It is a bit disappointing for UKIP to not do better in the by-elections, however, party affiliation appears to be strong in many areas in the UK.
In Rotherham, UKIP came in a strong second place with just under half of the Labour vote (9,866 votes to UKIP’s 4,648) with the BNP a distant third with just under 2000 votes.
In Middlesbrough, Labour had 10,201 and UKIP had 1990, again a second place. Not a huge encouragement but a solid showing considering.
In Croydon North, Labour got the hat trick (They gained no seats as Labour held these seats already) with nearly 16000 votes. The Tories garnered 4137 and UKIP was third with a poor 1400.
So, Sanders, what now? Is this the high water mark for UKIP? It could be argued as such but it is too early to tell. I do think UKIP should more aggressively push the loss of liberty and sovereignty from the UK to EU institutions. They should have a clear vision of the United Kingdom out of the EU. How the people will have more liberty. Short, succinct message. Watch for the anti-gay stuff. What I would advocate is remove the word “marriage” from the UK law and allow gays (and straights) to have a civil union. Let the churches define marriage. The government should not interfere with that, nor punish those churches that do not recognize gay unions as a marriage. (That is not a bad position for the GOP to take, either!)
Perhaps as more Britons ponder a UKIP vote that great MP breakthrough will occur. Probably in a by-election. I am disappointed that more voters do not take more serious action but I suppose it has not been brought home the evil of the EU and how much sovereignty has been lost to EU institutions. Time to hone the message.
