In the News: Is a vote for the UKIP really a protest, or a desire for change?

The United Kingdom Independence Party are a divisive bunch, to say the least. Before I start, I will hold my hands up and admit I have often referred to them as “the acceptable face of racism” (usually when comparing them to the British National Party). It seems the PM agrees with me (Hi Dave) – having referred to UKIP as ‘fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists’ on LBC 97.3 back in 2006. However, they averaged around 25% in the wards where they were standing in Thursday night’s local elections. A significant number, whatever your opinions.

For those of us who aren't religious Question Time watchers, the UK Independence Party are right wing and led by Nigel Farage. They are forcefully anti-Europe; wish to slash immigration numbers; reduce taxes and increase public spending. (If it sounds too good to be true…).

They have also been in a fair amount of trouble with the press (I’m looking at you, Daily Mail) for having candidates in local elections who harbour secret racist tendencies. Most of these accusations have stemmed from things people have ‘liked’ on Facebook – and while that doesn’t make it okay, it’s not quite on the same scale as an active KKK affiliation.

Most of the talk of UKIP being a bit of a joke party stems from the racist stereotype of hardline right wingers. But to talk of a vote for UKIP as a ‘protest’ vote is, in my insignificant view, a gross misunderstanding of how democracy works. If enough people ‘protest’ about the mainstream political parties and vote for them, then they'll be elected. When I vote Conservative (and I do, unapologetically) I am not only ‘protesting’ about Labour policies that I disagree with. If I wanted to not vote Labour I can not vote at all, or turn up and spoil my ballot paper. I don’t have to vote Conservative. Votes in favour are a choice in favour. Those who choose to vote UKIP believe they have something to offer that politicians meandering around the political ‘centre’ aren’t giving them.

Nick Clegg has blamed UKIP for pulling the Conservatives to the right. He, as a Liberal Democrat, doesn’t like that very much. Me, as a Tory, couldn’t be more thrilled. The Conservatives are supposed to be right wing. That’s what I voted for. And this movement to support UKIP is a clear indicator the electorate want more right wing policies. If their share of the vote is increasing, that is the voice of the voters. And therefore it is right and proper that the government elected to represent the people should reflect this. A vote for UKIP is a vote for the right. If not then the so-called ‘protest’ vote would surely be a vote for Labour, or any other socialist party?

Calling a vote for UKIP a protest vote is political manoeuvring. And of the very lowest order, because it belittles the value of those votes – and those voices within the electorate. When we choose to vote UKIP or Green or Monster Raving Looney, that says something about what we want from our government – and what we think they are failing to deliver. The government does not work for themselves. They work for us. And if we want them, we will elect them – out of both protest and sincerity. Politicians who make a joke out of UKIP seem to have forgotten who they’re working for.