This is the second of a three-part series of panels in which readers describe why they’re voting for a specific political party for the first time in their lives – in this case, Labour. The next panel will be about those who have decided to vote for the Liberal Democrats.
Chris, 19, Motherwell: Jeremy Corbyn offers change where the SNP cannot
Voted SNP in the 2015 general election
Jeremy Corbyn has inspired me. His policies make total sense. Yes, they may all be crowd-pleasers, but if he were given a chance to enact even half of what he plans, I think the country would be a much brighter place, especially in the poorest of our communities, like Motherwell. We’ve tried Conservatism and it’s not working for everyone. Corbyn has always been a principled man and I think the party would unite behind him if he won the election.
When I read the Labour manifesto I realised that he offers change where the SNP cannot. They keep my vote in any future election on Scotland, as I am a fanatical independence supporter, but for this general election I feel I need to send a message to the fat cats that their days are numbered.
Alison, 76, Cheshire: I’m concerned about Conservative plans to means-test old people for the winter fuel allowance
Voted Conservative in the 2015 general election
I worry about young people who wish to go to university but who, like my grandchildren, will end up with a tremendous amount of debt. I don’t think the younger generation should carry that burden when starting out in life. My other concern is about the plans in the Conservative manifesto for means-testing older members of the community regarding the winter fuel allowance, and for money to be raised from people’s properties if care is needed in the home.
I was hoping that my grandchildren would benefit from my estate to help pay off their debt, and after reading the Conservative manifesto I now know that this won’t be possible if I vote Tory.
Adam, 30, Wrexham: For the first time a mainstream party has offered genuine hope
Voted Plaid Cymru in the 2015 general election
I am a long-time supporter of Plaid Cymru, but they do not have a realistic chance of winning in my constituency (Clwyd South). I cannot stand the idea of a further five years of Conservative rule, so as soon as an election was announced I decided to vote tactically to ensure a Labour win. Also, for the first time I can remember a mainstream party has offered genuine hope, and something I can buy into. The Labour manifesto does just that.
Ben, 33, Wiltshire: The spirit of leftwing Labour is slowly winning me over
Voted Conservative in the 2015 general election
I have always voted Conservative because in general I agree with their outlook. However over the last year it has occurred to me that maybe we have gone just a little bit far with cuts, with some councils still having to make sacrifices that, frankly, a civilised society shouldn’t have to make. As a result, since reading the party manifestos, I have been slowly won over by the spirit of leftwing Labour – maybe we do need to invest more now. Similarly, the nationalisation of core infrastructure sounds appealing.
Rina, 31, London: I’ve been impressed with Corbyn’s principled politics
Voted Liberal Democrat in the 2015 general election
I am unhappy with the Liberal Democrat stance on Brexit. The party has taken an opportunistic approach as a means of clawing back supporters on a very narrow issue. Proposing another referendum is undemocratic and unnecessary. I’ve been a Liberal Democrat voter and party member my entire adult life, and I’m saddened not to feel able to vote for the party this election. After reading all the manifestos, I’ve been impressed with Corbyn’s principled politics, and will be voting Labour for the first time ever.
Alex, 29, Leeds: Corbyn’s the best shot we’ve got
Voted Green in the 2015 general election
The Tories disgust me beyond belief. I have friends who have been directly affected by the changes to benefits, who are being denied the support of services they desperately need. I am a long-time sufferer from anxiety and depression and it is getting harder and harder for me and my friends to access mental health services. I’ve worked in some of the most deprived areas of Leeds and seen the poverty and the despair caused by the current government. It’s too much.
For the first time in my life, Labour policies fall in line with my own sensibilities. I went to see Corbyn when he came to Leeds, and he spoke sense: he spoke like a person and not a soundbite. He doesn’t dodge questions. I’m never going to agree with everything he says, but at the moment he’s the best shot we’ve got for a government that cares about people and not money. After all, a government is meant to look after the citizens of a country: it’s not a business, so we should stop treating it like one.
