The Conservative Party

[Zinchilla]

Given the pecuniary pickle the country finds itself in, that might be difficult. At heart, you have a divided party. There are those in the northern seats who see the need to have greater state involvement and higher taxation (even if indirect), and there are those in the southern seats who are more ‘traditional’ and want this Government to shrink back and tax less. Those latter politicians are the majority and now believe they are ‘losing out’ to ‘level up’. How do you keep both happy, tackle the enormity of the costs incurred, and still appeal to a public after near fifteen years in power?

I hope you’re right and they can’t answer that question

 

[Saddleworth2]

The only way this result will have a lasting impact will depend on whether Starmer, Davey, and Sturgeon can agree on a tacit understanding in elections and form a solid opposition block that attracts the wider voting public. That of course will require those leaders to put aside their personal priorities, and that’s easier said than done.

Sturgeon has already got the Greens onside in Scotland to give her an overall majority. It wouldn't be in her interests (or those of anyone that want independence) to cooperate with Labour unless its for English seats ;-)

I think Starmer and Davey is a much more likely and interesting question.

 

[RandomJ]

Honestly it’s just nice to see voters changing their minds for once even if it’s just a protest vote. The fact there are areas that vote for the same party for over 200 bloody years is ridiculous and it’s what puts me off politics. People treat it like supporting your football team and vote the same no matter what they do.

 

[Fred_Quimby]

Sturgeon has already got the Greens onside in Scotland to give her an overall majority. It wouldn't be in her interests (or those of anyone that want independence) to cooperate with Labour unless its for English seats ;-)

I think Starmer and Davey is a much more likely and interesting question.

I reckon there will be an 'agreement', similar to the one in Wales, between the LD and Labour and not a coalition. That is to say they will work on the many, many things they agree on. They will put up candidates in areas but not work very hard in areas where one has the advantage over the other - tactical voting. An anti-Tory vote.

 

[Chris in London]

Why are we playing the Ashes in South Australia? There’s huge swing in Shropshire and virtually none down under

 

[Gabriel]

Sturgeon has already got the Greens onside in Scotland to give her an overall majority. It wouldn't be in her interests (or those of anyone that want independence) to cooperate with Labour unless its for English seats ;-)

I think Starmer and Davey is a much more likely and interesting question.

The Liberal Democrats are usually a little heady after a by-election victory, like the first glass of champagne, but Morgan was canny enough to acknowledge the assistance of Labour voters in her acceptance speech, so maybe there is some form of understanding afoot. However, even if they did collaborate more, it would still require help from Scotland to overturn a 70+ seat majority in 2024.

 

[Fred_Quimby]

The Liberal Democrats are usually a little heady after a by-election victory, like the first glass of champagne, but Morgan was canny enough to acknowledge the assistance of Labour voters in her acceptance speech, so maybe there is some form of understanding afoot. However, even if they did collaborate more, it would still require help from Scotland to overturn a 70+ seat majority in 2024.

I don't think so. Just need to win 40 seats and there are plenty of seats where a joint LD/Labour vote would kick out the Tory.

 

[MillionMilesAway]

Oliver Dowden waffling away and saying that the Nasty Party knows best. Talk about polishing a turd. Just plough on Tories being Tories.

Charlie Stayt on the BBC wasn't settling for Dowden waffle. The trite "we've heard you" is normally followed by something about doing better, but Dowden appeared to be under orders to admit nothing and offer nothing. He's incredibly weak so it's no surprise he was shuffled to party chairman; more of a surprise that he was sent out today, but I guess it doesn't damage a minister.

I thought the new MP was pretty smart to acknowledge that Labour voters had only lent her their vote - a bit of sanity in accepting that this and maybe as a banner for cooperation.

 

[Gabriel]

I don't think so. Just need to win 40 seats and there are plenty of seats where a joint LD/Labour vote would kick out the Tory.

We also need to remember that there are going to be boundary changes and those are expected to facilitate the Conservatives in England more than any party (some predict a boost of 5-10 seats).

Any collaboration would therefore have to be fully understood and followed by the electorate, and that would be a tall order.

 

[Vic]

Brexit can't save them any more.

The disillusioned farmers strike back.