UK May 7 Local Elections - Making Sense of the Mess

With local elections coming up in the UK this week, it's worth pointing out the impact of modern geopolitics (like Iran, Palestine and Pakistan), the economics of the perceived cost of asylum seekers and a deep frustration with the pace of cultural change, diaspora identity, and social media algorithms intersect to create incredibly rigid worldviews.

Noticeably, narratives are no longer just about sharing information. It provides a sense of community and shared identity. 

You often see people trying to convince others to bring them into their shared reality. Those who get their news from echo chambers rarely use words like "might" or "possibly." They speak in absolute certainties because that is how information is framed on TikTok, X, YouTube or in WhatsApp groups.

What is surprising is also how simplistic band-aid solutions are seen as the way forward, rather than understanding the complexities of issues, as well as the need for experience, continuity and a healthy mix of both short and long-term actions / strategies. 

Unfortunately rising council taxes, increasing rhetoric and the cost of living is pushing people to consider political parties which ultimately may not be in their best interests. Britain has been undermined by different extremist views which have fractured out ability to navigate the increasing uncertainty of a precarious world. 

People are afraid and need to feel confident in their leaders. We have seen glimmers, but the messaging has not been strong enough or appreciative of how influential technology affects consumption of information. Because of this, I believe things will get worse before they get better. I hope I'm wrong. 

Our current prime minister has kept us from going to war in a climate of ongoing international drama. He's managed under challenging circumstances and stroking the political ambitions within his party by a change of leadership is only going to see our country stagger brokenly through the remainder of their tenure, much like the spectacle of the last government. 

On May 7, when people vote in local elections, they should be mindful of the current environment of the possibility of war, continuing global and economic uncertainty, and the need for intelligent politicians who will govern us well. 

Why I object to calls for Starmer to resign over Mandelson

A quick dive into Reddit and Starmer confirms my opinion. 

I made the mistake of checking the news and seeing the latest faff about changing PMs made me go down this mini rabbit hole. 

This particular post / extract caught my eye: 

"is he actually bad? He takes the national majority position on highly polarising issues, he has played geopolitical issues expertly, he is getting us closer to europe, acted in a moral way during internal crises, done lots for workers and the poor, actually gone after the rich in several meaningful ways, all while managing a huge inherited debt and creating a surplus while also spending meaningfully in areas that matter.

He has had a level of scrutiny ive never seen before, and done a decent job during the most unprecedented times weve ever seen. "

From: https://www.reddit.com/r/LabourUK/comments/1sbfrfy/keir_starmer_where_did_it_all_go_wrong_review_is/

The sentiment in these posts also indicate that some people aren't interested in a merry-go-round repeat of new PMs:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/LabourUK/comments/1s8kixi/labour_mps_should_get_rid_of_starmer_before_its/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/ukpolitics/comments/1r05xuo/has_anyone_changed_their_mind_on_whether_starmer/

Tbh even if the May elections have Labour doing badly, I still would prefer Starmer to stay. The people calling for his resignation simply seem like clowns out of touch with everyday worries about rising costs because of Iran and the unemployment casualties from AI. If they actually could start governing instead of pathetic knit-picking. 

Personally I'd like to see a call for all the opposition leaders to resign. 

I also have massively cut back on the news and recommend others to also do so. Many seem to be agreeing so if outlets are seeing drops in their numbers, they might want to read the room.  They are no longer worth my time or energy and are toxic energy drainers. 

Keep Starmer, and if the media and politicians could actually care about people, that would be a nice change.  

The UK - Starmer, Labour, Mandelson, Epstein and the Economy

 

The UK economy continues to struggle and thrive, not because of a lack of leadership, competence or desire, but because of political instability. 

The revolving door of prime ministers under the former Tory government saw the career ambitions of individuals take priority over country, party and people. I've lost count of how many PMs we had since David Cameron. 

As the Labour party implodes and the media circles against Sir Keir Starmer, I fear that it is heading down the same insane path as the Conservatives - into oblivion. 

Are we simply playing into the hands of foreign and extreme group agendas? 

Democracy is not at the heart of our system if the elected leader is dismissed prematurely and without just cause. A full term of service provides the greatest impact, rather than regular resets, and a PM should not be looking  behind them for the next backstabbing from an ambitious self-serving bunch. 

This is why confidence and trust in governments is low. It is not the leader which we abhor, it is these machinations which horrify us and which resemble Caesar's Brutus and King Henry the VIII's court. 

As the Epstein / Mandelson drama rages, as heads role and it chips away at the core team, we are shooting ourselves in the foot. Do we really want Reform in charge? 

I'm regularly pleasantly surprised with new initiatives like £800m Community Investment. I see local initiatives slowly improving lives and had hope that we were turning the page from the disastrous onslaught since austerity after the global financial crisis. 

It's frustrating that so many people fail to keep their eye on the prize. With the ever growing increase in global crisis, impending war, technological snowballing and has everyone forgotten that most of us still face the barrel of a cost of living crisis? 

I'm not surprised Sir Keir is tired. We're all tired of the school playground nonsense. We finally had a grown up in charge and we're heading back into chaos. 

Is it any wonder that an authoritarian populous style seems to be the modus operandi because it's the only way to maintain consistency. It is sad indeed. We need more people in government for the right reasons. Instead, we are inflicted with a cast of rotten eggs. 

If my disgust is unclear to all those so out of touch, let me spell it out, I do not support you and history will not judge you kindly. The people are not happy with this circus.  

The Epstein story is scandalous. Blood must be let. But must it be at the expense of the many to benefit who? 

Why Anonymity Matters - Online Safety

We are not safe even though we live in a democratic country. Our laws don't protect women and children adequately online or in real life, but we don't want to be excluded from these spaces. We want to be able to connect, interact and add our voice, but increasingly we are being silenced. 

• BBC - Men Covertly Filming Women
  

Perhaps it's because of the struggle between class and minorities, or governments feeling increasingly destabilised that they look to take away our freedoms. 

The idea we would legislate so children under 16 cannot use social media in the UK is abhorrent. 

We didn't say children can't watch television, play computer games or go on the internet. We regulated the providers. We made them safer for children and everyone. 

By introducing laws on age, we're giving more information on everyone else to social media companies and not addressing the real problem: toxicity online and a lack of accountability for bad behaviour. 

We're also not demanding social media companies and corporations behave responsibly, just as we expect for everything else that is consumer facing. 

Anonymity allows people to be included. It is not always nefarious that they don't want fame. It has opened the door for greater discussion and shows we do not support oppression. It is the democracy we love. 

The law must keep up with technology. Mental health is not just about technology, but a world where when an economic downturn hits, we all need more compassion and kindness. 

You may be interested in: 

• LSE - the UK shouldn't ban
  
• BBC - why the debate
  
• BBC - Include children's views
  

Online Shopping In 2026 - the best cure for shopping addicts

Over Xmas I learnt my lesson and step 1 in 2026 before hitting the checkout button on any online shop is to check the returns policy. 

With £57 in my basket, I was feeling guilty as I don't need to shop, but the cold spell got me browsing thermals and I succumbed to "bargain" sales. My heaving closet groaned as there are enough clothes to keep me warm this winter. 

Scanning the fine print, I realised I'd have to pay postage for any online returns and stores would only accept exchanges. 

Suddenly I no longer wanted to buy all these items. I narrowed it down to one item I'd be willing to go into a store to click and collect, since I no longer qualified for free delivery. 

I'd invested an hour browsing in this shop, reading reviews, convincing myself yes it was ok to buy one new piece. Why do you think I've walked away and convinced myself I no longer need it? 

It's not my bank balance. Nor is it my overflowing wardrobe. No fancy trick I learnt on social media either. 

Guest checkout. 

That's right. I prefer it, but lo and behold it failed. Initially I overcame the 'you can't guest check out' with an alternative address. Then the email verification didn't come through. Next, the resend email didn't work. It was becoming a hoop jumping workout. Finally I took the universe's signs to simply stop the madness. 

Imagine if it was still free returns. I'd have spent £57 that I didn't need to do. Or if it was free returns instore, I might have ended up buying even more when I inevitably went in - afterall I don't have the perfect body that looks stunning in everything. 

In the UK, we all don't have cars or live close to a shop. The customer experience, technology and returns policies can affect the bottom line of businesses. I expect I'm not the only one that's gone through this. With the cost of living crisis, I'm relieved with this fortunate turn of events, but I think about the economy and  bigger picture. Retailers are missing out on sales. They might be fully costing their products and services, but these are missed opportunities as part of their sales funnel. It's failing. 

Online shopping in 2026 isn't better for retailers but it sure is better for shopping addicts, so my top 3 tips is check the returns policy, use guest checkout and after all the faffing, you may save yourself a whole lot of time and money, because actually do you really need it and why are you shopping?