Reform, and the death of the Tory Party

[icowden]

I read one set of polling that suggested of it was a two candidate race that CB could have won nearly 40% of the vote. That would have been one of the greatest election results ever, watching Farage crawl over the line against a bin.

It is pretty much a 2 candidate race. The other 29 loonies won't attract much in the way of votes. Binface is the only credible opposition. It really depends whether the labour, lib dem and conservative voters get behind him or not.

I'd hope, given that we are the country of Boaty McBoatface, that the Count has a chance!

 

[classic33]

On Thursday, one of Count Binface's manifesto promises is coming true.
In Bristol at least.

 

[briantrumpet]

Poor Nige - even if he wins the farce tomorrow, this one could give him a headache. As the Nathan Gill case shows, the law has got teeth.

https://bylinetimes.com/2026/08/12/...ice-over-alleged-misconduct-in-public-office/

 

[UglyWithaSidePart]

Sadly they are dim witted, but they are a product of the last 40 years of neglect. Similar to other provincial towns on the margins of society. They are very easily manipulated into thinking Farage is doing them a favour.
The poverty in places like Jaywick is scandalous.
It is absolutely no coincidence that UKIP and Reform target these vulnerable communities that have been ignored by the governing parties for so long.
A win for Farage in Clacton is very different from being able to replicate the result elsewhere. As a more discerning electorate has shown they will vote for anything but Reform.

I understand the neglect thing, I grew up during the Thatcher years in Liverpool, the period known as "the managed decline of Liverpool". Think about that for a moment. Thing is, Liverpool didn't turn into a racist cesspit, quite the opposite actually, despite the government's efforts.
So though I understand where you're coming from and it is important to understand Clacton, fark them. Liverpool went through far worse.

 

[briantrumpet]

I understand the neglect thing, I grew up during the Thatcher years in Liverpool, the period known as "the managed decline of Liverpool". Think about that for a moment. Thing is, Liverpool didn't turn into a racist cesspit, quite the opposite actually, despite the government's efforts.
So though I understand where you're coming from and it is important to understand Clacton, fark them. Liverpool went through far worse.

I know neither place, but is that partly because Liverpool knows that it's a city built on historical immigration so welcomes the stranger, whereas Clacton, erm, doesn't?

 

[Pblakeney]

I know neither place, but is that partly because Liverpool knows that it's a city built on historical immigration so welcomes the stranger, whereas Clacton, erm, doesn't?

Such a polite way of saying that the people of Clacton are stupid.

 

[Beebo]

Liverpool has also retained a collective sense of identity, its quiet a young city average age 35.
Clacton is a retirement venue average age 50.

 

[briantrumpet]

Such a polite way of saying that the people of Clacton are stupid.

I was being polite, but that's not quite what I was saying: the reference to Liverpool's history isn't unrelated.

 

[briantrumpet]

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

https://metro.co.uk/2026/08/12/nigel-farage-says-didnt-want-resign-mp-forced-29357406/

 

[Pblakeney]

I was being polite, but that's not quite what I was saying: the reference to Liverpool's history isn't unrelated.

Fair enough.
If the people of Clacton want Farage then they get what they deserve. That's another polite way of saying it.

 

[briantrumpet]

Fair enough.
If the people of Clacton want Farage then they get what they deserve. That's another polite way of saying it.

I don't imagine their giving him an endorsement despite everything will encourage businesses to invest there or holidaymakers to visit. I guess that's their choice.

 

[UglyWithaSidePart]

I know neither place, but is that partly because Liverpool knows that it's a city built on historical immigration so welcomes the stranger, whereas Clacton, erm, doesn't?

Partly, but don't lose sight of just how bad it was in Liverpool in the early 80s, it was really bad. Later, when things started to improve, the story broke that the conservative government should continue with the 'managed decline' of Liverpool, this was not a government 'forgetting' an area, they were doing everything in their power to make Liverpool fail. But yes, for a city the size of Liverpool, it's a very welcoming place, so it's not quite had the stuffing kicked out of it, but they tried.

 

[BoldonLad]

Partly, but don't lose sight of just how bad it was in Liverpool in the early 80s, it was really bad. Later, when things started to improve, the story broke that the conservative government should continue with the 'managed decline' of Liverpool, this was not a government 'forgetting' an area, they were doing everything in their power to make Liverpool fail. But yes, for a city the size of Liverpool, it's a very welcoming place, so it's not quite had the stuffing kicked out of it, but they tried.

Liverpool was not the only place where “managed decline” was practiced. Think “category D” villages in Co Durham.

 

[UglyWithaSidePart]

Liverpool was not the only place where “managed decline” was practiced. Think “category D” villages in Co Durham.

Yup, there n all, farking evil policy.

 

[All uphill]

Would I be correct to think that the big cities were too big to be allowed to totally collapse, but smaller places around the country didn't have the muscle or megaphone to fight back?