I think it's really sad how some people voted Conservative. Not many, at least, but still. I'll never understand people who look at this government, the last decade of government, and go "yes please more of this".
Voting Tory ought to be massively stigmatised. Like if someone tells you they did, reply as though they've just pulled their finger out their ear and licked it.
@bill Same here, just looking at results for the town - Harlow - where I spent most (less 17 years in the Army) of my life to see the C's held it.
Feel like saying to residents 'It's all your own fault'.
Have not seen the turnout but I suspect a lot just couldn't be bothered.
This is why I think voting should be compulsory. I'd also be inclined to consider some sort of test to ensure people are aware of the different options, but that'd open a whole new can of worms.
@IanM42 Voting needs fixing sure and I've thought a lot about it over the years including what you suggest, taking parties off the ballots so it's just names, having people vote for policies, etc, but they all have their flaws.
I think the actual solution is much less interesting. The UK needs to do three things to become democratic:
1. Proportional representation.
2. Better political and media education.
3. Effective independent media regulation.
Bill Hayes
IanM42