❓WHAT HAPPENED: Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party could be planning a tactical voting strategy to block Nigel Farage and Reform UK from gaining power in the next UK general election.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and anti-Brexit group Best for Britain, along with the Welsh Plaid Cymru party.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Planning is underway ahead of the next UK general election, with past examples including the 2024 campaign and the October by-election (special election) in Caerphilly.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The question is, how do we stop Reform?” – Senior Liberal Democrat MP.
🎯IMPACT: Tactical voting could play a significant role in shaping the election outcome, though its effectiveness remains uncertain amid changing political dynamics.
Britain’s governing Labour Party is reportedly exploring a deal with the far-left Liberal Democrats to block Nigel Farage and Reform UK from gaining power in the next general election. This effort includes setting up websites and communication strategies to guide leftist voters toward backing candidates with the best chance of defeating Reform in specific constituencies.
A senior Liberal Democrat MP explained, “Definitely, there is appetite out there to stop Reform. I’m picking that up on doors all the time, I’m getting asked about it all the time: ‘the question is, how do we stop Reform?'” The strategy is currently informal, with parties focusing their resources on constituencies where their candidates have stronger prospects.
Best for Britain, an anti-Brexit organization, highlighted the effectiveness of its tactical voting website in the 2024 campaign, claiming it contributed to Labour and the Liberal Democrats gaining dozens of extra seats. Nevertheless, the group cautioned that such successes might not be repeated in the next election, especially if Reform and the Conservatives unite their strategies.
In the October Caerphilly Senedd by-election, Plaid Cymru’s win over Reform highlighted the effectiveness of tactical voting. Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth remarked that the result reflected a desire among progressive voters to defeat the populist right.
Polling from the think-tank More in Common highlighted growing dissatisfaction with Labour under Sir Keir Starmer, presenting additional challenges for UK progressives.
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