Sandy Martin
@sandyofipswich.bsky.social
Chair, Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform, SERA Executive (Labour’s Environment Campaign), pro-EU, LGBT+, Democratic Socialist - for 1to1 dialogue feel free to email [email protected]
Pinned
Nowcast Update - Green's vote share surpasses Lib Dems, as Labour hits new low.
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
So, on the current poll, Farage would have a very comfortable overall majority, with no effective checks on his powers, on less than a third of the vote. @teamlabouruk.bsky.social members who still think 1st Past the Post keeps the extremists out need to re-examine the facts @labour4pr.bsky.social
Reposted by Sandy Martin
A good day for Ed Miliband: mansion tax introduced, green levies moved off bills to taxation, ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences confirmed.
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
A good day for Ed Miliband: mansion tax introduced, green levies moved off bills to taxation, ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences confirmed.
When the Daily Mail publicly and genuinely apologises for its “Hurrah for the Blackshirts” headline, then I might start taking an interest in what they say about anyone else. Lying hate-filled rag owned by multimillionaire tax-dodger!
The only gutter here is the one the Daily Mail has lowered itself into - again. Not called a member of the "gutter press" for nothing.
November 27, 2025 at 12:06 AM
When the Daily Mail publicly and genuinely apologises for its “Hurrah for the Blackshirts” headline, then I might start taking an interest in what they say about anyone else. Lying hate-filled rag owned by multimillionaire tax-dodger!
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Remember: The recipe for economic growth isn’t tax cuts for the rich. It’s investment in our people — in health care, infrastructure and education — to build a strong middle class.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Remember: The recipe for economic growth isn’t tax cuts for the rich. It’s investment in our people — in health care, infrastructure and education — to build a strong middle class.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
This is so right: the provisions in the budget need to be measured by whether they are right for the well-being of the people of this country, not by the effect on the polls. I don’t actually give a stuff about what the Express or the Mail say - people will be better off because of this budget.
Even @channel4news.bsky.social opens its budget coverage by asking "What will this do for Labour's position in the polls?"
Polls are not even a good predictor of future elections. They're certainly not a test by which budgets should be measured.
We have to break their cold, dead grip on politics.
Polls are not even a good predictor of future elections. They're certainly not a test by which budgets should be measured.
We have to break their cold, dead grip on politics.
November 26, 2025 at 11:44 PM
This is so right: the provisions in the budget need to be measured by whether they are right for the well-being of the people of this country, not by the effect on the polls. I don’t actually give a stuff about what the Express or the Mail say - people will be better off because of this budget.
Reposted by Sandy Martin
If Farage had just admitted, apologised and repented his teenage racism - water under the bridge. But the fact that he has denied the truth and maligned those saying it NEARLY FIFTY YEARS ON, indicates to me not only his untrustworthiness, but that these antisemitic beliefs are not so historic
November 26, 2025 at 7:35 PM
If Farage had just admitted, apologised and repented his teenage racism - water under the bridge. But the fact that he has denied the truth and maligned those saying it NEARLY FIFTY YEARS ON, indicates to me not only his untrustworthiness, but that these antisemitic beliefs are not so historic
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Plus sides to today: Two-child benefit scrapped. Largely progressive tax implications. Good market reaction. No big spending cuts. Nightmare prospect of cutting funding to net zero etc avoided. It's a left-wing budget. Those who say there's no difference between Labour and Tories are bananas.
November 26, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Plus sides to today: Two-child benefit scrapped. Largely progressive tax implications. Good market reaction. No big spending cuts. Nightmare prospect of cutting funding to net zero etc avoided. It's a left-wing budget. Those who say there's no difference between Labour and Tories are bananas.
Towns like Middlesbrough and Grangemouth and Rotherham are living testament to the need for public infrastructure investment. Not so much that they themselves need the infrastructure (although they do) but even more so because it is the best way for the government to kick start the material economy
The town’s criminal damage rate is 289% of the national average.
It starts at a young age. For example, in August, boys as young as ten years old were arrested for missile-throwing in Hemlington. There are eye witness accounts of 12-year-olds dealing drugs in Saltersgill.
It starts at a young age. For example, in August, boys as young as ten years old were arrested for missile-throwing in Hemlington. There are eye witness accounts of 12-year-olds dealing drugs in Saltersgill.
Middlesbrough: the UK’s crime capital?
When ranked with 99 UK towns and cities, Middlesbrough is near the top of the table for many types of crime
northeastbylines.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Towns like Middlesbrough and Grangemouth and Rotherham are living testament to the need for public infrastructure investment. Not so much that they themselves need the infrastructure (although they do) but even more so because it is the best way for the government to kick start the material economy
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Mayors and local leaders will gain new powers to introduce visitor levies.
A win for devolution and regional growth, aligning with IPPR’s push for more local control: www.ippr.org/articles/the...
A win for devolution and regional growth, aligning with IPPR’s push for more local control: www.ippr.org/articles/the...
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Mayors and local leaders will gain new powers to introduce visitor levies.
A win for devolution and regional growth, aligning with IPPR’s push for more local control: www.ippr.org/articles/the...
A win for devolution and regional growth, aligning with IPPR’s push for more local control: www.ippr.org/articles/the...
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Gambling company taxes are rising, bringing in revenue more responsibly and in a way that protects communities. Read our full proposed package here: www.ippr.org/articles/ref...
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Gambling company taxes are rising, bringing in revenue more responsibly and in a way that protects communities. Read our full proposed package here: www.ippr.org/articles/ref...
Reposted by Sandy Martin
We also welcome a tax on high-value properties, putting more of the burden on the wealthiest rather than working families. Property taxation is finally shifting in the right direction – read what we recommend next here: www.ippr.org/articles/tow...
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
We also welcome a tax on high-value properties, putting more of the burden on the wealthiest rather than working families. Property taxation is finally shifting in the right direction – read what we recommend next here: www.ippr.org/articles/tow...
Reposted by Sandy Martin
The chancellor has moved to tax income from wealth more like income from work, including rental income. This marks a step towards making sure those with the broadest shoulders contribute their share. www.ippr.org/articles/fai...
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The chancellor has moved to tax income from wealth more like income from work, including rental income. This marks a step towards making sure those with the broadest shoulders contribute their share. www.ippr.org/articles/fai...
Reposted by Sandy Martin
The two-child limit is being scrapped – a landmark decision that will lift around 450,000 children out of poverty, and part of our recommendations for the upcoming child poverty strategy: www.ippr.org/articles/get...
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The two-child limit is being scrapped – a landmark decision that will lift around 450,000 children out of poverty, and part of our recommendations for the upcoming child poverty strategy: www.ippr.org/articles/get...
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Today’s Budget fired the starting gun on a fairer tax system and improving living standards – with several measures we have called for now taken up. There’s more to do, but this is a significant step forward. Here are the IPPR policies that were adopted 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Today’s Budget fired the starting gun on a fairer tax system and improving living standards – with several measures we have called for now taken up. There’s more to do, but this is a significant step forward. Here are the IPPR policies that were adopted 🧵
Who said Chancellors of the Exchequer can’t make genuinely funny jokes?
"We are freezing known Russian assets" says Rachel Reeves
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
November 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Who said Chancellors of the Exchequer can’t make genuinely funny jokes?
Reposted by Sandy Martin
"We are freezing known Russian assets" says Rachel Reeves
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
November 26, 2025 at 1:10 PM
"We are freezing known Russian assets" says Rachel Reeves
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
Reposted by Sandy Martin
No government should be able to meddle with the elections regulator.
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence
All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrity
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:26 AM
No government should be able to meddle with the elections regulator.
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Great to speak at the @coopparty.party.coop conference with @paulsweeney.bsky.social and Victoria Desmond about mental health and why we must reject politics that pits people against each other.
A fair society means standing together, not stepping on others to get ahead!
A fair society means standing together, not stepping on others to get ahead!
November 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Great to speak at the @coopparty.party.coop conference with @paulsweeney.bsky.social and Victoria Desmond about mental health and why we must reject politics that pits people against each other.
A fair society means standing together, not stepping on others to get ahead!
A fair society means standing together, not stepping on others to get ahead!
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
New: Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexit Titanic success’ was half right
Nearly ten years on, the first full assessment of Brexit confirms what millions warned: Britain made itself poorer
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
Alas, this is standard playbook for far-right populists: 1) Create false narrative about how society is broken 2) Propose simplistic “solution” based on hatred of a group that’s irrelevant to the “problem” 3) When the “solution” is tried, blame the system for its failure
"One of the terrible ironies is that Reform’s leader, Nigel Farage, is now capitalising on the unpopularity of a government whose laudable aims have been frustrated by the economic damage caused by a Brexit behind which he was the prime mover." ~AA
observer.co.uk/news/busines...
observer.co.uk/news/busines...
‘Reset’ with the EU looks more like ‘upset’ as Brexit damage mounts | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Alas, this is standard playbook for far-right populists: 1) Create false narrative about how society is broken 2) Propose simplistic “solution” based on hatred of a group that’s irrelevant to the “problem” 3) When the “solution” is tried, blame the system for its failure
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Navy intercepts 2 Russian ships in Channel so a quick reminder that Reform #PlasticPatriots former Welsh leader is inside for 10 years for taking bribes from Russia..
And Farage has appeared numerous times on Russian TV & secretly met their ambassador & is on record as admiring Putin
Just saying 🤷🏼♂️
And Farage has appeared numerous times on Russian TV & secretly met their ambassador & is on record as admiring Putin
Just saying 🤷🏼♂️
Royal Navy intercepts two Russian ships in English Channel
HMS Severn headed off the warship and a tanker as they sailed west through the Dover Strait, the Ministry of Defence said.
www.bbc.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Navy intercepts 2 Russian ships in Channel so a quick reminder that Reform #PlasticPatriots former Welsh leader is inside for 10 years for taking bribes from Russia..
And Farage has appeared numerous times on Russian TV & secretly met their ambassador & is on record as admiring Putin
Just saying 🤷🏼♂️
And Farage has appeared numerous times on Russian TV & secretly met their ambassador & is on record as admiring Putin
Just saying 🤷🏼♂️
This is, in essence, the only peace plan that will actually work. And it would probably have the massive advantage of bringing down the Putin regime and bringing an end to the wholesale anti-democratic subversion that his regime has been perpetrating.
November 23, 2025 at 6:33 PM
This is, in essence, the only peace plan that will actually work. And it would probably have the massive advantage of bringing down the Putin regime and bringing an end to the wholesale anti-democratic subversion that his regime has been perpetrating.
Very good news. We still need an effective rail freight strategy too.
A billion journeys will benefit from the freeze - saving passengers a total of £600m, Labour says
inews.co.uk/news/rail-fa...
inews.co.uk/news/rail-fa...
Rail fares to be frozen after 30 years of increases
A billion journeys will benefit from the freeze - saving passengers a total of £600m, Labour says
inews.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Very good news. We still need an effective rail freight strategy too.
If you are a Labour MP and you don’t represent either a London seat or a Liverpool seat, then your continued political career probably depends on our Party doing something about the voting system before 2029.
Nowcast Update - Green's vote share surpasses Lib Dems, as Labour hits new low.
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
November 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM
If you are a Labour MP and you don’t represent either a London seat or a Liverpool seat, then your continued political career probably depends on our Party doing something about the voting system before 2029.
So, on the current poll, Farage would have a very comfortable overall majority, with no effective checks on his powers, on less than a third of the vote. @teamlabouruk.bsky.social members who still think 1st Past the Post keeps the extremists out need to re-examine the facts @labour4pr.bsky.social
Nowcast Update - Green's vote share surpasses Lib Dems, as Labour hits new low.
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
November 23, 2025 at 11:35 AM
So, on the current poll, Farage would have a very comfortable overall majority, with no effective checks on his powers, on less than a third of the vote. @teamlabouruk.bsky.social members who still think 1st Past the Post keeps the extremists out need to re-examine the facts @labour4pr.bsky.social
Is he a racist? Yes, clearly. Does it help us to continually point this out? I’m not sure it does. The strongest attack imho is that he has taken money from the Russians to sell our country down the toilet. Most Reform UK supporters regard themselves as patriots. That’s ok - support for Farage isn’t
I mean it's not complicated. Twenty people who were there have confirmed that Nigel Farage said all of these things.
He's the only one denying it, which means just one thing. He is a liar
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
He's the only one denying it, which means just one thing. He is a liar
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Twenty people allege he has a racist past. He denies it. Who’s telling the truth about Farage’s schooldays?
Reform UK’s leader refuses to answer questions about his abusive behaviour, claiming there’s ‘no evidence’. We talk to victims and witnesses
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Is he a racist? Yes, clearly. Does it help us to continually point this out? I’m not sure it does. The strongest attack imho is that he has taken money from the Russians to sell our country down the toilet. Most Reform UK supporters regard themselves as patriots. That’s ok - support for Farage isn’t