BBC News has been broadcasting live from Watford today getting a taste of political feeling ahead of the general election.
Cameras were rolling at the town centre’s Café De Lisboa at around 11am, where owner Aamir Ramos pulled no punches outlining why he believes young people are disillusioned.
He told presenter Pria Rai: "I think I'm just one speaking for many - especially from the younger generation - that we've lost all hope in politics, in the parties that represent our country, a lot of it is just nice talk wearing lovely suits and nothing follows through."
Mr Ramos went on to say he and friends who are in their mid 30s "have never really had any hope and we haven't seen much happen or much be done for the people".
"So therefore I don't vote, many of my friends don't vote, because we don't have confidence in the leaders, they talk all the lovely conversation but nothing follows through."
Getting on the property ladder is "almost impossible" for many families, he added.
The Watford Observer’s Chris Flanagan was also asked to name some of the main local issues, which included the new Watford General saga, calls for more visible police, and divided views on the increasing number of tower blocks.
There was also a question on Rishi Sunak’s early exit from the D-Day commemoration in France and how much that will likely affect local thinking.
As the day progressed, the BBC was set to canvass opinion from first-time voters at West Herts College and other residents.
It is understood that the area’s unusual political landscape, as well as being a marginal seat and key Labour target, brought the corporation to town.
Of particular interest appears to be how Watford has voted Conservative in general elections since 2010 while the party also have no members on the borough council.
Similarly, the Liberal Democrats have dominated the local authority for years – tightening their grip in May’s election – but Watford has never sent one of their candidates to Parliament.
A recent YouGov poll based on 53,334 interviews across every constituency (excluding Northern Ireland) forecast a “historic” landslide for Labour, with Watford predicted to be a “likely Labour gain from Conservative”.
However, alarm bells would have rung after a “disappointing” local election saw them lose three of four seats they defended to the Liberal Democrats.
Watford has only voted against the general election winner twice since 1945 (1951 and 1970) – so is seen as a bellwether for success and somewhere to watch closely ahead of July 4.
Watford constituency candidates for the general election on July 4, 2024:
- Dean Russell – Conservative and Unionist Party
- Arran Bowen-la Grange – Green Party
- Gary James Ling – Reform UK
- Khalid Chohan– Workers Party of Britain
- Ian Alexander Eric Stotesbury – Liberal Democrats
- Matt Turmaine – Labour Party
- Sarah Jane Knott – Heritage Party - Freedom. Family. Nation.
Got a story? Email chris.flanagan@newsquest.co.uk
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