RetiredGolfMgr

The case for holding your nose and voting tactically... We face a unique alignment of factors: 1. 14 years of unpopular Tory rule 2. Extraordinary mismanagement across various issues (Partygate, PPE, Covid recovery, Brexit, austerity, and more) 3. Reform UK as an exciting wildcard for those who'd never vote Labour, LibDem, or Green 4. LibDems partially recovered from the university fees fiasco 5. Tories mounting the most incompetent election campaign in living memory Thanks to this miraculous alignment, we have a chance to potentially wipe out the Tories as a viable political force. It's a small chance, but real nonetheless. They could be gone, with the LibDems in Opposition instead. If the Tories lose their status as the official Opposition, several splendid things happen: - They lose their 6 questions at PMQs - Their Short Money allocation reduces - They lose 17 guaranteed Opposition Days to control the political agenda - They lose the right to automatic media coverage for balance purposes - They no longer get national security briefings - They lose advance notice of certain Government communications All these benefits would instead go to the LibDems, leaving the Tories out in the cold. Their words and actions would carry no real weight. They would be, for all intents and purposes, irrelevant. The temptation to give Labour a kicking on Brexit and other matters remains strong. My foot is itching. But they won't pivot between now and the general election. It's frustrating, but it's the reality we must deal with. Meanwhile, we have a unique opportunity to take the Tories down. If we miss it, it's unlikely to come again. The likelihood of all these factors aligning twice is infinitesimal. So we need to seize the moment and vote tactically for whichever party - Labour, LibDem, Green, or SNP - is best placed to beat the Tories in our constituency. Important Considerations: - The correct tactical vote will vary by constituency. Large swings aren't uniform. - If non-Tory parties are in both first and second place (and neither is Reform), you have free rein. - Voting is a personal choice. But if you bring a "but" into the conversation, you're not being tactical. That's okay too, but be aware of what you're doing. Looking Ahead There will be time to hold Labour accountable on Brexit after the election. A huge Labour majority could even make a pivot on Brexit easier before the next election: - They won't need to cater to their Lexiter faction - Party manifestos only last one election cycle - Elections don't have to be 5 years apart - Upcoming issues like ETIAS and EES will keep Brexit in the news In Conclusion We have a rare chance to reshape British politics. While it's tempting to vote based on other issues, this election offers a unique opportunity to create significant change. After the election, we can refocus on holding the new government accountable. Tactical voting is a personal choice. But if you decide to do it, commit fully to maximize its impact. A week from now, we can wave goodbye to the Tories if we work together.