2019

• G (great realignment)

  E (Exiles and critics)

  T (The Corbyn factor)

  B (Boris Factor)

  R (Red wall)

  E

  X (xers, boomers, millennials and Zs)

  I (impact of fake news)

  T (third parties, SNP, BX)
• G – Great Realignment

  Voters shifted away from traditional class-based patterns.

  • Conservatives won 48% of working-class votes (Labour only 33%).
  • Brexit and values (not class) shaped voting more.
• E – Exiles and Critics

  Many former Labour voters and MPs left or criticised Corbyn.

  • Ex-Labour MPs (e.g. Ian Austin) told people not to vote Labour.
  • Concerns: Brexit stance, antisemitism, Corbyn’s leadership.
• T – The Corbyn Factor

  Corbyn was unpopular with many voters.

  • Polls: Only 23% approval rating before election.
  • Viewed as weak on Brexit, national security, and antisemitism.
• B – Boris Factor

  Boris Johnson was seen as stronger and clearer.

  • Promised to "Get Brexit Done".
  • Had higher trust among Leave voters.
• R – Red Wall

  Traditionally Labour areas in the North and Midlands flipped Tory.

  • Conservatives won 54 Red Wall seats (e.g. Bolsover, Leigh).
  • Many were Labour-held for decades.
• E – Europe (Brexit)

  Brexit dominated the election.

  • 74% of Leave voters backed Conservatives.
  • Labour’s unclear stance lost support from both sides.
• X – Xers, Boomers, Millennials, Zs

  Age mattered more than class.

  • 65+ age group: 62% Conservative
  • 18–24s: 56% Labour, but many didn’t vote (low turnout).
• I – Impact of Fake News

  False info and social media influenced opinions.

  • Facebook ads and viral posts spread misleading claims.
  • Online campaign spending: Tories £2.7m, Labour £1.1m.
• T – Third Parties (SNP, Brexit Party)

  Smaller parties shaped the result.

  • SNP won 48 of 59 Scottish seats – hurt Labour.
  • Brexit Party stood aside in Tory seats – helped Conservatives win.