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I really don't know the answer. I can see the argument that he needs more personality, but there's another (probably equally valid) argument that after the bluffer PM, the way the public would vote for a change would be for a more staid, serious personality (which would then favour Starmer). I think it may just be too early for that to happen, while the bluffer is being perceived as getting results (which, like it or not, people think is the case - brexit has happened and so far the majority are sheltered from the effects, and the vaccines are kicking in so Covid situation seems to be improving too)
andyfallsoff-
Boris is KILLING it tho (exscuse the pun), these are not just headlines or faff, algorithm manipulations, these are functional wins:
He got brexit done
Brexit inextricably gave us a better/ quicker vaccine roll out
His party is almost comically evil on migration
His party delivered a furlough package which was truly exceptional for big business and profession workers in long term work, while a mortgage protection package which saved home owners and land lords
His party is comically evil on social issues
He’s matched the “get on with it....actually stop stop!’ Stopppp!!!!....ok let me see my nan again” tone of the public over lockdown
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No wonder he done well in an election, these are huge wins for his base and party, of course he had fuck ups too, but lmao, memory holes are nothing knew in politics and the public. Not least against a party who either supported all these things, or mumbled critique on the side lines
Extracting one difference point here is how the furlough package was not so great to those onflexible/ 0 hour contracts, or hit low wage workers in rented accommodation the worst, they were getting less pay, more likely to be laid off and the only person getting support was their landlord on their mortgage payments.
Then when they were let go from work there wasn’t even a meaningful challenge on unemployment reform.
This doesn’t make one vote for the tories, but it does make one just not show up / put their vote elsewhere. Especially for local elections where people are aware they won’t see large scale changes / pivots in policy nationally.
Mr forensic statesman losing because he can’t cut the vibe is a bit weak, he’s up against a scoring opponent while trying to haggle for a VAR review.
Maj
I think part of the trouble is that Johnson is in charge of the opposition.
Starmer's fairly dull approach normally wouldn't be too bad but he's up against someone who people view as a performer. On top of that he doesn't give a shit about lying and is shameless when he's caught out so the "forensic" approach is of limited value.