Cable Forum

Cable Forum (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/index.php)
-   Current Affairs (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=20)
-   -   Local Elections 2026 (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33713835)

Paul 08-05-2026 02:22
Local Elections 2026
 
Not looking good for anyone except Reform atm.

Results as of this post ;

Quote:
Reform UK: 27 [+27]
Liberal Democrat: 4 [-1]
Labour: 3 [-26]
Conservative: 2 [-1]
Green: 1 [+1]
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/...ngland/results


---------- Post added at 03:22 ---------- Previous post was at 01:23 ----------


So, Two hours later it seems everyone else is in bed.

Reform are definitely clear winners in these elections, and Labour are losing out the most.

Quote:
Reform UK: 165 [+165]
Liberal Democrat: 40 [-2]
Labour: 37 [-115]
Conservative: 30 [-46]
Green: 18 [+13]

GrimUpNorth 08-05-2026 06:50
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I spoke to the reform candidate in the ward I was working in yesterday and he said he hoped he would win because he reckoned being a councillor would 'Be a right laugh'.

The one saving grace is only a third of the seats were up for election so it may not be as catastrophic as it could be.

papa smurf 08-05-2026 09:07
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
unfortunately i could not vote due to the photo id rule, been waiting for my renewed photo driving license to arrive ,and guess what ,it just dropped through the letter box :(

nomadking 08-05-2026 09:11
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215097)
unfortunately i could not vote due to the photo id rule, been waiting for my renewed photo driving license to arrive ,and guess what ,it just dropped through the letter box :(
Old one would've still would've been valid as id, unless it was really old and not a photo one.

Carth 08-05-2026 09:18
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I believe you have to return the old one when applying for the new one, I now have to do it every 3 years.

papa smurf 08-05-2026 09:20
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215099)
I believe you have to return the old one when applying for the new one, I now have to do it every 3 years.
correct, i did have a postal vote but let it laps as i am now well enough to walk to the polling station

nomadking 08-05-2026 09:28
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215099)
I believe you have to return the old one when applying for the new one, I now have to do it every 3 years.
Not being a driver, I wasn't aware of that.

Hom3r 08-05-2026 09:31
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I did a postal vote on the 20th April

Sephiroth 08-05-2026 11:51
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Starmer says "I won't walk away". That blockhead wants to carry on doing exactly what the public is rejecting in this election.

Hom3r 08-05-2026 12:28
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
My area was labour, but the town is now fully Conservative.

Dan Swords (Harlow) has done a lot of changes in the town, I think what helped was we had an old office block which was bought by a London council and fill with dodgy people, but Dan bought it back and they went back to London and the build is nor for people from Harlow, along with a load of new builds, which again will be for Harlow people to rent, a limited number of new builds will be to buy.

SKS is in cloud cuckoo land if he thinks he will be leader for the next GE.

My personal view is that Labour has done so many u-turns its dug a hole, and people still don't trust Conservatives, so Reform was the only option.

GrimUpNorth 08-05-2026 13:17
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215106)
Starmer says "I won't walk away". That blockhead wants to carry on doing exactly what the public is rejecting in this election.
For balance, having hit what I thought was rock bottom a couple of years ago, you're team's not having a day to be proud of and she's not looking like she's planning to go anywhere either.

thenry 08-05-2026 13:32
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I forgot to vote :( was too busy still celebrating my birthday :D I would have remembered a general election so I don't know why this slipped my mind :shrug:

I don't really want reform but people aren't happy so voices must be heard :)

Sephiroth 08-05-2026 13:38
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrimUpNorth (Post 36215110)
For balance, having hit what I thought was rock bottom a couple of years ago, you're team's not having a day to be proud of and she's not looking like she's planning to go anywhere either.
One victory at a time. First Starmer out; then Labour out; then whatever happens. I hope the Conservatives get their act together, including taking an early sensible pisition on Reform.

Paul 08-05-2026 14:10
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hom3r (Post 36215107)
My personal view is that Labour has done so many u-turns its dug a hole, and people still don't trust Conservatives, so Reform was the only option.
From the people I know and speak to, this seems true.

If there was a GE now, I'm not even sure who I would vote for.
I dont care for Reform (or Farage), Labour are a disaster, Cons are not much better atm, and I'm not fond of Liberals (and definitely not Greens).

Whoever says they'll fix the roads and get rid of the stupid OSA will get my attention.

GrimUpNorth 08-05-2026 14:17
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Looks like Reform are going to almost wipe the board here in Wakefield. The whole council up for election and of the 11 wards declared so far we've had 31 Reform and 2 Lib Dems.

Time to start planning what to do with all the cash I'll have from the promised Council Tax savings:rolleyes:.

Paul 08-05-2026 20:18
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Its all gone very quiet on here today, is everyone in shock ....

In England, Reform is by far the biggest winner, with more than 1400 seats so far.
The Liberal Democrats have made minor gains (81 so far) and the Greens have made over 330 gains.
Meanwhile the Conservatives have lost over 520 seats, and Labour has been decimated, losing over 1300 (something like 60%).

Labour has also lost control of Wales, after 27 years.

https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2026/05/1.png

Mr K 08-05-2026 20:55
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
This is good news, the more Reform are exposed to delivering nothing when given the chance, than the sooner they are waved bye bye. Then Nige willl have to invent another party (again).

Sephiroth 08-05-2026 21:33
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr K (Post 36215121)
This is good news, the more Reform are exposed to delivering nothing when given the chance, than the sooner they are waved bye bye. Then Nige willl have to invent another party (again).
That may be your wish list, Mr K. But you conveniently (for you) ignore that your darling Labour have delivered less than nothing.

Carth 08-05-2026 21:56
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
And Lo, a Great Shadow spread across the land, bringing forth much wailing and gnashing of teeth from those below the darkening skies.
In the far North and far West, new heroes arose to overthrow the tyrant that had enslaved them, while in the South and East, dark mutterings were whispered behind closed and bolted doors, knives being sharpened as the magic of the Red Wizard faded away.

daveeb 08-05-2026 21:59
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215123)
That may be your wish list, Mr K. But you conveniently (for you) ignore that your darling Labour have delivered less than nothing.
Less than nothing isn't possible, nothing is what the Tories delivered in 14 years. Whilst I don't like Starmer I liked his pushback (eventually) against Trump. I can only imagine where we would be if Farage had been calling the shots. The Labour party as a whole have done OK despite what you read in the Mail and Torygraph. Despite not doing a good job of self publication Labour have improved rights for renters and overhauled planning laws and improved employment rights for those pesky workers amongst other things. Labour could do with a change of leadership definitely and these election results have hopefully been a wake up call.

thenry 08-05-2026 22:18
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Labour hold here but many neighbourhoods are now reform

https://election.news.sky.com/electi...6/crawley-4777

nomadking 09-05-2026 06:03
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Might not count as local elections, but the Scottish election results flatter the SNP. In at least 4 seats of the ones I've checked, if you combine the Conservative and Reform votes, then SNP would've lost at least 4 more seats instead of winning.

Jaymoss 09-05-2026 06:16
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
People are voting Reform because the Tories and Labour are less than useless. I am really worried about the future of the NHS if Reform do eventually get into power

Sirius 09-05-2026 06:33
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaymoss (Post 36215132)
People are voting Reform because the Tories and Labour are less than useless. I am really worried about the future of the NHS if Reform do eventually get into power
Meanwhile i am more worried for the state of this country should Labour win the next Election. I live in a town where Labour have put us 2.3 billion in debt and refuse to acknowledge they have done anything wrong. They are still wasting millions on crazy get rich schemes and vanity projects.

Quote:
Here are the key details as of 2026:Council Debt Forecast: Warrington Borough Council's debt was projected to rise to approximately £2.3 billion by 2026. This high level of borrowing has led to intense scrutiny of the council's investment strategies, which the council has defended as "sustainable" and asset-backed, with an estimated asset value of £2.3 billion as of 2022.Local Transport Grant: As part of a national funding plan, Warrington Borough Council has been allocated over £33 million in funding from a larger £2.3 billion national Local Transport Grant intended to boost economic growth between 2026/27 and 2029/30.Highway Infrastructure: The approximate replacement value of the Warrington highway network is also cited as £2.3 billion.Council Tax Impact: Due to financial pressures, residents in Warrington are facing significant council tax increases, with a 7.5% rise (around £140 per year) agreed for April 2026.Government Intervention: The UK government has expressed serious concerns over the council's debt-funded investments, leading to specialized reviews of its financial management.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy035kk1y7lo

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk...gnation-calls/

The Labour magic money tree laid bare for all to see.

Hugh 09-05-2026 07:18
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
There’s no denying Reform made sweeping gains yesterday - however, I found BBC News constant referral to them as ”new kids on the block" amusing…

From 2013 - https://www.theguardian.com/politics...ocal-elections

Quote:
Ukip makes huge gains in local government elections

Party enjoys biggest surge by fourth party since second world war as Tories blame protest against government policies

Ukip has delivered its strongest performance in local elections after making a series of gains across England.

In the biggest surge by a fourth party in England since the second world war, Ukip averaged 26% of the vote in council wards where it stood, according to a BBC estimate.
From 2014 - https://www.theguardian.com/politics...ories-lib-dems

Quote:
Ukip delivers first tremors of political earthquake

Nigel Farage weakens Labour's grip in north as Tories lose control of flagship councils and Lib Dem vote collapses

Ukip has delivered the first tremors of the political earthquake promised by Nigel Farage as the party weakened Labour's grip in its northern heartlands and caused the Conservatives to lose control of at least eight flagship councils.
And if you’re going to say that Nigel Farage’s Reform UK isn’t the same party as Nigel Farage’s UKIP, or Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, you’re probably the sort of person who believes that a Thai-based bitcoin billionaire would give someone £5 million pounds and expect nothing in return…

papa smurf 09-05-2026 07:26
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by daveeb (Post 36215125)
Less than nothing isn't possible, nothing is what the Tories delivered in 14 years. Whilst I don't like Starmer I liked his pushback (eventually) against Trump. I can only imagine where we would be if Farage had been calling the shots. The Labour party as a whole have done OK despite what you read in the Mail and Torygraph. Despite not doing a good job of self publication Labour have improved rights for renters and overhauled planning laws and improved employment rights for those pesky workers amongst other things. Labour could do with a change of leadership definitely and these election results have hopefully been a wake up call.
labour have delivered plenty,plenty of pain.

Sephiroth 09-05-2026 08:38
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by daveeb (Post 36215125)
Less than nothing isn't possible, nothing is what the Tories delivered in 14 years. Whilst I don't like Starmer I liked his pushback (eventually) against Trump. I can only imagine where we would be if Farage had been calling the shots. The Labour party as a whole have done OK despite what you read in the Mail and Torygraph. Despite not doing a good job of self publication Labour have improved rights for renters and overhauled planning laws and improved employment rights for those pesky workers amongst other things. Labour could do with a change of leadership definitely and these election results have hopefully been a wake up call.
Well - less than nothing is possible when there is regression, which has occurred. There are fewer business than before, fewer employed people than before and negative growth.

So what did you do? Go off on a tangent.

Rights for renters are a cheats' charter and does nothing to assist economic growth. It'll take landlords out of the business and push rents high as supply dwindles.

Enhanced employment rights are fine when we are in economic prosperity, but day 1 rights are a business risk. It's socialist ideology imposed at a time when it's least needed.

Labour need to grow the economy before it's too late and there's no more business for us to win because other countries have gained it.

Why you aren't livid at Labour's desttruction of our economy shows the blinkers you are wearing.

Taf 09-05-2026 15:31
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Wales has been ruled over by a sometimes formal and sometimes informal coalition of the Left. And this will continue, but this time the head and tail of the snake have been swapped over.

Plaid demanded concessions from non-majority Labour to get their policies through, and now it will be Labour demanding concessions from non-majority Plaid. 52% of the seats went to Plaid and Labour, 48% did not.

Despite the move to PR, almost half the seats will have no power in the Arsembly, unless it is for something they all agree on.

Itshim 09-05-2026 17:20
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taf (Post 36215154)
Wales has been ruled over by a sometimes formal and sometimes informal coalition of the Left. And this will continue, but this time the head and tail of the snake have been swapped over.

Plaid demanded concessions from non-majority Labour to get their policies through, and now it will be Labour demanding concessions from non-majority Plaid. 52% of the seats went to Plaid and Labour, 48% did not.

Despite the move to PR, almost half the seats will have no power in the Arsembly, unless it is for something they all agree on.
A more left wing party in charge, given the mess labour made , can't imagine what mess plaid will create.
The health service is a clear example. Two of use broke our legs in the same accident.my friend call for an ambulance etc. I call my health care practitioner. He waited 9 hours for the ambulance. I waited 10 minutes, l did offer to pay for him , it was my fault. Any way home the next day with help coming to me. He is still stuck in hospital awaiting home care to be sorted out. Really don't understand putting principles before comfort,

Damien 09-05-2026 19:49
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaymoss (Post 36215132)
People are voting Reform because the Tories and Labour are less than useless. I am really worried about the future of the NHS if Reform do eventually get into power
I still think part of the problem is that no one is honest about the challenges the country faces and the trade-offs that need to be made. It's easy for people to be cynical about politics and believe populist policies from the Greens and Reform if they think there are easy ways to fix the problems in the country that successive governments have just decided not to do.

The lack of real growth since 2008 is killing us.

papa smurf 09-05-2026 20:11
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Damien (Post 36215171)
I still think part of the problem is that no one is honest about the challenges the country faces and the trade-offs that need to be made. It's easy for people to be cynical about politics and believe populist policies from the Greens and Reform if they think there are easy ways to fix the problems in the country that successive governments have just decided not to do.

The lack of real growth since 2008 is killing us.



if the bone idle got jobs instead of handouts things might change

Mr K 09-05-2026 20:22
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215172)
[/B]

if the bone idle got jobs instead of handouts things might change
Ageing population, triple lock, the young increasingly disengaged from a country stacked against them.

Plus the 2016 suicide note at the ballot box. The same mugs are falling for the same guy that sold them that. As much as they want to blame politicians, there's nobidy to blame but themselves.Thats why the country is screwed. RIP the UK.

papa smurf 09-05-2026 20:38
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr K;36215173[B
]Ageing population, triple lock[/B], the young increasingly disengaged from a country stacked against them.

Plus the 2016 suicide note at the ballot box. The same mugs are falling for the same guy that sold them that. As much as they want to blame politicians, there's nobidy to blame but themselves.Thats why the country is screwed. RIP the UK.
i see you're still envious of pensioners,and still sour about brexit.

Paul 09-05-2026 20:46
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215174)
i see you're still envious of pensioners,and still sour about brexit.
Yep, that green streak is still showing, next to the grapes.

Damien 09-05-2026 21:37
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
You can advocate for the triple-lock. I would keep it until at least our pensions match those of some European countries, but you would have to pay for it. If it keeps increasing beyond the growth needed to pay for it, then it will take up an increasing percentage of our budget.

Carth 10-05-2026 00:04
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
The use of AI is growing nicely, remind me again how much tax and N.I. that pays, and whether the business 'employing' it pays a contribution :erm:

Paul 10-05-2026 02:19
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215181)
The use of AI is growing nicely, remind me again how much tax and N.I. that pays, and whether the business 'employing' it pays a contribution :erm:
VAT on all the electric used I guess, not much else.

Itshim 10-05-2026 09:04
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Do love a luddite

Carth 10-05-2026 11:07
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Nothing wrong with inventing things and improving them over the years, it's the future problems farther down the line that cause issues we don't see at the time.

Take the Internal Combustion Engine, wow what a boon to mankind that's been since it appeared . . . and is now apparently killing the planet :spin:

papa smurf 10-05-2026 11:16
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
this is interesting

Google developers significantly misstate carbon emissions of proposed UK datacentres
Emissions understated by factor of five in Essex plans for tech giant, while Greystoke’s Lincolnshire plans show similar error


https://www.theguardian.com/technolo...uk-datacentres

Carth 10-05-2026 11:38
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I'm not too fussed about 'emissions' produced - especially when numerous volcanoes are throwing tons of crap into the atmosphere all year round - but I am bothered about the Electricity and Water needed to keep the places operational. I wonder if the 'plans' include a roof covered with solar panels LOL

Hugh 10-05-2026 12:43
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215197)
I'm not too fussed about 'emissions' produced - especially when numerous volcanoes are throwing tons of crap into the atmosphere all year round - but I am bothered about the Electricity and Water needed to keep the places operational. I wonder if the 'plans' include a roof covered with solar panels LOL
Interesting viewpoint - that’s like not minding your neighbourhood being flooded because the tidal flow floods estuaries all the time… :confused:

Sephiroth 10-05-2026 14:16
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36215198)
Interesting viewpoint - that’s like not minding your neighbourhood being flooded because the tidal flow floods estuaries all the time… :confused:
Your analogy is not valid. Emissions are not relevant to Carth's point at neighbourhood level; maybe at country level.

He's absolutely right. Climate change happens all the time and runs in cycles of several thousand years and emissions have brought the current cycle forward by a couple of hundred years or so.

Hugh 10-05-2026 14:58
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215200)
Your analogy is not valid. Emissions are not relevant to Carth's point at neighbourhood level; maybe at country level.

He's absolutely right. Climate change happens all the time and runs in cycles of several thousand years and emissions have brought the current cycle forward by a couple of hundred years or so.
From another thread today…

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36215191)
I tend to trust scientists rather than politicians…
Especially when the politicians are receiving funding from fossil fuel and bitcoin* companies…

Sephiroth 10-05-2026 15:04
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36215202)
From another thread today…



Especially when the politicians are receiving funding from fossil fuel and bitcoin* companies…
Scientists can and do tell us the square root of the effects of climate change. Nothing wrong with that. I'm not denying climate change.

But your analogy was wrong. You could have thought harder about it.

Hugh 10-05-2026 15:11
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215197)
I'm not too fussed about 'emissions' produced - especially when numerous volcanoes are throwing tons of crap into the atmosphere all year round - but I am bothered about the Electricity and Water needed to keep the places operational. I wonder if the 'plans' include a roof covered with solar panels LOL
https://royalsociety.org/news-resour...es/question-3/

Quote:
In nature, CO2 is exchanged continually between the atmosphere, plants and animals through photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition, and between the atmosphere and ocean through gas exchange. A very small amount of CO2 (roughly 1% of the emission rate from fossil fuel combustion) is also emitted in volcanic eruptions. This is balanced by an equivalent amount that is removed by chemical weathering of rocks.

Carth 10-05-2026 18:13
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
It's just stupid in my view.

We're building large concrete boxes full of computers just to store the data the big Tech Boys are continually harvesting.

Published in Nov 2025: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk...ngs/cbp-10315/

Quote:
Data centres currently consume around 2.5% of the UK’s electricity. The sector’s electricity consumption s expected to rise four-fold by 2030.
Those electric cars may not be a good idea :D


edit: @Hugh - I guess those volcanoes are no problem then, let's just concentrate on cars & cows ;)

Paul 10-05-2026 19:07
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215219)
I guess those volcanoes are no problem then, let's just concentrate on cars & cows ;)
The widely quoted figure for livestock emissions is 14.5% globally, which is quite a chunk.
Other estimates range between 12% and almost 20%, compare that to the UK (in total) which is < 1%.

Sephiroth 10-05-2026 19:13
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Let's not concentrate on cows. Steak, milk, cream, leather coats.

OLD BOY 11-05-2026 18:35
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul (Post 36215225)
The widely quoted figure for livestock emissions is 14.5% globally, which is quite a chunk.
Other estimates range between 12% and almost 20%, compare that to the UK (in total) which is < 1%.
We’ll just ignore the fact that animals have lived on this planet for a very long time, including during and before the little ice age.

Carth 11-05-2026 18:59
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 36215269)
We’ll just ignore the fact that animals have lived on this planet for a very long time, including during and before the little ice age.
It's all just a clever ploy to turn us all into vegetarians . . . so we will need much much more land for growing crops for food and oils . . and we will get the land by decimating even more ancient forests for it . . which won't help anything :D

Sephiroth 11-05-2026 19:01
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215273)
It's all just a clever ploy to turn us all into vegetarians . . . so we will need much much more land for growing crops for food and oils . . and we will get the land by decimating even more ancient forests for it . . which won't help anything :D
So, what about the carrots?

Paul 11-05-2026 19:40
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 36215269)
We’ll just ignore the fact that animals have lived on this planet for a very long time, including during and before the little ice age.
Not really sure what point you are trying to make here ?

There were probably less livestock animals then, plus even if the number was exactly the same then, as noted, it would only have been about 15 to 20 % of current emissions, which would not really be an issue.

I'm sure even the Greens would be happy with a drop emissions to about 20% of what they are now.

Carth 12-05-2026 01:23
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215275)
So, what about the carrots?
I wasn't going to mention the carrots because then I'd have to mention the loft being converted into a large indoor rabbit hutch. It was either Rabbit or Chicken for the meat supply, and rabbits breed like . . well . . rabbits ;)

Itshim 12-05-2026 06:39
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Zach is in trouble again. Yet another l,m sorry, this time council tax . Starting the think an old saying needs up dating . He who can does, he who can't becomes an MP

Carth 12-05-2026 09:38
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
It seems to me that being 'forgetfull' is one of the requisites for a role in politics

OLD BOY 12-05-2026 11:43
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul (Post 36215277)
Not really sure what point you are trying to make here ?

There were probably less livestock animals then, plus even if the number was exactly the same then, as noted, it would only have been about 15 to 20 % of current emissions, which would not really be an issue.

I'm sure even the Greens would be happy with a drop emissions to about 20% of what they are now.
The whole idea is totally absurd. The greatest folly of the century (so far).

Mr K 12-05-2026 12:27
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Damien (Post 36215171)
I still think part of the problem is that no one is honest about the challenges the country faces and the trade-offs that need to be made. It's easy for people to be cynical about politics and believe populist policies from the Greens and Reform if they think there are easy ways to fix the problems in the country that successive governments have just decided not to do.

The lack of real growth since 2008 is killing us.
Best post on this thread. Folks are deluded that changing leaders or parties changes anything. How many PMs since Brexit? Everything else is partisan mud slinging, or those that want power thrmselves but will have the same issues and the same failure .

Ageing non working population, increasing demand on public services, but we dont want to pay. An economy that has flatlined since Brexit. We want cheap labour to do the jobs we cant be arsed to do, but dont want immigrants. We want ever more from the NHS, but again not pay extra for it. The buck stops with the electorate, who always blame everybody and anything else. More change , more chaos, more populists, who certainly can't deliver, but they don't care about that..

Sephiroth 12-05-2026 13:48
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr K (Post 36215322)
Best post on this thread. Folks are deluded that changing leaders or parties changes anything. How many PMs since Brexit? Everything else is partisan mud slinging, or those that want power thrmselves but will have the same issues and the same failure .

Ageing non working population, increasing demand on public services, but we dont want to pay. An economy that has flatlined since Brexit. We want cheap labour to do the jobs we cant be arsed to do, but dont want immigrants. We want ever more from the NHS, but again not pay extra for it. The buck stops with the electorate, who always blame everybody and anything else. More change , more chaos, more populists, who certainly can't deliver, but they don't care about that..
We have to go back at least one layer further. We want cheap prices and business responds with cheap labour to deliver that whilst maintaining profits.

We want more from the NHS because we need more from the NHS, collectively.

To get more from the NHS, we need a government that supports economic growth and doesn't piss money away on excessive benefits.

So, it comes back to government competence.

Itshim 13-05-2026 06:11
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Don't worry need more people working. So raise minimum wage , increase NI , tighten workers rights, all great moves well done labour. Didn't hear that money markets are worse now than under Liz . That worked out well( Bloomberg)

Hugh 13-05-2026 07:24
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
For two main reasons

A) your buddy’s war with Iran
B) From Reuters - Long-term British borrowing costs surged to their highest in nearly 30 years, sterling slumped and shares fell on Tuesday as investors ​brace for a potential change of leadership that could weaken fiscal discipline.

The Markets want Starmer to stay…

papa smurf 13-05-2026 08:00
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Labour unions signal Starmer exit as pressure mounts on Prime Minister



Trade unions affiliated with the Labour Party have dramatically escalated pressure on Keir Starmer by declaring it is now “clear” he will not lead Labour into the next general election.

In a striking joint intervention, union figures warned that while the Government had made some progress since taking office, Labour “cannot continue on its current path”, adding to the mounting sense of crisis surrounding Starmer’s leadership.

In my view, the statement is likely to intensify speculation about a potential leadership contest after weeks of growing unrest within Labour ranks, following disastrous local election results, plunging poll ratings, and market turbulence.


https://londonlovesbusiness.com/labo...rime-minister/

Hugh 13-05-2026 09:54
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I though @stephenkb put it well

Quote:
Wes' theory seems to be that if you wield the knife then you get seen as a traitor and can't win, but walk around waving a big knife with 'backstabbing knife' written all over it going "hey, I'm not using it YET" you'll be a contender.
And a great reply from @wrathofgodbot

Quote:
>Be Wes Streeting

>Assume if you start the coup you will lose the leadership election

>Do everything short of triggering a coup while openly canvassing for MPs support

>Lose out on the leadership after someone triggers a coup out of a fear you Wes Streeting might become leader

Sephiroth 13-05-2026 10:05
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Papa for PM. Carth for Foreign Secretary. Seph for Chief of Secret Police.

thenry 13-05-2026 10:15
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
thenry for King :D

papa smurf 13-05-2026 10:24
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215367)
Papa for PM. Carth for Foreign Secretary. Seph for Chief of Secret Police.
i want to be emperor or i'm not playing

Carth 13-05-2026 11:03
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I may not have the time to be Foreign Secretary, far too busy hoarding Beans, Potatoes and Carrots ready for the collapse of Civilisation.

I also only speak two languages - English and Swearing - and have no wish to fly around the World visiting Countries where I have to shake hands (or other appendages) with strange people wearing funny hats.

However (never underestimate a good however in a closing statement) with the use off a private office (or garden shed) I could find time to mutter "bugger off" down the phone every hour or so ;)

Hugh 13-05-2026 11:08
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215367)
Papa for PM. Carth for Foreign Secretary. Seph for Chief of Secret Police.
Trump’s just awaiting your call - I’m sure you’d fit in there… ;)

Sephiroth 13-05-2026 11:18
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36215373)
Trump’s just awaiting your call - I’m sure you’d fit in there… ;)
... and Hugh for ... (suggestions invited).

---------- Post added at 12:18 ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36215372)
I may not have the time to be Foreign Secretary, far too busy hoarding Beans, Potatoes and Carrots ready for the collapse of Civilisation.

I also only speak two languages - English and Swearing - and have no wish to fly around the World visiting Countries where I have to shake hands (or other appendages) with strange people wearing funny hats.

However (never underestimate a good however in a closing statement) with the use off a private office (or garden shed) I could find time to mutter "bugger off" down the phone every hour or so ;)
In which case, I'll be Foreign Secretary and you can be Chief of Secret Police.

Hugh 13-05-2026 11:22
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215375)
... and Hugh for ... (suggestions invited).

---------- Post added at 12:18 ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 ----------



In which case, I'll be Foreign Secretary and you can be Chief of Secret Police.
If invited, I would not serve - as I’m not a member of the Victor Meldrew Appreciation Society (unlike the previous nominees), I could not bring the same energy* to any role offered…

*negative

thenry 13-05-2026 11:26
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215370)
i want to be emperor or i'm not playing
You shall be known as Lord Skidmark

Carth 13-05-2026 11:34
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Chief of Secret Police, yes that might work, I could easily change my phone mutterings to "don't look behind you" :D

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36215378)
If invited, I would not serve - as I’m not a member of the Victor Meldrew Appreciation Society (unlike the previous nominees), I could not bring the same energy* to any role offered…

*negative
Not even with a bribe of half price whisky every Thursday?

papa smurf 13-05-2026 11:43
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215375)
... and Hugh for ... (suggestions invited).


stamp licker

jem 13-05-2026 19:57
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36215327)
We have to go back at least one layer further. We want cheap prices and business responds with cheap labour to deliver that whilst maintaining profits.

We want more from the NHS because we need more from the NHS, collectively.

To get more from the NHS, we need a government that supports economic growth and doesn't piss money away on excessive benefits.

So, it comes back to government competence.
Now at the risk of dragging this thread kicking and screaming back on course;

"We want cheap prices and business responds with cheap labour to deliver that whilst maintaining profits.” Well duh, by far the biggest cost to any company is labour costs, staff salaries. You want to reduce the price of your goods, then that’s really the only way to go.


"We want more from the NHS because we need more from the NHS, collectively.

To get more from the NHS, we need a government that supports economic growth and doesn't piss money away on excessive benefits.”

Or do we need the NHS?

Now before everyone piles in to flame me; just hear me out. Do we want the current NHS (conceived in the 1940s), or do we want an effective national health system which, maybe is funded differently - yes, will still provide treatment to everyone who needs it - but being funded by direct taxation only, is that really the best way to do it?

I vaguely remember my late father telling me that the ‘NHS is the envy of the world’ - although you do have to question if that actually right, so why have few other countries adopted the same model?

And this is not a hard choice between the UK and US models - what happens in France or Germany? If you are a poor person in Germany with a serious illness, do they just leave you to die at the side of the road? Of course not, there are safety nets.

The question is this, is the current way the NHS is funded the ‘best’ way - are there alternatives to provide the same level of cover? And yes I know there have been studies which appear to show that the way the NHS is currently funded is the cheapest way to provide the best cover - but if they are true then why haven’t other countries taken it up?

Every single party and politician secretly knows that the current system is simply not sustainable, but dare not suggest it; as it is electoral suicide.

At some point the question will need to be answered, it’s a case of who has the ‘cojones’ to do it!

Paul 13-05-2026 20:14
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
I'd like an NHS Dentist, none to be seen around here.

papa smurf 13-05-2026 20:39
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul (Post 36215420)
I'd like an NHS Dentist, none to be seen around here.
wasn't it a labour promise that everyone would get access to an nhs dentist

Hom3r 13-05-2026 20:53
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Wes is worse than SKS

TheDaddy 13-05-2026 22:09
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jem (Post 36215416)
Now at the risk of dragging this thread kicking and screaming back on course;

"We want cheap prices and business responds with cheap labour to deliver that whilst maintaining profits.” Well duh, by far the biggest cost to any company is labour costs, staff salaries. You want to reduce the price of your goods, then that’s really the only way to go.


"We want more from the NHS because we need more from the NHS, collectively.

To get more from the NHS, we need a government that supports economic growth and doesn't piss money away on excessive benefits.”

Or do we need the NHS?

Now before everyone piles in to flame me; just hear me out. Do we want the current NHS (conceived in the 1940s), or do we want an effective national health system which, maybe is funded differently - yes, will still provide treatment to everyone who needs it - but being funded by direct taxation only, is that really the best way to do it?

I vaguely remember my late father telling me that the ‘NHS is the envy of the world’ - although you do have to question if that actually right, so why have few other countries adopted the same model?

And this is not a hard choice between the UK and US models - what happens in France or Germany? If you are a poor person in Germany with a serious illness, do they just leave you to die at the side of the road? Of course not, there are safety nets.

The question is this, is the current way the NHS is funded the ‘best’ way - are there alternatives to provide the same level of cover? And yes I know there have been studies which appear to show that the way the NHS is currently funded is the cheapest way to provide the best cover - but if they are true then why haven’t other countries taken it up?

Every single party and politician secretly knows that the current system is simply not sustainable, but dare not suggest it; as it is electoral suicide.

At some point the question will need to be answered, it’s a case of who has the ‘cojones’ to do it!
The NHS had a 70% approval rating when Labour handed it over, those spivs destroyed it deliberately and we're not talking to Germans or French and opting to follow their system when the Tories invited people over for health care discussions they were american, that's the direction they want to travel in

Paul 14-05-2026 02:05
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215422)
wasn't it a labour promise that everyone would get access to an nhs dentist
I believe it was something like that, another failed promise.

Hugh 14-05-2026 08:42
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Reform the dental contract, with a shift to focusing on preventive care, and the retention of NHS dentists.

£125 million funding for a dentistry package that includes 700,000 urgent appointments every year, of which 100,000 would be for children.
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight...-election-2024

---------- Post added at 09:42 ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215384)
stamp licker
OK, boomer…

(stamps are self-adhesive now ;) )

papa smurf 14-05-2026 08:59
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36215437)
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight...-election-2024

---------- Post added at 09:42 ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 ----------



OK, boomer…

(stamps are self-adhesive now ;) )
you're P45 is in the post

Carth 14-05-2026 09:02
Re: Local Elections 2026
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36215448)
you're P45 is in the post
If the self adhesive stamp falls off, will he get charged on delivery? ;)


All times are GMT. The time now is 23:20.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
All Posts and Content are © Cable Forum