Thetford, Oct 24 – In the picturesque market town of Thetford, England, Sue Bogacki, a retired care assistant, reflects on what she now considers a major political mistake—her decision to back the Labour Party during this summer’s general election. Like many in her community, she had hoped that voting for Labour would bring stability and an end to the political turmoil that had plagued Britain in recent years. Instead, she now feels disillusioned by the new government and fearful of the impending tax hikes.
Bogacki lives in South West Norfolk, a constituency that saw one of the largest swings in voting behavior in British history. Once a stronghold of the Conservative Party, the area shocked political commentators when it overwhelmingly supported Labour in the last election. The result saw former Prime Minister Liz Truss, a prominent Conservative figure, lose her seat as the region’s member of parliament after her support collapsed in the wake of her controversial time in office.
However, less than four months later, some of those who switched their allegiance to Labour are already feeling remorse. With the government’s first budget set to be unveiled next week, many are concerned about the financial strain that might be imposed on them. The talk of significant tax increases, combined with a more austere tone from the government, has left voters nervous, and fears are mounting that Labour will fail to effectively address key issues like illegal immigration.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not been shy about the difficult decisions that lie ahead. He has warned that the upcoming budget will be “painful” and has indicated that wealthier citizens will bear the brunt of new tax measures aimed at fixing the economic damage he attributes to the previous Conservative administration. However, Starmer also insists that by the end of his government’s term, people will feel more financially secure.
In South West Norfolk—a largely rural, elderly, and pro-Brexit community that had remained loyal to the Conservatives for six decades—there is growing discontent. Many residents feel that the hopeful message Labour campaigned on has given way to one filled with pessimism and negativity. Instead of the positive change they were promised, they feel as though they are being confronted with the same old problems.
Bogacki, 72, is particularly upset about the government’s recent decision to restrict payments of up to £300 meant to help elderly people with their winter heating bills, a move she says caught many off guard. “The government promised us that things would get better, but all we’re hearing is more negativity,” she remarked, “When the government doesn’t stay optimistic, how are we supposed to feel the same?”
The July election marked the end of 14 years of Conservative rule, with Labour sweeping into power on a platform of rebuilding Britain and providing stability after years of political chaos. But Starmer has faced challenges since taking office, including internal disputes over donations and unpopular decisions on welfare spending, which have caused a dip in his approval ratings. In just a few short months, Labour’s significant lead in the polls has all but evaporated, and the party now only holds a narrow advantage over the Conservatives.
Starmer has acknowledged the difficulties he has faced, saying that his first three months in power have been full of “choppy days.” However, he remains adamant that his government will not deviate from its planned course, despite the obstacles.
In an attempt to gauge the public mood before the budget, reporters spoke to around 40 residents in the towns of Thetford and Swaffham, both located in South West Norfolk. The responses painted a picture of a deeply divided electorate, with competing priorities that highlight the challenge the government faces in satisfying voters.
While there was near-universal agreement that public services needed to be improved, many voters expressed reluctance about the prospect of paying higher taxes to fund those improvements. Several suggested that the government could reduce spending on asylum seekers arriving in small boats, a highly visible issue that has become a symbol of Britain’s struggle to control its borders. However, such spending accounts for only a small fraction of the government’s overall budget.
Among older residents, the main concern was the recent decision to limit winter heating payments, a move that was not part of Labour’s election manifesto and which was implemented just weeks after the vote. While Labour has said that the poorest retirees can apply for additional support through Pension Credit, many older voters feel betrayed by the sudden policy change.
Angie Caunter, a 77-year-old former dress designer, expressed frustration over the situation. The combination of rising inflation and reduced benefits has made it harder for her to manage her finances, she explained. “I’ve started using cash instead of my bank cards because it helps me keep track of my spending better,” she commented, “Times are hard for many people at the moment.”
Meanwhile, younger voters like Joel Duggan, a 20-year-old legal secretary, believe that the elderly receive too much support, while younger generations struggle to make ends meet. He argues that the government should focus on raising the minimum wage and building more affordable housing to help young people. Duggan stated, “There’s significant inequality between generations.” “We need to recognize that.”
If Labour cannot address these concerns, both older and younger voters alike indicated that they might consider supporting Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform Party, which made a surprisingly strong showing in the recent election. In South West Norfolk, Reform Party candidate Toby McKenzie narrowly lost to the Labour candidate by fewer than 2,000 votes. McKenzie, who had little political experience prior to running, said that he believes his party will be a more serious contender in the next election. He mentioned, “We’re in the process of developing a more professional organization.” “Next time, people will see that we’re a real alternative.”