Warning for weak PM who no longer commands respect

THE Gorton and Denton by-election revealed some uncomfortable truths about the state of British politics.

- By Kevin Hollinrake

Smiling selfie for Green Party's Hannah Spencer as she celebrates her by-election win in Gorton and Denton

First, that in parts of the country basic democratic norms and the shared understanding that we all play by the same civic rules are being eroded. Second, that the Prime Minister lacks the backbone and authority to tackle it.

Democracy Volunteers reported the highest levels of family voting in their 10-year history of observing elections in the UK. They say they witnessed family voting in 68% of polling stations, affecting 12% of those voters observed.

Signage on the secrecy of the ballot was visible in only 45% of polling stations.

Family voting refers to the practice of one person accompanying a voter into or near the polling booth and influencing or directing how they cast their ballot.

In 2022, the Conservative government highlighted concerns about this in certain areas, where voters were alleged to have been pressured by spouses or partners.

The practice was outlawed by the Conservatives under the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023 in order to ensure the principle that every voter must be able to cast their ballot independently and in secret.