What Do Voters Want?

In yesterday's Observer the Prime Minister, Theresa May offered those Labour voters who were disillusioned or disgusted with Jeremy Corbyn a place with the Conservative Party. The fact it appeared in what is generally considered a left of centre newspaper along with it's stablemate the Guardian is an obvious ploy towards at least the "thinking" centre-left that the Tories now hold the hallowed "centre ground".

This morning one of John McDonnell's propositions that we should all have a four-day week is in the news again. Combined with the proposals to give all workers free shares in the companies they work for with a bonus of up to £500 every year with the sate taking any excess may seem attractive to many.

Jeremy Corbyn promised free childcare for the nation in his end of conference speech. Directly aimed at families, particularly lone parents  the proposition is attractive.

How the conservatives will trump Corbyn is not clear to see. Theresa May talking about home ownership isn't a great help but the promise to let councils spend their funds more freely to enable  the building of social housing is something that is really needed.

Meanwhile what do the activists, those that canvass concentrate on. The big issue is Brexit but talk to the average punter and people are simply fed up of the argument. Massive pressure on social media and by activists has not really motivated people. Most people are just fed up of it. The Tories will need to move on very quickly after Brexit without letting the buffoon Boris take the Premiership,

Meanwhile over at Labour the huge battle over anti-Semitism has not motivated huge numbers of people despite it's prominence in the news. Labour has totally alienated the Jewish Community and those that sympathise but will not effect the vast majority of voters. But the left should beware most ordinary folk aren't interested in Palestine either. 

It's bread and butter issues that count and even a substantial number of Tory voters accept that.

The other argument taking place amongst activists is the question of trans-rights. Just putting the somewhat violent at times debate only 18% apparently agree with the demand for self identification.

The opinion polls are finely balanced, though the Tory lead and core vote is probably more solid. The fact is with the government in chaos and Theresa May seen by many as weak, though no one shines through as a replacement and at least she is seen as a decent person.

At this stage Labour should be rocketing ahead in the polls. Had it not been for Corbyn it's actually likely Labour would have convincingly won.. They didn't though the government was surprisingly weakened.

Like most voters it is not ideology or empty promises that motivate, but realistic and sensible and sometimes radical policies that may work. Personally I would prefer a new radical but centre party. That is unlikely to happen, but like so many others see Corbyn as the danger and will vote accordingly.