At last the Tories have done something that the British public have actually been asking for and have called a general election. On 4th July we will go to the polls and finally have a chance to vote no to the Tories who, over the past 14 years and under five different prime ministers, have done more damage to this country than we could ever have expected.

“I came to office, above all, to restore economic stability. Economic stability is the bedrock of any future success, whether that is rising wages and good jobs, investment in our public services, or the defence of the country. And because of our collective sacrifice and your hard work, we have reached two major milestones in delivering that stability, showing that when we work together, anything is possible.”

Rishi Sunak, 22 May 2024

This is ironic considering it was during his time as Chancellor, signing blank cheques to friends of the Tories to ‘help out’ during the pandemic, that created just some of the financial nightmare the Tories will leave as their legacy. I will not be sad not having to look at his smug mug again as he tried to convince the British public that we are going into this election in a good place.

Now I’m not someone to say that Labour would’ve done a better job dealing with some of the unexpected events of recent years, but it’s time for someone else to have a chance at shaping this country. Despite what they say, boasting today that inflation is down to 2.3%, apparently the lowest level in three years, the next government needs to take serious action to ensure that the divide between the rich and the poor doesn’t get worse than it has done over the past decade or so.

People are already talking about the impact another of the Tories pointless policies will have on this election, and that is the introduction of voter ID. We saw how people were affected by this policy that was brought in to deal with non-existent electoral fraud, including Boris Johnson who brought in the policy. The Tories have done what they can to de-democratise this country and we need to ensure we do not let that be a barrier to voting. For people who don’t have approved ID such as a driving licence or passport, a Voter Authority Certificate can be obtained. Postal votes also don’t require you to have ID, even if you hand deliver it to a polling station on the day.

This election will also see the boundary changes brought in following the boundary review in 2023 come into effect. I’m affected by that so I’ve no idea what this means for my area and the candidates. I’ll be keeping a close eye on whocanivotefor.co.uk as Democracy Club and their team of volunteers work to make this the most useful resource to know who your candidates are.

It also means the Mother of the House, and MP of 42 years, Harriet Harman will be stepping down. Whilst I’ve never voted for her and can’t say I’ve agreed with her on everything, she has generally been a good MP.

With the boundary changes and her departure it leaves two gaps for Labour candidates in the area and it’ll be interesting to see what happens in what has been a safe Labour area for so long.

I’m not really one for predictions but despite what the polls say about Labour being ahead, I don’t think it’s going to be that clear cut. I think votes will be divided more than ever and I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up with a hung parliament.

Whatever happens on 4 July, the next six weeks are going to be interesting as electioneering hots up and all parties set their stall for what they would do if they get into power trying to convince us to give their candidates our vote.

This country needs a change and now is the time that we finally get to have a say on what we want for the next five years. I just hope people make the most of the opportunity. I’m already thinking planning a bigger wander around polling stations after my Camberwell explorations during local elections on 2 May.