Westminster, we have a problem

The dust is settling from the General Election. For the vast majority of people, the election is a sideshow. But for many of those involved, it is a pressure-cooker experience: non-stop and intense. It is a relief to get it over with and get back to “normal” life.

Many thanks to everyone who participated, from all sides, in a wide variety of ways. Writing and designing leaflets, networking, putting up posters, knocking on doors, stuffing envelopes, IT and administrative tasks – all of this and more. So much work in the service of democracy is unglamorous – but without it, the system falls apart.

Was it worth it? Did it work? Here in Leeds South, you might say: ‘no’. Many thanks to everyone who voted – but we have to acknowledge that most people didn’t. Turnout here was 42.4%, the second lowest in the UK. Just a fraction ahead of our all-time low of 41.7% in 2001. A clear victory for the non-voters (who, if they organised themselves, could be the kingmakers for our community).

We are not unusual. They match national figures: national turnout was just 60% – which translates to 52% when you include people not registered to vote. Again, only slightly ahead of 2001, when it was 59%: the lowest for more than 100 years. And voter turnout has generally been trending downwards for decades – not just in the UK, but across Europe.

Why does this happen? Is it important? Is democracy worth fighting for? And how do we do it?

There are many reasons for the low turnout. An assumption that the outcome (nationally and locally) was a foregone conclusion. Voters needing photo ID. The short notice of this election. But surely above all: a lack of enthusiasm for politics. An assumption that it doesn’t matter, that “you’re all the same.”

Yet politics can make a difference. The Labour Party came to power in 1945 and created the NHS, the welfare state and much more. In a different vein, Reagan and Thatcher fundamentally took the US and UK on a new path during the 1980s, towards deregulation, privatisation and (I would argue) inequality; meanwhile, similar countries in continental Europe have pursued fairer paths. (By way of example, Norway invested its North Sea oil and gas windfall of the 1980s-90s in a sovereign wealth fund, at the service of the nation, that is now worth more than £1 trillion; let that sink in.) And I sincerely hope that this Labour government will act boldly to undo the damage of the last decade or so.

But no matter what you believe, don’t wait for politics and politicians to act. Democracy is not just about voting: it’s about year-round action, pushing those in power to do what’s best for them (no matter how you look at that). It’s about campaigning, dialogue in communities and with elected officials, robust action and accountability through the media and social media, and much more. Through these means, we can all shape policy.

But there’s a problem. When push comes to shove, our representatives don’t have to listen, or act, if they know they’ll be safely reelected in the future. And for now, our constituency remains a “safe seat,” monopolized by one party.

A decade ago, local council election results were a foregone conclusion in this corner of Leeds – and in many parts of Leeds, they remain so. But it’s good to see that here in south Leeds, that’s no longer the case. Our communities win when politicians and competitors are battling for votes: we get better service and more exciting, engaging elections.

One way or another, I trust our constituency can follow suit in the parliamentary elections – but we’re not there yet. The recent general election here in Leeds South felt quiet and low-key. Labour were (correctly) confident they would win – so, by their own admission, they barely campaigned here. (That’s not a criticism: they were campaigning in closely contested marginal seats.)

We and some other smaller parties did some campaigning and gained votes accordingly. But I can see why the election failed to register or arouse the interest of many local people.

Changing our outdated voting system would help move things along: our unusual First Past The Post (FPTP) system delivers skewed results time and time again. Changing this would make elections less predictable and more engaging. But that’s a conversation for another day.

And then there’s this broader issue: loss of faith in politics. Democratic politics is often slow and unglamorous. But it shapes absolutely every element of society. And as Churchill said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

Can we come together to reboot democratic culture here in South Leeds? Create ways to discuss politics, online and offline? Set aside time to read about important topics and share your learning? Develop political education in schools – and pubs and clubs? Develop links with diverse groups and networks to build engagement?

And work with us – your elected representatives – to make politics visible, accessible, interesting. Hold us accountable. And get involved. Politics can be head-scratching at times, but it can also be brilliant. It is – at least in principle – an act of love, in service to our communities. (I apologize when it doesn’t quite live up to that.)

The choice before us is this: either we stand up and shape policy, to serve our communities. Or we stand back and let policy shape our communities – without us. Which will happen?

This post was written by Councilman Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) and Green Party parliamentary candidate for Leeds South in the general election.

Photo: Declaration of the election result on July 5, 2024

Since you’re here, can we ask you a favor?

South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible, but have been hit by increases in the printing costs of our monthly newspaper, which have doubled in the last two years.

Could you help support local community news by making a one-off donation or, better yet, signing up to a support program?

Donate here or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLinscribe