OV9

What i don’t get, is why politicians are able to move parties without triggering a by-election. If i had voted for Robert Jenrick as a Tory for instance (then i’d punch myself in the face), I’d be pretty fucked off with him moving to Reform and effectively taking my vote with him to back a party i hadn’t voted for.

I know we’re supposed to be voting for individuals, but again, party whips make a mockery of this.

The whole system sucks.

Rich B wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 12:34 pm The margin was too big for it being a protest vote, it was a win.

However, i think it has opened the door to future protest voting. All of a sudden there’s an “alternative” option getting a chunk of their own votes, with their own policies and candidates, with a leader that isn’t as bland as Ed Davey or as slimey as Farage.

I think you underestimate the depth of feeling over Starmer not allowing Burnham to stand. The people of Gorton and Denton do not typify your typical Green voter

Swervin_Mervin wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 3:45 pm

Rich B wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 12:34 pm The margin was too big for it being a protest vote, it was a win.

However, i think it has opened the door to future protest voting. All of a sudden there’s an “alternative” option getting a chunk of their own votes, with their own policies and candidates, with a leader that isn’t as bland as Ed Davey or as slimey as Farage.

I think you underestimate the depth of feeling over Starmer not allowing Burnham to stand. The people of Gorton and Denton do not typify your typical Green voter

Fair comment! I still think they’ve all unwittingly unshackled the green party though.

Swervin_Mervin wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 3:45 pm

Rich B wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 12:34 pm The margin was too big for it being a protest vote, it was a win.

However, i think it has opened the door to future protest voting. All of a sudden there’s an “alternative” option getting a chunk of their own votes, with their own policies and candidates, with a leader that isn’t as bland as Ed Davey or as slimey as Farage.

I think you underestimate the depth of feeling over Starmer not allowing Burnham to stand. The people of Gorton and Denton do not typify your typical Green voter

If Burnham had won the seat, Labour may well have lost the election for replacement Manchester mayor.

ZedLeg wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 2:24 pm I think saying “that’s democracy” is a bit glib tbh.

More and more of what’s happening in UK and US politics isn’t tracking with popular opinion. It’s running to an agenda dictated by a group of incredibly rich and powerful people.

I think you're missing my point. I agree to the second bit, and it's the extreme views of those people that I'm keen not to take root in politics because those people have zero respect for anything. Many politicians are cunts, but most of those representing the established parties I think do at least do believe (to varying degrees) in the sanctity of our democracy and its associated institutions/apparatus.

Jobbo wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 4:12 pm

Swervin_Mervin wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 3:45 pm

Rich B wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 12:34 pm The margin was too big for it being a protest vote, it was a win.

However, i think it has opened the door to future protest voting. All of a sudden there’s an “alternative” option getting a chunk of their own votes, with their own policies and candidates, with a leader that isn’t as bland as Ed Davey or as slimey as Farage.

I think you underestimate the depth of feeling over Starmer not allowing Burnham to stand. The people of Gorton and Denton do not typify your typical Green voter

If Burnham had won the seat, Labour may well have lost the election for replacement Manchester mayor.

You're probably right there. They were damned either way as soon as he announced his intentions.

Rich B wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 3:59 pm

Swervin_Mervin wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 3:45 pm

Rich B wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 12:34 pm The margin was too big for it being a protest vote, it was a win.

However, i think it has opened the door to future protest voting. All of a sudden there’s an “alternative” option getting a chunk of their own votes, with their own policies and candidates, with a leader that isn’t as bland as Ed Davey or as slimey as Farage.

I think you underestimate the depth of feeling over Starmer not allowing Burnham to stand. The people of Gorton and Denton do not typify your typical Green voter

Fair comment! I still think they’ve all unwittingly unshackled the green party though.

Hmm. Maybe. I'm not convinced. Polanski is a very divisive character (read: bellend) and I'm not sure there'll suddenly be a wave of people wanting to switch, at least not of those over 35. That said, he's going the right way about attracting a share of the vote.

duncs500 wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 4:49 pm

ZedLeg wrote: Fri Feb 27, 2026 2:24 pm I think saying “that’s democracy” is a bit glib tbh.

More and more of what’s happening in UK and US politics isn’t tracking with popular opinion. It’s running to an agenda dictated by a group of incredibly rich and powerful people.

I think you're missing my point. I agree to the second bit, and it's the extreme views of those people that I'm keen not to take root in politics because those people have zero respect for anything. Many politicians are cunts, but most of those representing the established parties I think do at least do believe (to varying degrees) in the sanctity of our democracy and its associated institutions/apparatus.

I don’t see any evidence of that tbh.