armed forces, then you ought to be able to vote.” The policy echoes Labour’s historical decision in 1969 to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.

Critics argue that low-information young voters tend to favor left-wing parties. A recent YouGov survey found Labour holds a substantial lead over Conservatives among voters aged 18-24, with a 57% to 8% advantage.

REFORM UK BLASTS Conservatives For Immigration Failure

24 May 2024 — Reform UK launched its general election campaign by highlighting the Conservative Party’s failure to control immigration. The party, formerly known as Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, displayed a graph showing a dramatic rise in immigration since 1997.

The Conservatives have been criticized for increasing net migration to one million every 18 months despite promising to reduce it. Reform UK’s campaign material questions who voted for mass migration and accuses both the Conservatives and Labour of failing the public on this issue.

Party leader Richard Rice emphasized that voting for either major party results in socialism, higher taxes, lower wages, and increased immigration. He argued that both parties have governed similarly despite their differing rhetoric.

Rice and deputy Ben Habib criticized decades of decline under both Labour and Conservative governments. They pointed out record-high taxes, government spending, waiting lists, debt levels, and poor public sector outcomes over the past 70 years as evidence of systemic failure.

SUNAK SHOCKS Nation: Calls Surprise Election for July 4

23 May 2024 — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shocked many by calling a general election for July 4. Known for being thorough and evidence-led, this move contrasts sharply with his usual cautious approach.

Opinion polls suggest that Sunak’s Conservative Party is trailing behind the opposition Labour Party, which could spell trouble for his leadership. Sunak took office in October 2022, replacing Liz Truss after her economic policies caused market turmoil.

Sunak had warned against Truss’s unfunded tax cuts, predicting economic havoc that indeed followed. His rise to power was rapid, becoming Britain’s first leader of color and youngest prime minister in over two centuries at age 42.

Sunak previously served as Treasury chief during the coronavirus pandemic, where he introduced an unprecedented economic support package. Now at age 44, he faces a critical test with this upcoming election amid challenging political landscapes.

UK-US SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP Faces Turbulence With Trump And Labour

18 May 2024 — Polls indicate Donald Trump may return to the White House, while the Labour Party is projected to take power in the UK. This potential shift could strain the “special relationship” between the two nations.

Labour leaders are softening their stance on Trump, recognizing the need for cooperation with Washington. However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is pushing for open criticism of Trump, labeling him a “racist,” “sexist,” and "homophobe.

Khan insists that maintaining a special relationship means calling out such views. Despite his city’s crime issues and recent re-election, Khan remains vocal against another Trump presidency. He argues against welcoming Trump with state honors and claims many Republicans share his concerns about Trump’s return.

LABOUR PARTY’S NEW Promises: Empty Words or Real Change?

16 May 2024 — Labour Party leader Keir Starmer announced key pledges to win over voters in the upcoming U.K. election. His promises focus on economic stability, security, health, and education. Labour aims to regain power after 14 years in opposition.

Starmer’s six promises include restoring economic stability amid high inflation and mortgage rates, establishing a publicly owned green-energy company, and toughening border controls. Labour also plans to cut NHS waiting times, recruit more police officers, and hire thousands of new teachers.

Funding for these initiatives will come from measures like a windfall tax on oil and gas companies and ending tax breaks for private schools. At an event in Essex, Starmer called these pledges “our down-payment on change” that would take a decade to implement.

Since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn in 2020, Starmer has moved Labour toward the political center ground by supporting military aid to Ukraine and committing to balancing the books while addressing antisemitism within the party under Corbyn’s leadership.

UK IMMIGRATION SURGE Under ‘Conservative’ Rule: Reality Unveiled

04 May 2024 — Britain is facing an unprecedented surge in immigration, continuing for years under a government that labels itself conservative. The majority of these migrants are entering legally due to lenient policies established by the Conservative Party. Yet, there is also a significant number of illegal entrants, either seeking asylum or vanishing into the underground economy.

The Conservative government has initiated the Rwanda plan to curb illegal crossings through the English Channel. This strategy involves relocating some migrants to East Africa for processing and potential resettlement. Despite initial pushback, there are indications that this policy might be beginning to reduce illegal entries.

As the Conservative leadership nears its potential end after 14 years, polls suggest a likely shift in power to the Labour Party this winter. Labour intends to scrap the Rwanda deterrent and focus on clearing backlogs in asylum cases without sending migrants abroad. Critics believe Labour’s plan lacks robust measures to manage migrant entries effectively.

Miriam Cates has voiced strong criticism against Labour’s migration strategy, calling it ineffective and too lenient. She points out that previous strategies similar to what Labour proposes have not successfully managed immigration levels.

REFORM UK RISES: Public Discontent Over Immigration Policies Fuels Momentum

29 March 2024 — Reform UK is gaining momentum, largely fueled by its firm stance against “unchecked immigration,” as stated by the party’s deputy chair. This surge in support comes in light of recent data from Ipsos Mori and British Future, a pro-immigration think tank. The figures highlight public dissatisfaction with the government’s management of borders, indicating a potential shift in the UK’s political landscape.

Despite Labour currently leading in the polls, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is outpacing the Conservatives when it comes to trust and policy matters. This could serve as an alarm bell for Tory politicians who have been at Britain’s political helm for two centuries. Ben Habib, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, attributes this shift to what he perceives as the Conservative Party neglecting their own voter base.

According to Ipsos Mori research, 69% of Britons express dissatisfaction with immigration policies while only 9% are content. Of those dissatisfied individuals, over half (52%) believe migration should be reduced while just 17% think it should increase. Specific grievances include inadequate measures to prevent channel crossings (54%) and high immigration numbers (51%). Less concern was shown towards creating negative environments for migrants (28%) or poor treatment of asylum seekers (25%).

Habib asserts that this widespread discontent signifies a historic realignment in politics

Theresa May’s SHOCKING Exit: Former British PM Bids Farewell to Parliament

11 March 2024 — Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her plans to resign as a Member of Parliament. This surprising revelation precedes an anticipated election later this year, signifying the conclusion of her 27-year long parliamentary journey.

May, who navigated Britain through the turbulent Brexit era, pointed out her escalating involvement in combating human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. She voiced apprehensions about not being able to cater to her Maidenhead constituents in the quality they deserve.

Her tenure was characterized by Brexit-induced hurdles and tense relations with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite these obstacles, she continued serving as a backbench legislator after her premiership while three Conservative successors dealt with the repercussions of Brexit.

Renowned for sporadically critiquing her more populist successors like Boris Johnson, May’s exit will undeniably create a gap in both the Conservative party and British politics.

Theresa May’s SWAN SONG: Former British PM to Exit Politics After 27-Year Stint

09 March 2024 — Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has shared her plans to retire from politics. This announcement comes after a distinguished 27-year career in Parliament, which included a challenging three-year term as the nation’s leader during the Brexit crisis. The retirement will take effect when an election is called later this year.

May has been representing Maidenhead since 1997 and was only the second female prime minister in Britain, following Margaret Thatcher. She cited her growing commitment to fighting human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. According to May, these new priorities would hinder her ability to serve as an MP according to her standards and those of her constituents.

Her prime ministership was fraught with Brexit-related obstacles, culminating in her resignation as party leader and prime minister in mid-2019 after failing to gain parliamentary approval for her EU divorce deal. Additionally, she had a strained relationship with then-US President Donald Trump due to divergent views on Brexit strategies.

Despite these challenges, May chose not to leave Parliament immediately after ending her term as many former prime ministers do. Instead, she continued serving as a backbench legislator while three subsequent Conservative leaders dealt with the political and economic repercussions of Brexit.

UK Parliament SHUNS Cease-Fire Call Amid Israel-Hamas CONFLICT: A Blow to Labour Party Unity

16 November 2023 — The UK House of Commons has recently dismissed a proposed amendment that urged the government to demand a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Scottish National Party presented this amendment, but it was turned down by 290 Parliament members, while only 183 voted in favor.

This decision is perceived as a significant blow to Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Despite his efforts to display unity within his party ahead of next year’s national election, fifty-six members from his own party backed the amendment.

Following this setback, Starmer expressed disappointment over his colleagues’ lack of support for his stance. He said, “I wanted my position on this matter to be clear and consistent,” after the vote.

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

21 October 2023 — In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.