Power 2010′s electoral reform demonstrations today really captured the mood of many voters, particularly those who voted LibDem, when it comes to electoral reform and more extensive political reform. Even if the Tories do offer us electoral reform, which I find very unlike seen as Cameron would most likely face a leadership challenge if he did, they will not implement the extensive political reform the Libdems’ want and the country needs. This is not to mention all the other areas of political disjuncture between us and the Tories, which I think most of our members have voiced their concerns about.
Whilst Nick Clegg addressed these protests with the words that has made him and us such an exciting force in the election, I will no longer believe them until he stops these pointless talks with the Tories and realises that the only way we can possibly deliver most of our policies and principles is with what Alex Salmond has rightly called, a ‘progressive alliance’. Power 2010 claim:
“For the first time in a long time it feels like the politicians are listening to us. Nick Clegg heard our demands. He took the petition that tens of thousands of us have signed. Clegg holds the balance of power and the fate of Proportional Representation in his hands. But today as the crowd chanted, “Don’t sell out” – people power forced him to speak to us.”
Well, personally, if Clegg continues these talks and actually does what it appears he is going to do – and that is back the Tories – he hasn’t listened to us. He has stabbed his party members in the back, most of who have campaigned on policies that are essential for political reform. If he joins the Tories, all those hopes and aspirations will die, it, in my opinion, will start the destruction of this party. If Clegg does listen however, as Power 2010 right say, it will be he and the LibDems who have taken this historical moment to seize the much-needed change to the voting system.
If Clegg is to claim, when he was addressing the rally:
“I’ve campaigned for a better, more open, more transparent, new politics, every single day of this general election campaign. I genuinely believe it is in the national interest.”
Then trying to form a deal with the Tories is a waste of time. Labour would replace us as the party of reform, our chance of becoming the new ‘progressive’ party will be destroyed, and Tories would replace us in the south – as why bother voting for the LibDems if they are just the mini Tories? Furthermore, we will see mass membership defections and most likely MPs and councillors defecting. This really would be, in my opinion, the end of the LibDems as we know it.
May 8, 2010 at 9:07 pm
My entire family, including me, went from Labour to the Liberals this time.
If he makes a deal with the Tories, i’m never voting liberal democrat again.
Actually, until a party of true progressives of the left crops up, I wont vote again.
I was discussing at my workplace today, what power politicians actually have. If this whole thing, is just an exercise in pointless PR in the era of celebrity politicians. We came to the conclusion that very little power rests with politicians, and all the power rests in the economic sphere, which is controlled, by unelected faceless neoliberals (see the imf, for proof).
The joys of left wing intellectualism.
May 8, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I wonder if there could be a third alternative – all 3 parties working together in some way on the economy as Nick seemed to suggest in the last debate??? National coalition, as during the war.
May 8, 2010 at 9:13 pm
You’re not alone, there are many I persuaded who had changed from Labour – thinking Lib Dems provided a progressive alternative!
Well tbh, most power is the economy – that is what governs most of the politics interests etc.
Indeed, the joys!
May 8, 2010 at 9:16 pm
O sorry Sarah, just realised you have commented too!
It sounds like a nice idea, but tbh – how could we work all together on the economy when the Tories want to cut now and us and Labour are so against that!?
May 8, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I think Clegg is in a no win situation. Whatever decision he makes, he will irritate someone. If he supports torys without a mandate for change, it will seem like a betrayal to us and the swing voters. Support Labour, it will irritate those who feel that Labour have no right to remain in government due to the election results. Support neither, then those swing voters will think twice about voting Lib Dem next time so as to avoid this current situation.
I for one think that he chose his words very carefully today when he was talking to the protesters. He said a-lot without actually saying much, and his careful choice of words will cover him from any backlash he may get if he chooses not to pursue the electoral reform agenda.
I think he SHOULD pursue it. I think he should not ignore the opportunity to change this country forever. He should insist on a referendum for the country on this issue, giving every party a chance to air their views on the subject and then have the country decide. There should be no committee or anything. This has been done before by Labour and then completely ignored!
I am hoping….praying that he does not turn his back on the party line. This is the base he can always rely on, even if those outside of it turn their back on him for any decision he makes. Ultimately, he is not going to please everyone, and I think he will affect some of the swing voters. But he does have to think about the country as a whole, it is not merely about Lib Dem voters.
But I would rather be part of a smaller, progressive party who stood by their principles and morals, than one who sold themselves out to the highest bidder.
May 8, 2010 at 10:14 pm
The Liberals Will Be Seen as Helping Introduce Massive Attacks On Peoples Income & Jobs.Eventually We might see Poll-Tax Scale Demonstrations with effergies of Vince Cable (not Osborne) Being Burned.
doesnt Sound Very Progressive To Me.
May 9, 2010 at 5:39 pm
[...] the critical thing is whether or not the rank and file of the Liberal Democrats will agree. Jane Watkinson a prolific liberal democrat blogger had this to say “Well, personally, if Clegg continues [...]
May 9, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Daniel,
I totally agree, this isn’t a great decision and he will annoy someone whatever he does.
Yes, he did say not really that much today, but he also made it clear how much he cared about political reform – it is going to be hard to believe if he passes up the opportunity to get it. So yes, I agree with your view – he should definitely per sure it in every way possible.
I totally agree. He has to remember that his core member support would not leave him if he chose Labour as what is on offer is what so many people want – a fairer political system. If he chooses Tories, I think that would not only lead to the slow destruction of this party, but it would not be in the interests of the country either.
Tony,
I doubt we will ever see the day that Vince Cable will be being burnt! I can see what you are trying to say however, there is a danger that in supporting the Tories we will help bring the country into even deeper economic and social problems than it already is.
May 10, 2010 at 2:46 pm
She does say that the committee should report “within a month”. That is sensible. It is not a matter of throwing PR into the long grass but is a way whereby the Conservatives can, with some dignity, change horses in midstream. Cameron can say he had been against PR but seeing an impartial committee had looked at the evidence & he had been persuaded. This is hypocrisy but, like telling your girlfriend she doesn’t look fat in that, it is one the hypocrisies that make life bearable.
May 10, 2010 at 8:48 pm
No it isn’t! We had a committee in 1997! We don’t need any more sodding committees!
Nevertheless, the Tories have moved from this anyway. Offering us a watered down half hearted ‘PR’ – otherwise AV referendum. Just doesn’t go far enough!
May 11, 2010 at 9:46 am
Jane I am on your side here on going for PR it is just that allowing the Tories a little dignity is good tactics as long as you keep the end in view.
However the game has changed with Labour in the negotiations. If Labour can deliver (uncertain) & the Tories refuse to match them on PR, having been given 5 clear days on it, then the Tories have no right to complain.
May 11, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Well, it looks like its all over now, so PR is dead and we are in a very demoralising situation. Oh dear.
May 12, 2010 at 9:42 am
Agreed the LDs have largely (not entirely because AV is a marginal improvement on a totally corrupt system) sold out the LDs unique selling point for ministerial jobs.
May 12, 2010 at 9:13 pm
I totally agree – even AV is not that better, there are many who claim it is even less proportional!