‘Immigration is a cancer infecting all political discourse’

HERE was a by-election in County Durham earlier this month in the Easington ward of Durham County Council.

- David Taylor-Gooby

That is a name which used to be synonymous with thumping big Labour majorities. In the county elections it went to Reform, as did most of East Durham. Unfortunately, one of the successful Reform candidates had to resign because of poor health.

In the May elections Reform took about 50% of the vote on a turnout of 30%. Labour got 20%. Many thought that the voters might reconsider in the by-election. It was in the middle of the summer holidays, but there was still a turnout of 20%. Reform swept home again with 46% of the vote, just 3.5% less than the May election. Labour managed a 0.8% increase in its share.

The political atmosphere has not changed. And it is not difficult to know what the big issue is - just ask any elector and they will tell you. It is immigration, and the small boats symbolise it.

Those who care about politics worry that this issue will undermine the other issues where we want to see progress - a better NHS, greener energy, better social care and a solution to the carnage in Ukraine and Gaza. Immigration is a cancer which infects all political discourse, and until it is resolved, little progress will be made elsewhere.