Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
People are hijacking Theresa May’s campaign in the most British way possible [TWEETS]
The Conservative Party’s very obvious tagline in its general election campaign is “strong and stable”. Tory politicians, including Theresa May, repeat it verbatim in the appearances they make.
But now, someone’s found a way to challenge the assertion that the Tories are “strong and stable”. And they’re doing so in the most British way possible.
My arse, May
The tagline itself is not new. It’s a rehash of ex-Prime Minister David Cameron’s motto in 2015. But what’s appearing around London certainly is a new phenomena, as someone is seeking to challenge May’s claim to that phrase on the streets:
London, I love you. pic.twitter.com/poCPVVqLw3
— James Brian (@iamjamesbrian) May 19, 2017
Massive props to whoevers behind these #strongandstablemyarse pic.twitter.com/eMYCS2f19y
— Take Back The City (@TBTCLondon) May 20, 2017
There is a hero in our midst… this in Kentish Town this morning pic.twitter.com/bttSM6yurr
— Katie Roden (@KatRoden) May 19, 2017
— Trumpton (@Trump_ton) May 20, 2017
The posters appeared in Camden, Soho, Southwark, Kennington, Kentish Town and Peckham, according to onlookers. That’s a fair amount of ground for one person to cover. So perhaps it’s not the work of one lone individual; but the beginning of a “strong and stable my arse” craze that’s about to sweep through the capital and beyond.
Look out for these and share on twitter or make your own #StrongAndStablemyarse pic.twitter.com/NxvqboYYKJ
— PorkPieProtester #StopBrexit #SODEM #FBPE (@RemainingKind) May 21, 2017
Pull the other one
Whoever’s delighted Londoners with these posters obviously doesn’t agree that the phrase adequately sums up May’s government. And they certainly have evidence to back up that rebuttal. On 22 May, for example, May backtracked on her party’s unpopular social care proposal. Just four days after the Tories launched it. In fact, as The Mirror details, May has performed at least 10 embarrassing U-turns so far. That amounts to one U-turn a month, as she’s only been Prime Minister since last July.
Furthermore, she won’t debate head-to-head with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. She insisted this decision wasn’t a sign that she was “running scared”. But Corbyn said a debate is “what democracy needs and what the British people deserve”.
These reasons (among others) are why many people raise an eyebrow when May repeats her “strong and stable” mantra. And they’re almost certainly why some anonymous heroes have stuck #StrongAndStableMyArse posters up across London.
Get Involved!
– Register to vote in the 8 June general election. 11.59pm on 22 May is the deadline.
– Discuss the key policy issues with family members, colleagues and neighbours. And organise! Join (and participate in the activities of) a union, an activist group, and/or a political party.
– Also read more Canary articles on the 2017 general election.
– Check out The Canary Podcast.
Featured image via Jim Mattis/Flickr
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