Byelection results are generally votes against the government of the day, but …. Caerphilly has always voted Labour. So the result of Plaid Cymru 47%; Reform 36%, Labour 11%, Conservatives 2%, green 1.5%, Lib Dems 1.5%. is a real shock and serves warning to Labour. 18 months since their massive landslide we have seen little evidence of open government (desperately needed after the buffoonery of the last 10 years), or optimism for the future. Whilst this is definitely a protest vote – is the Welsh population turning towards independence? I doubt it. Reform at around 36% seems to be about par (given that 50% of the population have average intelligence it would follow normal distribution curves for the bottom 36% to be racist thick bigots!). Greens and LibDems will not be concerned about their low votes in South Wales in an area of fossil fuel history!. However the Conservatives must be shitting themselves. Whilst they have never done well in Caerphilly they could have expected the protest vote to be for them rather Welsh Nationalists and racist flag shaggers.
TBH the UK needs a party that is respected and honest to hold a government to account. Reform have shown in numerous councils that they are not capable of doing this. Starmer has banished those withing his own party of speaking out against him. The present tories are evil shits, where are the honourable ones? Government spending and taxes need to be scrutinised and questioned. Most people do not object to taxes if their use is clear, justified and reasonable. Yes there are always the headbangers onthe right who just want to make money for themselves, whatever the cost to society.
My ideal world would see a left leaning coalition of Green, Socialist and LibDems in government but with a centre right opposition of substance making sure each government decision is scrutinised and justified; and publicised. The press would be forced to print opinion in italics or otherwise highlighted. I am fed up with reading what Reeves is thinking of imposing on us in the next budget – the Mail and Telegraph and Express have not got a clue what she is GOING to do. They can surmise, but should phrase it accordingly!
I have got my keffiyeh and am watching youtube as to how to wear it! Solidarity with Palestine!