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Richard Steele's avatar

Good analysis of a worrying case of media bias and complicity, Adam. Perhaps a comparison can be made with the level of positive MSM coverage of Moseley in the 1920s and early '30s?

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Stephen Townsley's avatar

Reform have a good reason to be hopeful. The first past the post electoral system.

Britain is now, in some places, in a seven party fight. Which means fragmentation of the voting which brings parties to power.

The “big parties” are no longer that big. As Labour marches rightwards highlighting immigration it plays into Farage’s happy place. It also alienates the inner city voter comfortable with a multicultural society

As white England, worries about being replaced by Muslim incomers, spurred on by frightening headlines, Farage and the Conservatives, the cities of Britain are less worried. Leave versus remain demographics for the 2020s.

If other parties are competing in the low 20% mark and Labour continues to alienate centre left voters then the electoral system will help. Tens of Labour seats are held by tiny majorities. The winter fuel allowance vote in Runcorn took a seat by six votes. Reform on 30% of the vote may well become a majority Government or, might share the Government benches with a diminished Conservative Party

Labour chasing Reform with no narrative of its own purpose could well lead to collapse in Labour support.

Of course Labour could bring in Proportional Representation to represent voters better and prevent minority rule. Don’t hold your breath. The Labour deathwish is strong.

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