Forum Topic

Saturday morning canvassing for the Conservatives

A youngish man (30s) with a short ginger beard knocked on my door this morning canvassing for the Conservatives, seeking my vote. When I declined because of Brexit, he angrily said 'Well you're going to get Labour then' and began to run off. I asked him to stay and engage in conversation but he said he didn't want to talk to me as I was going to vote Labour (which is not what I had said). I told him that I have never voted Labour and wanted to explain my position. He wasn't having it and stormed off saying he would rather have a Brexit party voter.I'm afraid this is what the Conservatives have become: rude, arrogant, uncaring and unlistening.If anybody from Putney Conservatives wants to have a word with their representative about his attitude, he was canvassing the blocks of flats in St John's Avenue.

Richard Clarke ● 2552d13 Comments

He might not have really been canvassing if he was as rude as that.

Barbara Stevens ● 2552d

Interesting, Richard. A young man who introduced himself as Dan from t he Conservative Party knocked on the door about a week ago when I was busy doing something. He asked if I would be voting Conservative, when I said I'd be voting for another party he rather nervously asked if there was any chance of changing my mind. after  I responded that there wasn't he left quickly but seemed very polite. No attempt to engage in any discuss, Brexit or or otherwise. Maybe I seemed irritated about being interrupted but I got them impression he looked rather nervous, perhaps he'd just had an encounter with another ardent remainer and wasx up for another one?

Michael Ixer ● 2552d

I think most people know who they are going to vote for, we really dont need 4 weeks of spin, lies and endless promises

Adam Tripp ● 2552d

Yes Adam, it's a rather pointless exercise. Unless I'm expecting a delivery I don't answer the door so am rarely caught by canvassers. The best way to get rid of them is to tell all of them you will be voting for their party, they tick you off their list and you shouldn't be bothered by them again.  Win win!

Sue Hammond ● 2552d

"He might not have really been canvassing if he was as rude as that."Fake Blues with fake views!?

David Ainsworth ● 2552d

If you really don't want to be bothered by canvassers, it's better to say you *won't* be supporting that candidate. Then we cross you off the list and don't bother you again. If you indicate potential support, then we'll keep calling right up until the polls close to be sure you've actually voted for us. In practice, the priority when canvassing is to 'get out your vote', ie your known and identified supporters, with some effort spent on the undecided but not wasted on the clearly antipathetic.

Peter Evans ● 2552d

Thanks Peter, I'll change my tactics (lies). Wouldn't you ask why I'm not going to bother, and then try to convince me to vote for your party? Ime canvassers don't usually give up that easily.

Sue Hammond ● 2552d

Just had a Conservative flyer through the letter box. Amazingly no mention of Brexit.

Adrian Pearce ● 2552d

Not surprised, given that, according to Boris, it's microwave ready and just needs to be popped in the oven at gas mark 7! (wtf - has he ever SEEN a microwave).I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be mentioning Brexit either. Nor Russian donors. Nor the billions wasted on getting the country Brexit-ready. Nor Grenfell or the provision of council housing. Nor Windrush. etc etc etc

Paul Doorly ● 2552d

Has anybody ever changed their vote as a result of a canvasser on the doorstep?

Frances Clarke ● 2551d

It's oven ready because it is a turkey.My local canvasser gave me a leaflet and quicly backed away. I did not get the opportunity to harangue him as to how crap the parliamentary conservative party has become or to point out that Will Sweet, nice guy, was so let down by the rest of his party - to the extent that even as a life-long Tory, I would vote for anything but this shower.

Michael Winstanley ● 2551d

Complaints when they call, complaints when they don't... 

Philippa Bond ● 2551d

Hello Francis,I do not think people change their votes after a canvasser has visited.They do, however, when policies like today are highly contentious and have an unacceptable level of PR untruths that make them unpalatable.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2551d