Dear John,

Reform UK could win the Runcorn and Helsby by-election on 1 May. That’s not just a local problem – it’s a warning to the whole country.

I visited Runcorn last week, and the mood on the ground was striking: real, visible anger - much of it aimed at Labour, and at Keir Starmer himself. Those sentiments are reflected in the national polls as well:

Source: Politico

Let me explain what I saw in Runcorn.

1. Voters feel let down - and they’re not being quiet about it

This community voted Labour just nine months ago. But many told me they see no sign of the change they were promised. The mood wasn’t apathetic - it was furious.

People are angry about:
* The scrapping of the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.
* Proposed deep cuts to welfare.
* A government they see as indecisive - or worse, indifferent to their needs.

They didn’t explicitly say “austerity” or “National Insurance contributions,” but people recognised that several government policies were hurting their neighbours. And they were clear with me: they expected better from Labour.

2. Starmer’s image problem is real - and dangerous

There’s also a personal anger building towards Keir Starmer. Some of it is wildly misinformed, based on conspiracies fuelled by Farage, Musk and others. I heard people repeat theories about Jimmy Savile and “Muslim rape gangs”.

Others refused to speak at all, convinced that saying the wrong thing would land them in jail - the term ‘Keir Stalin’ came up quite a bit.

When voters feel this disconnected from mainstream politics, they look for alternatives. And right now, that’s where Reform UK is winning.

So what’s the answer?

Well, it’s not Farage, or the false promises of right-wing populism. And it’s certainly not giving up on democracy.

At Open Britain, we’re fighting back - with your help.

Here’s how:
* We’re educating people about their democratic rights - and how to hold politicians accountable.
* We’re pushing for a proportional electoral system, campaign finance reform, and stronger laws to take on the big tech platforms that knowingly let conspiracies run rampant online.
* And we’re warning as many people as we can about the real threat of the far-right, making it clear that they’re just pulling one over on people who have already been let down by the system.

This work is urgent. Runcorn shows us why. And we need your support to keep going.

If you believe Britain deserves better, click the pink button below to support our work today.

Many thanks for standing with us.

All the best,

James Patrick

Campaigns and Content Officer

Open Britain
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