Voters across the United Kingdom are gearing up to head to the polls on Thursday, with much of the nation’s press proclaiming a “day of reckoning” for the Tories.
Britons around the nation will head to the ballot box from 7am, with the latest polls suggesting Labour is on course for a big win.
The morning papers largely reflect the same sentiment, with The Daily Mirror stating that “the Tories will be judged on their actions, and they will be found guilty”.
“They will be guilty of making people poorer, guilty of weakening our defences, guilty of greed, corruption, law-breaking and neglect,” the Mirror’s editorial reads.
“Their record in office should never be forgotten, nor should it be forgiven.
“When you cast your vote today, remember the country when Labour left power in 2010 and compare it with the country we have now.”
The Independent also mentions the track record of the Conservatives in the last 14 years.
“The past decade and a half has not been one of uninterrupted failures, lies, sleaze and division – but life under the Conservatives has certainly not lived up to the expectations raised at the time of the last four general elections and five prime ministers,” the paper’s editorial reads.
“The public is familiar with the arguments and lived through these turbulent, divisive, epochal years. Their minds are made up.
“The polls suggest – and ministers concede – the British people are about to pass judgement on the whole of the Tories’ time in office … the verdict is going to be negative – and the punishment for failure, harsh.
“Exactly how harsh is really the only thing that remains uncertain.”
The Times also predicts a victory for Labour “that may eclipse even Tony Blair’s landslide of 1997”, writing the election result will inflict upon the Tories “a defeat of unprecedented scale”.
But, the paper claims, Labour will win not from its own prowess but by simply not being the Conservative Party. It claims the British people are still yet to have a full picture of what a Labour government really stands for.
Listing a string of question marks over Labour’s stance on trans rights, the safety of women, the right to free speech, borders, tax, and more, the paper says: “Labour has yet to earn the trust of the British people.
“It has been sparing with the truth about what it will do in office and cannot expect an endorsement. Sir Keir may by tomorrow have secured a huge majority. The day after he must begin the process of earning it.”
Even the Daily Mail, a historically Conservative paper, concedes that Britons are fed up with Tory rule.
“There’s no doubt the voters are angry – about high migration, high taxes, public sector strikes, and our hopelessly inefficient NHS,” the paper’s editorial reads.
“Perhaps most of all, they are heartily sick of the constant feuding and division within the Government since the disastrous defenestration of Boris Johnson. How they managed to squander the golden legacy of an 80-seat majority is simply mystifying.”
But, despite the Mail’s own concessions, it too has a message for disenchanted voters: “Labour is no longer the centrist party of Tony Blair. It is a blood-red alliance driven by class war and the politics of envy.”
It continues, setting aside its list of Tory failings of the last 14 years, by urging its readers to “deny (Labour) a supermajority and five years of unchecked power over our lives”.
The paper states: “To stop the spectre of Starmergeddon, you must vote, and you must vote Conservative. Staying at home or supporting Reform UK in protest at past Tory failings would help sweep Sir Keir into No10.
“Don’t wake up tomorrow morning with that on your conscience.”
The Daily Express also admits that Conservative voters may feel let down by the Tories of the last 14 years.
“Today is a day of reckoning. The Conservative Party is facing a punishing pounding – perhaps deserved – at the ballot box,” the paper’s editorial reads.
“The nation is emerging from turbulent and unprecedented times. Our resolve and resilience has been sorely tested. But we trust better days are on the horizon.
“The Express believes a united Tory party offers the best hope for our future. That is why we will continue carrying the torch of Conservatism, until it is burning bright again.”
The editorial ends with: “We urge the British people to… VOTE TORY.”