The centre ground in British politics is dead, most especially if that so-called centre ground is described as the space occupied by Labour governments over the last three decades and Conservative governments until the demise of David Cameron as Prime Minister. Their politics, built on respect for market discipline, a belief in limited government and permanent fiscal restraint, have delivered public services that are collapsing, and living standards that are falling. Reform channels anger but, so far, has offered no plan to rebuild housing, restore public services or revive local economies. In Gorton and Denton, the latest polls suggest that they are expected to beat both Reform and Labour. The centre ground is not coming back.

Source: The Guardian January 29, 2026 19:04 UTC