Don't Underestimate the English "Shirelent" majority

For those of you following the UK general election campaign, you may have noticed less Corbyn bashing and more criticism of Theresa May in some sections of the media. Theresa May's absence from last week's Question Time was roundly criticised, and rightfully so. She was the one who called the General Election back in April, yet seems reluctant to fully engage with the electorate. Theresa May has been pilloried in social media, whereas Corbyn has been praised for his statesman like qualities, particularly in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London. The Conservatives' lead in the polls has been whittled away to almost nothing and the momentum appears to be with Labour now, but can they oust the Torys? 

Whilst Labour enjoy widespread support in cities like London and Manchester, that sentiment does not extend out in to the suburbs and the shires of England, particularly among voters aged 55 and over. This demographic tend to be wealthier than the national average and occupy the largest voting group. They represent a silent majority. Worryingly, many in this group rely on mainstream media for their news and have limited ability to challenge the narratives being put forward there. For example, we have been told that we must accept swingeing cuts to public services to "get the deficit down" and restore economic health to this country. Economic data paints a rather different picture. Since David Cameron and George Osborne came to power in 2010, their cuts have reduced the UK to the worst performing economy in the G7. During the same period, £700 billion was added to the national debt. Many Tory voters are ignorant of this colossal failure and still view them as the "party of the economy". They are quick to point out the largest increase in national debt occurred under the previous Labour government, but conveniently forget that this happened in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis. A crisis that was created by the deregulation of the financial sector in the Reagan/Thatcher era. Another Tory failure.

So we return to the notion of a "shirelent" majority. I know they exist. They vote Tory because they've always done it. They vote Tory because their friends and family do. They vote Tory because they don't think about it. Unfortunately, this blinkered view of the world is prevalent in the shires. I know because I grew up there and many of my family still live there. They still outnumber the younger voters, even the millennials and so hold the key to this election. As they enter the polling booth on Thursday will they be dreaming of their surging house prices and soaring stock portfolios or will they look at the world they are leaving behind for their children and grandchildren? It is my opinion that unless this generation are "red-pilled", we are heading for more of the same tired policies that are slowly ruining this country.