Keir Starmer seems intent on exploiting the rising divide between Nimbies and Yimbies as we move towards the general election. With polling showing many of Labour’s target seats are in the most pro-development parts of the country, the party is looking to reject the orthodoxy that blocking housing wins more votes than it loses. Instead, Labour is embracing those who see increased supply as the only way to ease the housing crisis.
This year’s election is sure to see housing as a new and stark dividing line between the parties
The electoral logic is clear. The cost-of-living crisis, combined with surging rents and house prices, has pushed housing towards the top of the electoral agenda. Now, a swathe of swing seats are showing more support than opposition for development, and Labour seem to be the party paying attention to this trend.
In his latest announcement, Starmer has promised what amounts to a strategic review of the green belt.
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