Despite sweeping to a massive victory in the general election, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has a lot of work to do to win over the right wing. Here’s how they can do it.
Restore Trust
Trust and confidence in politicians are at an all-time low after the soap opera we’ve endured for the last 14 years. The public needs to be confident that politicians are acting for us again.
Delivering on Promises
We’ve grown used to lies from elected politicians, so ensuring manifesto pledges are kept is an excellent way to win early trust.
Not Increasing Taxes
A key Labour pledge was to keep income tax, national insurance, VAT, and corporation tax at the same level. If it sticks to this, the public will not complain.
Curb Immigration
The issue that matters most to many people is to reduce the amount of illegal immigration we have in the country. By tackling this problem, it’ll win over many of the right-wing who don’t believe Labour will be tough on immigration.
Improve the NHS
The NHS is in a dire state. The service has been underfunded for over a decade, and the problems are coming home to roost now.
Reduce NHS Waiting Lists
Currently, 7.5 million people are waiting for treatment in the NHS, and Labour has promised to reduce this number. If there is progress within the first 12 months, many cynical right-wingers might start to warm to Labour.
Solve the Cost of Living
Whilst inflation is gradually coming down and hovering around the government’s 2% target, it needs to stay down there for a long time for people to feel like they’re over the constant price increases.
Grow the Economy
The UK economy has been largely stagnant for years. Brexit was a self-inflicted wound that reduced economic investment, harming growth. COVID didn’t help either, but we need to kickstart growth.
Increase Private Sector Investment
Under Labour’s plan, private sector investment will be a crucial driver of economic growth. Given that the right typically likes small state and free market economies, this should be well received.
Advanced Economy Growth Figures
If the UK economy could climb the G7 growth forecasts, reaching over 2% in the coming years, it’ll be seen as a real improvement.
Strengthen UK Defences
The right-wing is typically hawkish on defence and likes to see a powerful military. Given that the Tories used an attack line suggesting Starmer is weak on defence, increasing defence spending will go down well.
Control Benefits
The right-wing narrative is that Labour allows too many people to claim too much money from the state. Whether that’s true is difficult to prove, but one way Labour can win over the right is with sensible benefit control.
Protect Pensions
Older voters tend to be more right-wing. If Labour offers the same level of pension protection as the Tories, it will win some support.
Build Houses
Much of the right-wing frustration is that ‘the elites’ have everything, and it’s impossible for the common people to get on in life. Building more housing should bring the price of property down, making it more affordable for people to own their own homes.
Tax the Rich
The growing inequality in the UK is causing frustration on both sides of the political spectrum. Introducing the promised windfall tax on energy companies, making businesses pay their share, and closing non-dom status will win Labour support.
Fix Education
We have underfunded schools and teacher shortages across the country. If Labour can help to fix this problem, we’ll be on the right track to improve education standards.
Utilising New Power
Labour is politically bulletproof now – they’re just in power, so none of the problems are their fault. They can take advantage of this by making tough decisions.
Winning Support Rather Than Beating Enemies
To win over the right, they must listen to their concerns and look at ways of solving the issues that matter to them. Now isn’t the time to make more enemies.
Do As You Say You Would
Much of the vote to the right is in reaction to how politics has been done over the last decade. By delivering on promises, Labour will win plenty of new supporters.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / SportPix.