I hope I am not revealing one secret too many but there's some serious political dancing going on. It's a bit like Strictly but you choose who you dance with and what dance you want to do. Alas unlike the tv version there doesn't seem to be an appearance by the very talented Nadiya. ( I happen to think she's very good at the American Smooth).
This dance competition is very much a political one, but that doesnt mean theres any fewer sequins or any less intriguing dance offs.
For some background to why this competition is not only valid and important but also gaining viewers and competitors by the day I'd like to ask you to watch the current goings on in the House of Commons. In fact, no ! scrub that , you won't believe a word of what you see or hear. Instead look at the various boundary changes put forward in the last decade. I'd ask you to look at long held plans for devolution and local government reorganisation, that today's white paper ( and I suspect a lack of £££) has only delayed.
Look at the first past the post system that means a party that receives only 43.6% of the vote can end up with a majority of 80 in parliament. That's total and utter control unless your Prime Minister is a right silly billy and ticks lots of people off. Complete control of the country for getting less than half of the 67% of people who could have voted.
That's a lot of power for not a huge amount of support and people want to know their vote will mean something and its strength not simply being dictated to by the constituency in which it is placed.
So you will have seen at the last election, some discussion and agreements that meant certain parties might stand down to not take votes off a lets call them,”friendly” party. It can work too!
Is that fair or is it a manipulation of the voter?
Or is it a sign that for all the reasons listed here and for quite a few more, there is a real concern that the way we vote and the way things are changed by those in power is damaging the very democracy we all hold so dear.
Is democracy democracy when an MP or a councillor is so protected by the numbers of his party's supporters that he or she never needs to worry about losing an election ?
But here's the white elephant unveiling in true Paul Daniels style.The Paso Doble of the piece
It can be dressed up how you wish, it can be written in any language, what we are talking about when parties come together isnt just a amiable “after you mate” agreement . what it is is an ANTI TORY campaign.
And I understand that,theres an awful lot of people who are anti tory and a single anti tory candidate may well do very well
But don't hide behind it being anything to do with voter systems or boundary changed which if suited those “ friendly parties” they would be more than happy to keep,
No ! This is about being worried about one party and it's a party that if you dont support you tend to dislike, it's about stopping that party having too much control and there's a million reasons why anyone might feel that way.
I know quite a few Conservatives, I happen to like many of them and would actually count a few as a mate. But I don't align myself with their parties views on just about anything ( bar covid and levelling up , I think they've done well there).
Modern Politics has become divisive, the rhetoric nasty and spiteful. The Conservative Party are just as responsible, if not the main protagonists of this modern politics. Attack dogs let loose to damage the opposition, instead of debate and compromise we have argument and sleaze.The Logo of the party being the only thing that matters. It's one of the reasons I don't believe ( and I hope have proved ) that party politics do not belong at local government level
We do need to protect our democracy, we need to make our vote mean more in more areas, but the first cut being the deepest, The Tories need stopping or they will win every election on going. And you can forget about any change to the voting system while there is a Conservative in charge.
And if you think Conservative policies are wrong , damaging and divided you have one chance in many areas. Smaller parties come together , put those votes together to a unified candidate.
I can get that and actually think that an anti tory ticket might be very effective but……
Be honest about what's needed and why. The voter is well aware of whats needed, the voter can be trusted. It might just even re enthuse many.
It might even mean a few politicians can Foxtrot off.
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