In an attempt to win the next general election, the Conservatives and Labour are merging the constituencies of Grimsby and Cleethorpes into one. Grimsby Town supporters were asked about their political views by Sky News.
There was tension in store for the second half as the floodlights glowed on the rows of chimneys on the terraced streets surrounding Blundell Park.
With just one goal to lose, the home crowd was desperate to hold onto the victory as they battle to stay in League Two.
For many generations, Grimsby football supporters have known this—the club was established in 1878, and the pitch has served as home since 1899.
An authentically vintage setting—such locations are becoming increasingly rare in English football these days.
The club is a Grimsby institution, though it’s actually in nearby Cleethorpes.
In a desperate attempt to win the next general election, the two towns are being combined into a single constituency for the Conservatives and Labour.
Before kickoff, there is no shortage of political viewpoints.
Behind the Pontoon Stand, Sean Gifford was setting up the Snack Shack kiosk.
He recognised right away what he feels to be the main issue facing British politics.
“It is the story. Do you think any politician telling you their story has any merit? No, I don’t.”
“It’s speaking one’s mind, instead of always following the party line,” he continued, adding that “it’s making sure that the truth is spoken without any spin doctor, without any PR machine behind it.”
“People just cannot speak the truth for fear of backlash.”
He’s not just fed up with one or two politicians; he’s fed up with them all, and he doesn’t know who can fix it.
“It requires someone nearly as great as Churchill, but where is the future Churchill prime minister? I fail to perceive one.”
Kirsty and Kylie were preparing their foot-long Lincolnshire sausages for the halftime rush on the hotdog stand across the yard.
Politicians also irritate Kirsty. She stated to Sky News: “I think it needs someone with balls who can sort it out, take it by the horns and actually shake it up a bit.”
She has no idea who that is, and neither Sir Keir Starmer nor Rishi Sunak seem to meet her requirements for the position.
“They don’t do it for me, nobody does really.”
For the first time since the Second World War, the Great Grimsby seat went to the Conservatives under Boris Johnson in the 2019 election.
The former prime minister caught everyone off guard when he was spotted entering and leaving the COVID Inquiry in London in December by donning a Grimsby Town bobble hat.
While some in attendance found it humorous, seven hundred others signed a petition urging him to cease tarnishing the club’s reputation.
Even though he remains a contentious figure, the general dissatisfaction with politicians is evident.
Alan Rutter, a former police officer, is frustrated with how public services are deteriorating. “I still have friends in the force…” and it’s simply a desecrated service; the NHS is also in crisis,” he remarked.
Jason Stockwood, the chairman of the club, was born and raised here but, like many others, left to pursue his career and then came back. While he supports Labour, he told Sky News that more significant changes are required.
This town fiercely supported Brexit because it offered a promise of a new and different politics, but nothing of that has happened.
It seems that people are more interested in truth and integrity than they are in the personalities of the past few years. All they want is some adults back in the room.”
Instead of one that veers towards the extremes of politics, he hopes to see a productive general election.
“I believe that since everyone in our community is honest, passionate, and concerned about the community, people will be looking for people who are willing to show up and have difficult conversations with everyone.”
“I think there’s also an obligation on citizens as well,” he said.
“There is a role for politicians. However, it is also necessary for each person to own and take charge of the future they desire.
That is evident in Grimsby. Thus, hope exists.”
Their team managed to hold on and defeat MK Dons 1-0. At least on the pitch, hope is back.
Here by the banks of the Humber River, the fans tell it like it is.
This year, politicians hoping to win over voters will encounter a recalcitrant public.
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