1> Ann Widdicombe Election Failure
While the Tories made massive gains, further right-wing parties gained absolutely nothing. The Brexit Party and UKIP did not win a single seat. The Brexit Party intentionally stood aside for Conservative candidates, a calculated move that was instrumental for the party’s win.
Despite this it’s still deeply satisfying to see the transphobic, homophobic Anne Widdicombe lose her seat to an openly gay labour candidate. Earlier this year she came under fire for suggesting “science may yet produce” a cure for homosexuality. Historically, she’s criticized acceptance of transgender people in society “lunacy”. This bigot, on this small scale, was entirely crushed.
2> Impressive Student Turnout
In this election student turnout was astounding. Many reports suggested that students queued for ages to vote. The labour campaigns’ ability to mobilize these young people was impressive, and it’s always a win when more of the British electorate are engaging with politics.
3> #notmygovernment Is Trending
Despite the defeat, critics of Johnson and the Tories have been vocal. The next five years of Tory rule has pretty much been secured, but opposition is going nowhere. Twitterers are vowing that they’ll fight rising child poverty, homelessness, and poor education standards.
4> People Are Rallying Around the NHS
Most of all, there has been an outcry of support for the NHS. Substantial evidence suggests that Johnson plans to sell off the NHS, but the people will do everything in their power to stop that happening.
5> Perhaps an End to the Brexit Turmoil
With a functioning majority, it seems likely that Boris will fulfil his promises for once and “Get Brexit Done”. Whatever deal (or lack of deal) Johnson manages to come out with, it’ll be an end to four years of turmoil and neglect of other important issues in the UK. After we leave the EU, there will finally be room for the UK to take substantial action concerning the environment and pressing social issues.
5 Hopeful Takeaways to Consider Despite the Tory Landslide
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