While I am not British, Restore may have scored under the polling, but the polling also had Labour at less than 50%.
Restore did outperform Reform if polls are weighted.
Restore has something Reform doesn't... momentum.
Thoughts on the Makerfield by-election result:
Burnham was smart choosing a seat which has only voted Labour in general elections for a century. But nobody expected this margin of victory.
Reading Makerfield as a national bellwether is a mistake. Local residual intergenerational loyalty to Labour is stronger than anyone expected. Gogglebox Britain's (average disengaged voter) grasp of economic realities much weaker than our dire circumstances demands.
Reform underperformed, despite their vote share increasing by 3 percent (2893) since 2024. Third by-election in a row where they underperformed despite favourable demographics and a dominant national poll lead. Insisting they will inevitably form the next government is now less persuasive.
Reform can't blame the loss on vote-splitting. Reform ran a negative campaign ("keep Burnham out"), and, unfortunately, the media attacks on Rob Kenyon for crass old jokes stuck. Will have to change tactics for next time to recover.
Restore result in line with Survation polling, but has disappointed supporters. Possible that more Restore canvassers were sent to the constituency than votes gained.
A weak candidate, and lack of engagement with local hustings and national media will be blamed.
The result has weakened their bargaining power: Restore are less likely to pressure Reform, meaning Farage may grow complacent and to soften on policy again. (Frustrating Zia Yusuf to no end.)
Will be to the detriment of anyone who wants problems fixed more than "their team" to win. (Me included.) Restore can only regain that leverage with a much better result in a future by-election.
Everyone who pays attention to politics and knows what the problems are will be feeling disillusioned today.
Thoughts on the Makerfield by-election result:
Burnham was smart choosing a seat which has only voted Labour in general elections for a century. But nobody expected this margin of victory.
Reading Makerfield as a national bellwether is a mistake. Local residual intergenerational loyalty to Labour is stronger than anyone expected. Gogglebox Britain's (average disengaged voter) grasp of economic realities much weaker than our dire circumstances demands.
Reform underperformed, despite their vote share increasing by 3 percent (2893) since 2024. Third by-election in a row where they underperformed despite favourable demographics and a dominant national poll lead. Insisting they will inevitably form the next government is now less persuasive.
Reform can't blame the loss on vote-splitting. Reform ran a negative campaign ("keep Burnham out"), and, unfortunately, the media attacks on Rob Kenyon for crass old jokes stuck. Will have to change tactics for next time to recover.
Restore result in line with Survation polling, but has disappointed supporters. Possible that more Restore canvassers were sent to the constituency than votes gained.
A weak candidate, and lack of engagement with local hustings and national media will be blamed.
The result has weakened their bargaining power: Restore are less likely to pressure Reform, meaning Farage may grow complacent and to soften on policy again. (Frustrating Zia Yusuf to no end.)
Will be to the detriment of anyone who wants problems fixed more than "their team" to win. (Me included.) Restore can only regain that leverage with a much better result in a future by-election.
Everyone who pays attention to politics and knows what the problems are will be feeling disillusioned today.
With no official cancellation announcement from Amazon MGM Studios, the Stargate series isn't dead yet. Here are 5 reasons for hope and 5 actions fans can take today:
Reasons to Believe the Decision Can Be Reversed
- The Showrunner is Still Under Contract: Martin Gero has an active agreement to develop TV with Amazon outside of Stargate, meaning he is still inside the company and available if they pivot.
- Money Has Already Been Spent: Because extensive work and financial resources have already been invested into the pre-production of this specific iteration, it is much easier for Amazon to restart it than to begin from scratch.
- Proven Track Record of Attracting Late-Stage Viewers: Fans note that people successfully hopped onto the franchise as late as SG1 Season 10, proving the series can naturally attract new fans while still honoring past continuity.
- The Franchise is Ripe for a Dual-Generation Cast: The established Stargate universe is uniquely positioned to seamlessly blend classic legacy characters with brand-new characters, creating a low-risk bridge for both old and new audiences.
- Unrealized Viewership Demand: Commentary reveals there is a large segment of the fanbase that didn’t even know a new series was in development, meaning Amazon has a massive, untapped audience ready to watch the moment marketing actually begins.
Actions Fans Can Take
- Sign the "Save the Gate" Petition: Fans can sign the specific petition launched with showrunner Martin Gero to help reach a goal of one million signatures.
- Email the Head of Global Television: Fans can bypass the executive who canceled it and direct their emails and letters straight to Peter Friedlander, the boss who originally greenlit the show.
- Leverage Household Influence: Parents who are Stargate fans can threaten to stop sharing their Amazon Prime passwords and accounts with their adult children, impacting Amazon's viewership data.
- Leave Public Feedback in the Video Comments: Fans are encouraged to share their honest, open answers and frustration in the comments section to build visible public consensus.
- Share Personal Multi-Generational Stories: Fans can share personal testimonies showing that entire families—spanning three generations—gather together to watch the show, proving its massive household appeal.
New Stargate Series Canceled... Amazon Wants "YOUNGER" Audience! What's Next?https://t.co/9Wmj4Qg9bW by the @PopcastGuys@BaronDestructo@MichaelShanks@GateWorld@dial_the_gate@disparutoo@Nerdrotics@TheCriticalDri2@bradtravelers@martingero@fandompulse@pulse_tachyon
No matter what happens. Come what may. I am so F….n proud of this fandom and how you all have come together.
Stargate fans really are the best ❤️❤️❤️❤️
#Stargate
I've been watching #Stargate since I was a kid. Every time I run out of things to watch I go back to that show full of adventure, inspiration, fantasy and humor. @AmazonMGMStudio had a chance to continue the story with the original creators and wasted it. #SaveStargate