The official United Kingdom General Election thread

[Anarcho-Socialist]

Previous thread here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=191&topic_id=3753&mesg_id=3798

Ready, set, go...

[non sociopath skin]

1. Hi, AS. Not looking wonderful, is it?

But like the book says ... "Don't Panic," huh?

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

5. It's worrying

I'm hoping that more voters in Tory/Labour marginals than in safe seats avoided voting for 3rd parties to keep the Tories out.

[sonicx]

2. LAB 36, LD 2, CON 1

Bunch of safes and a pickup for the CONs.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

3. more safe Labour seats coming through

no surprises but swings to the Lib Dems from Labour of between 5 and 10%.

[non sociopath skin]

4. Blunkett just said "We need to listen to the British People ..."

Was that a stable door I just heard closing, Dave?

The Skin

[bennywhale]

226. He'll listen to us alright

cos he's probably persuading charles clark right now to bug all our fuckin phones case the boogey mans out there.

[Obviousman]

6. What's the chance Blair will step down?

From listening to them talk during brown's speech, it seemed like thats what they were talking about

[Anarcho-Socialist]

7. It's getting likelier all the time n/t

[non sociopath skin]

8. It's certainly going worse than feared for Labour ...

... and there seems little doubt that Blair is the fly in the ointment.

I think he'll go pretty soon.

The Skin

[moggie]

189. He's not a quitter

Unfortunately. But a BBC commentator made the point earlier that he has never inspired affection from Labour MPs. They've supported him because he's a winner, but few have warmed to him. Now that his winning abilities are in doubt, what's left? I can't see him going within a year, unless things go really pear-shaped, but the pressure against him from MPs will grow.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

9. Lib Dems hold Torbay

The UKIP 3,000 votes helped the Lib Dems to hold off the Tories.

[non sociopath skin]

10. But with a reduced majority. Interesting.

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

12. It was an interesting result...

...swing away from the Lib Dems to UKIP and Labour, the Conservative vote however remained static.

[Jack Rabbit]

11. Ah, here we go. A real election thread.

Thanks, A-S.

:beer:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

13. You're welcome

:)

[non sociopath skin]

14. Jack Straw did better than expected. Hmmm ...

Hope he realises what he owes to his constituents & learns from it.

The Skin

[communerd]

15. Jack Straw wins

Without too much of a drop in his very large majority- in a constituency with a large Muslim population. That could bode well.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

16. Tories believed to have taken Illford North from Labour

Not official yet.

[sonicx]

17. Na h-Eileanan an Iar goes from LAB to SNP

SNP 44.9%
Labour 34.5%
Liberal Democrat 7.9%

+8.0 for SNP, -10.5 for LAB

[Anarcho-Socialist]

18. Tories take Peterborough from Labour with swing of 7%

EDIT: A uniform swing away from Labour to Conservative of over 6% would herald a Hung Parliament.

[communerd]

20. this is getting really, really disturbing.

3 hours sure is a long time in politics.:(

[Anarcho-Socialist]

23. It's really weird

So much so that a Hung Parliament doesn't seem such an unlikely possibility now.

[Clark2008]

122. But, isn't that what we want?

[Kenneth ken]

171. no

from what I've read, the general consensus is that a weakened Labour party retaining control is the best outcome. That will probably force Blair out, while keeping the Conservative party (Tories) out of power. They would be much worse than Labour; Conservatives are Thatcher's party.

[non sociopath skin]

19. 7% swing to the Tories in Peterborough.

Another rocky one ...

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

21. Conservatives take Newbury from Lib Dems n/t

[non sociopath skin]

24. But the LibDems retain Cheadle, on paper an easier Tory target.

The Skin

[muriel_volestrangler]

25. Weird results - yet Lib Dems hold onto Cheadle

So does that mean the Tories are doing well in the south, but not the North? If so, my local seat in the south is under threat (only a few miles from Newbury - like them, won in a by election before 1997). :-(

[fedsron2us]

27. Pundits on BBC express surprise

I suggest that they go and check the voting trends from the 2004 District Council elections in the south of England and they will find that the Lib dems have been losing seats in local government in this area. The shift in votes in the General election should come as no shock. Newbury used to be a solid Tory seat prior to the mid 1990s. Its reverted to type.

[KoKo]

22. I listened to a good bit on the BBC Feed earlier. Am waiting for the

final tallies...but it's great to be involved in it. I'm one of those DU'ers who believes if Blair goes down (IF) the Chimp will follow...but it might end up the reverse. At least if Labour wins they have Brown...but we have Hastert. I'm not sure that's an equal trade considering the Blair/Bush joined at the hip, thingy...:-(

But, thanks so much for this thread...it's good to have some excitement.

[non sociopath skin]

26. If Blair goes down, the Chimp will have an even better poodle in Howard.

The Skin

[non sociopath skin]

33. BBC just reported that Alan Milburn has said he doesn't want...

.. a cabinet seat.

Was that a rat I just saw leaping over the side?

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

35. lol, yes... I believe it was n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

28. Labour holds Birmingham Edgbaston marginal

from Tories. Swing to Conservatives of 3%.

[communerd]

36. that IS good news

As the pundits have just been saying, the Tories don't seem to be getting such big swings outside the south.

[non sociopath skin]

37. Think we need to be a little careful with LibDem claims. Earlier ....

... they were claiming this one and Newcastle Central and came nowhere near.

The Skin

[Mass_Liberal]

29. Update

From BBC:

With 115 of 646 seats declared the Count stands as followed

Labour: 95 seats (-3)
Conservatives: 9 seats (+3)
Liberal Democrats: 7 seats (-1)
SNP: 2 seats (+1)

[sonicx]

30. LAB barely holds Portsmouth North

5.5% from LAB to CON

[Anarcho-Socialist]

31. Alan Milburn to not serve in future Cabinet

the Blairites are jumping.

[communerd]

32. Alan Milburn- "I don't want to serve in the cabinet"

Just as well given the fucking incompetent job you've clearly done, Alan! Finally, some good news!

[non sociopath skin]

34. Splash goes ratty over the side of the ship...

The Skin

[sonicx]

38. George Galloway might win

per BBC

[KoKo]

107. That would be Excellent....any updates on him/

[Anarcho-Socialist]

39. BBC project Labour majority of 68 n/t

[Jack Rabbit]

62. Where do you see this?

Is it son there website?

[Anarcho-Socialist]

64. It's on BBC One, I haven't checked the website n/t

[non sociopath skin]

40. Peter Snow at BBC predicting a Labour Majority of 68 on present results.

The Skin

[non sociopath skin]

43. Labour win convincingly in Northfield.

The Skin

[non sociopath skin]

45. 15% swing to LibDems in Hornsea & Wood Green

The Skin

[non sociopath skin]

50. Anne Cryer in in Keighley but ...

4,000 votes for Fuhrer Griffin. Blecchh

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

61. The Canadian professor suggested that the BNP cost the Tories votes

Makes sense.

[communerd]

41. It gets weirder- BBC now predicts Labour majority of 68!

That would be brilliant- but I aint trusting any predictions at this point!

[sonicx]

42. Dunbartonshire East goes from LAB to LD

[sonicx]

48. won it by 8.7%

[Anarcho-Socialist]

44. Lib Dems take Hornsey & Wood Green from Labour

Swing of 15% away from Labour to Lib Dems.

[non sociopath skin]

47. But Labour retains Hove.

The Skin

[communerd]

49. very encouraging- hardly traditional Labour territory!

[sonicx]

46. Hornsey & Wood Green goes from LAB to LD

[Henny Penny]

52. And if I remember there was a huge swing of 15%

[pescao]

199. yeah!

this is gonna be a whole different parliament...

[Anarcho-Socialist]

51. Labour hold Keighley from Tories

Swing to Labour of 1% away from Conservatives

The BNP polled 9% of the vote.

[sonicx]

53. Blaenau Gwent goes from LAB to IND

To Peter Law, who is he?

[Briar]

214. He was the Labour candidate

till the central party imposed an all woman short list...

[Anarcho-Socialist]

54. Local independent takes Blaenau Gwent from Labour

Swing to independent of 49%

[non sociopath skin]

60. Labour Freakery own goal, that one.

Sure gonna hafta be some changes made ...

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

55. Conservatives gain Ilford North from Labour

Swing of 4.6% away from Labour.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

56. BBC forecast Labour majority of 76

[Jack Rabbit]

80. This is BBC One again, right?

I just posted this on the LBN thread.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

82. Yes, it is. n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

85. I think CSPAN-2 is carrying the BBC One feed in the US

unless they've given up by now. You may not have cable, of course.

[Jack Rabbit]

93. What makes you think I wouldn't have cable?

Just because I keep posting this?



Image from Kill Your Television

[non sociopath skin]

57. 5% swing to the Tories in Ilford N

Putney may have been an aberration....

Snow says 76 majority for Labour.

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

59. I'm feeling slightly better, but there's still lots of results to come

[non sociopath skin]

67. It's been tough love, but we may well look back on tonight ...

... as a turning point for the good for Labour.

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

71. I'm hopeful for that n/t

[communerd]

65. Thinking about Putney, it's worth remembering who the previous Tory MP was

I think it's fair to assume that the Labour majority was, in a way, artificially high because some natural Tories were simply unwilling to vote for David Mellor, vile slug of a man that he is, in 1997. And perhaps the traumatic memory of having such a scumbag as an MP hadn't quite faded by 2001:shrug:

[Henny Penny]

70. ah yes but who can forget...

his immortal "Stick it up yer hacienda!"

[communerd]

73. lol...that line was the one high point of his ignoble career

Gotta give him some credit- he succesfully sought out the one person in the building even viler than himself, and let him have it!

[fedsron2us]

58. Labour are going to win

The Tories so far have singularly failed to win any of the key marginals in the major conurbations. Without those seats they can not oust Blair. The Birmingham Edgebaston vote really was the nail in their coffin. What the Tories have succeeded in doing is regaining some of their core territory in the south. I am a little suprised that the pundits are so puzzled by the Lib Dems problems in this part of the country because this trend was clearly visible in the District council elections in 2004. Any way all you Labour worry warts out there should make yourself a cup of cocoa and go to bed. For good or ill Blair will still be PM tomorrow.

[non sociopath skin]

63. Thanks for your kind words, Feds, but us sad Election Junkies ...

... will probably be around a lot longer.

Goodnight & God Bless.

The Skin

[sonicx]

66. Ceredigion - LD gain from PC

[Anarcho-Socialist]

68. dupe

[sonicx]

69. Cardiff Central - From LAB to LD

[non sociopath skin]

76. Methinks the Principality is angry.

The Skin

[non sociopath skin]

72. Amazing Sedgefield Count. Bigger cast than Les Miserables.

As for Tony:

YOU'RE NOT SMILING ANYMORE!
YOU'RE NOT SMILING ANYMORE!

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

74. I think he knows he won't be around for that along n/t

[moggie]

179. But increased personal majority for Blair

In Sedgefield, that is. FFS, why?

[sonicx]

75. Wimbledon - CON gain from LAB

[non sociopath skin]

81. 7% swing. Another big one.

The Skin

[sonicx]

77. Birmingham Yardley - from LAB to LD

[Anarcho-Socialist]

78. Swing to Lib Dems from Labour of 9% n/t

[sonicx]

79. Manchester Withington - LD gain from LAB

[non sociopath skin]

83. Quite a surprise.

What were the special factors here?

The Skin

[sonicx]

84. won by 1.8%

[Anarcho-Socialist]

87. Swing of 17.3% away from Labour to Lib Dems n/t

[communerd]

86. Letwin thinks he's won n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

88. They're saying Galloway has beat King n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

89. Over on ITV, they've just said Galloway will probably win

and that came from Oona King's agent. Result expected in about 30 minutes.

[KoKo]

109. Great! Hoping....

[non sociopath skin]

90. BBC predicting defeat for Twigg and Oona King

The Skin

[Freddie Stubbs]

100. Twigg looses by 1747 votes

The Conservative candidate won.

[sonicx]

91. Rochdale - LD gain from LAB

Last time, LAB won by 14.3%

[Anarcho-Socialist]

92. Swing of 7.7% from Labour to Lib Dems n/t

[sonicx]

94. Shipley - CON gain from LAB

2001 Result: Won by LAB, majority 3.1%

[Hippo_Tron]

95. How come it takes so long to declare a winner?

It's like 3 in the morning in England now.

[sonicx]

97. counting by hand, i think.

[non sociopath skin]

102. Yes, that's why. Also, there are local council elections in some areas...

... and they all go in the same ballot boxes, so they have to be separated out before the count can even start.

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

98. be patient...

:spank:

Just kidding.

There 645 different seats being contested and there's various recounts going on and some seats don't start counting until tomorrow.

[Clark2008]

127. I wish WE would hand count our ballots!

I wouldn't mind waiting a week to find out who's president if it meant that there was no hanky panky in the ballot boxes!

[Anarcho-Socialist]

96. David Davis holds seat in Haltemprice & Howden for the Tories

from the Lib Dems.

[sonicx]

99. Enfield Southgate - CON gain from LAB

[sonicx]

101. Dundee East - SNP gain from LAB

[sonicx]

103. 330 of 646 seats declared - LAB 240, CON 52, LD 29

[Anarcho-Socialist]

104. Labour wins Leicester South from Lib Dems

Labour lost this in a by-election and have regained it as expected.

[non sociopath skin]

106. Glad my old colleague Pete Soulsby won that back.

The Skin

[sonicx]

105. Shrewsbury & Atcham - CON gain from LAB

[Anarcho-Socialist]

108. Independent holds Wyre Forest

from Conservatives and Labour

[communerd]

110. Blair's face as Reg Keys was making his speech!

Impossible to describe- one of those truly iconic images that every election night throws up.

[moggie]

181. Not many of those this time

Wyre Forest and Bethnal Green aside, this has been one of the more boring general elections for a while.

Shot on BBC 1 right now: vehicles circling Blair Force One. Absurd.

[sonicx]

111. Monmouth - CON gain from LAB

[communerd]

114. hmmm- I suspect a few Welsh people might be hoping that

the English take monmouthshire back.
:evilgrin:

[non sociopath skin]

121. A lot of the old Monmouthshire is actually Labour territory.

The Skin

[communerd]

125. Yeah I know- most of the county is very staunch Labour

I was just kidding around, hence the :evilgrin:

[non sociopath skin]

216. It's the ancestral homeland. Dad came from Risca & was a Labour man ...

... all his life.

Wish he'd lived to see Blair get a bloody nose. Like a lot of old servicemen, he was agin the Iraq War.

The Skin

[communerd]

224. Cool- didn't mean to knock your ancestral homeland n/t

[non sociopath skin]

225. "'S OK. Dad never liked the town of Monmouth. Always said ....

... it was full of English Tories!

The Skin

[DemFromMem]

112. Where can Americans watch television coverage?

I've had C-SPAN on and they've been simulcasting BBC coverage. Now they've switched to other programming. Anywhere online I can get live video coverage? I'm surprised BBC America is just showing sitcoms.

[sonicx]

115. try the links here...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/default.stm

:hi:

[DemFromMem]

126. Excellent

THere is a live BBC TV feed on this site.

[arcos]

118. BBC webcast here...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/default.stm#

Click on Live Video, to the right of Blair's pathetic picture.

[sonicx]

113. Leeds North West - LD gain from LAB

[non sociopath skin]

116. Didn't Michael Meadowcroft hold this for the Libs in the 80s?

The Skin

[sonicx]

117. Hemel Hempstead - CON gain from LAB

[Anarcho-Socialist]

119. Conservatives gain Guildford from Lib Dems

[sonicx]

120. Weston-Super-Mare - CON gain from LD

[sonicx]

123. Harwich - CON gain from LAB

[T_i_B]

219. Not suprising really

From what I've heard the Tory candidate in Harwich does not impress me (seems more suited to UKIP then the Tories), but then again it's amazing that Labour could have ever taken a seat that includes Frinton-on-Sea in the first place.

[sonicx]

124. After 397 declared, LAB lose 21, CON gain 13, LD gain 5.

[muriel_volestrangler]

128. Letwin holds his seat with a swing TO him

Bugger. Oh well, that's probably time for bed then.

[non sociopath skin]

132. Yes, that was a little off message, eh? "Night, Mu!

The Skin

[non sociopath skin]

129. Well, guys, an interesting night but time to hit the hay.

Be interesting to see what the craic is tomorrow ...

The Skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

131. night, skin

[Anarcho-Socialist]

133. delete

[Anarcho-Socialist]

130. Lib Dems gain Taunton from Conservatives

[Anarcho-Socialist]

134. Conservatives gain Welwyn Hatfield from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

136. Conservatives gain Lancaster & Wyre from Labour

[Briar]

215. Ugh. The Tory candidate in Welwyn Hatfield

is truly horrible.

[sonicx]

135. 200 seats left to announce. LAB loses 25, has 296 overall.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

137. Conservatives gain Hornchurch from Labour n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

138. Conservatives gain Braintree from Labour

[T_i_B]

220. Labour were always going to lose this

It was a tiny majority in a traditionally safe Tory seat. The new Tory MP for Braintree & Witham is Brooks Newmark, who is highly rated by some people. We shall see if that is the case.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

139. Labour holds Erewash (Kilroy-Silk finishes 4th)

Conservatives in 2nd place, Lib Dems 3rd, Orange Tanners 4th.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

140. Labour hold Sittingbourne & Sheppey from Conservatives

After recount - majority of 79 votes.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

141. BBC projects Labour majority of 66

[Anarcho-Socialist]

142. Conservatives gain Scarborough & Whitby from Labour

[sonicx]

143. AS, what do you think about the results sofar?

[Anarcho-Socialist]

146. It isn't too bad...

...Labour can turn this to it's advantage if Blair goes in the next 12 months and Brown takes over.

The Conservatives have made moderate gains despite getting the same share of the vote in 2001. It's gains have come because of voter-swing from Labour to the Liberal Democrats in Tory/Labour marginals.

Had the Iraq War not happened, there would have been a 100+ Labour majority at least.

The Lib Dems haven't had the breakthrough they wanted, but they have made some gains.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

144. Conservatives gain Preseli Pembrokeshire from Labour

4.8% swing from Labour to Conservatives

[senseandsensibility]

145. Ignorant question :

What is meant by losing one's deposit? I've heard this mentioned about several candidates and have no idea what they're talking about.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

147. To stand as a candidate for Parliament you need to supply

a £500 deposit. If you poll more than 5% in the constituency you get your money back, if not then you lose the money. :)

[senseandsensibility]

150. Thanks !

That makes sense. Best wishes for an outcome that benefits all of the UK people, even if it requires a little patience!

[Anarcho-Socialist]

153. Thanks for your wishes...

:hi:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

148. Lib Dems gain Solihull from Conservatives

Swing of 10% from Conservatives to Lib Dems

[Anarcho-Socialist]

149. Conservatives gain St. Albans from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

151. Lib Dems wins Brent East from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

152. Labour holds Bishop Auckland (my home constituency)

Tories beaten into 3rd place by Lib Dems.

Swing of 8.4% from Labour to Lib Dems.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

154. Lib Dems hold Devon North from Conservatives

[LSdemocrat]

155. Michael Howard really, really is a disingenuous jerk

[Anarcho-Socialist]

157. I am in full-agreement

He and his party are racist, angry, xenophobic and classist.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

156. Conservatives gain Kettering from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

158. Conservatives gain Wellingborough from Labour

[sonicx]

159. Labour officially has a majority according to BBC's site

[Anarcho-Socialist]

160. Labour has won election, 324 seats and overall majority

[Jack Rabbit]

162. And the Lib Dems have 51 seats

I believe that is what they had going into this.

[sonicx]

164. 52 now

they are tracking +10 from last election.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

165. Their 2001 total was 51 and they've surpassed that now n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

161. Confirmed - George Galloway defeats King (RESPECT gains from Labour)

Bethnal Green & Bow.

RESPECT 36
Labour 34

[Jack Rabbit]

175. BBC: Galloway's East End street fight

From the BBC Online
Dated Friday May 6 3:40 GMT (Thursday 8:40 pm PDT)

Galloway's East End street fight

George Galloway's vehement anti-war stance was always going to be one of the highlights of the 2005 general election.

His successful and bitter single-issue campaign to oust Oona King from one of the most Muslim seats in the country has secured his place in British political history.

It has also given us a return of sorts to the political street-fighting that once made London's East End such a volatile electoral mix.

Oona King entered the Commons in 1997 with a majority she went on to increase in 2001.

Read more.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

163. Lib Dems hold Norfolk North from Conservatives

Swing of 8.5% from Conservatives to Lib Dems.

This seat was the 6th Conservative target.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

166. Conservatives gain Milton Keynes North East from Labour

[muriel_volestrangler]

167. Lib Dems hold Romsey from the Tories

new majority just 125 votes, after at least 2 recounts (my constituency - I didn't go to bed after all; maybe now).

[Anarcho-Socialist]

170. lol, close one. Night muriel_volestrangler

[moggie]

178. Sad, isn't it?

In '97, there was no way I was going to bed. Around first light, I headed to the South Bank clutching my second bottle of champagne to join in the celebrations, despite being a Blair skeptic. Now... I can't work up much enthusiasm, and I'm going to bed, hoping to have pleasant dreams rather than continuing to worry.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

168. Conservatives gain Gravesham from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

169. Conservatives gain Bexleyheath & Crayford from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

172. Lib Dems gain Westmorland & Lonsdale from Conservative

[Anarcho-Socialist]

173. Conservatives gain Clwyd West from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

174. Labour hold Dartford from Conservatives

[LSdemocrat]

176. Labour hold Dorset South

[Anarcho-Socialist]

177. Labour holds Dorset South from Conservatives

This is the Conservatives 3rd target seat.

Swing from Conservatives to Labour of 1.7%.

[moggie]

194. Funny swing

I don't know much about the politics of that part of the country, but I was surprised to see the swing to Labour.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

196. It could tactical voting by some Lib Dems

although if it is the case, then it's been rare tonight.

[muriel_volestrangler]

217. Could be tactical (it's Billy Bragg's neck of the woods), but

it also could be because that was the Tory who photoshopped his campaign poster with Widdicombe, and used one with an Olympic medallist without her permission. That guy really lost it for himself.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

180. Lib Dems gain Cambridge from Labour

15% swing from Labour to Lib Dems

[Anarcho-Socialist]

182. Conservatives gain Northampton South from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

183. Conservatives gain Rugby & Kenilworth from Labour

[moggie]

184. Blair says he has a man date

According to Martha Kearney.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

188. I wonder what Cherie Blair has to say about that?

[moggie]

190. I'd settle for a date with Martha, myself

But I'd be thinking of Kirsty...

[muriel_volestrangler]

218. Mandate? 36% share of 61% turnout?

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4516362

"Labour were on 36.3% of the vote on a turnout so far of 61.24% – the proportion of the electorate going to the polls having risen 2.14% from 2001. It was believed to be the smallest share of the vote achieved by a winning party in a General Election.

The Tories were on 33.15% of the vote, and the Liberal Democrats on 22.55%."

Only about 10 million people voted for Blair - under a quarter of the electorate.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

185. Conservatives gain Devon West & Torridge from Lib Dems

[Anarcho-Socialist]

186. Labour hold Gillingham from Conservatives

This was the Tories' 35th target seat.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

187. Lib Dems gain Falmouth & Camborne from Labour

9.5% swing from Labour to Lib Dems.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

191. State of the parties 0530: Lab 343, Con 183, LD 56, Others 12

[Anarcho-Socialist]

192. Lib Dem gain Falmouth & Camborne from Labour

Swing from Labour to Lib Dems of 10%

[moggie]

193. Lib Dems

0537, BBC says "Lib Dems on track for best result since 1923".

[Anarcho-Socialist]

195. SNP slips to 3rd place in Scotland in number of seats and popular vote

behind Labour and Lib Dems.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

197. Conservatives gain Forest of Dean from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

198. 0551: BBC projects Labour majority of 68

[Jack Rabbit]

200. Polly Toynbee (Guardian Utd): Tony Blair alone bears the blame

From the Guardian Unlimited (UK)
Dated Friday May 6

Tony Blair alone bears the blame
The prime minister cannot long survive this election
By Polly Toynbee

Discussion in Editorials

[Anarcho-Socialist]

201. Conservatives gain Reading East from Labour

[sonicx]

202. LAB has 351, LD has 59

[Anarcho-Socialist]

203. 0620BST BBC projects a Labour overall majority of 66

[Anarcho-Socialist]

204. Blair said the word "comrades" in a speech

What would the Daily Mail say? :bounce:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

205. 0630 - current share of the vote...

Labour 36.4%
Conservatives 33.1%
Lib Dems 22.6%
Others 7.9%

[Anarcho-Socialist]

206. 0634 - Lab 351, Con 191, LD 59

[Anarcho-Socialist]

207. Conservatives gain Ludlow from Lib Dems

[Anarcho-Socialist]

208. ow, brain... hurts

[Anarcho-Socialist]

209. 0730 BBC project a Labour majority of 64

[UKCynic]

210. Just got up

Worked 14 hours yesterday, dropping, knocking-up, pulling. Someone else can explain these interesting electoral terms to the Americans. Fell asleep on the sofa fully dressed at 12:40ish, television on, and this is my first impression:

The Tories are going home. This is terrible. Also the population as a whole has realised too soon that the Liberal Democrats are well to the left of New Labour. LibDems can only replace the Labour party, whilst the Labour party moves right and the Conservatives disappear. Any thing else won't work. This time the LibDem challenge was against the Tories and failed, but they took some Labour seats.

I thought the Tories were in free fall, but they seem to have found a parachute.

We found that the turnout was up and the mood was good, people wanted to vote.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

211. Conservatives gain Croydon Central from Labour

[Anarcho-Socialist]

212. Labour holds Selby from Conservatives

This was the Conservatives' 25th target seat.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

213. 0950 BBC now forecast Labour majority of 66

[T_i_B]

221. Any news about the recount in Harlow?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[muriel_volestrangler]

222. Counters too tired to continue without a kip (n/t)

[T_i_B]

229. Labour hold Harlow after recount

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/england/4524491.stm

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell has held key Tory target Harlow in Essex after three recounts.

Mr Rammell's victory over Conservative Robert Halfon by 97 votes takes Labour's total seats to 356, with the Tories on 197 and Lib Dems on 62.

Officials had called off the second recount at 0600 BST on Friday, claiming staff were too tired to continue.

They resumed their efforts at 1000 BST. Labour won the seat in 2001 with a 5,228 majority over the Tories.

[muriel_volestrangler]

223. Howard says will not lead Tories at next election

will resign to give the next leader time to settle in. He will stay as leader while the party decides whether the leadership election rules need changing, then resign.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

227. Wow, they knifed him already

Those Tories, lol.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

228. SDLP holds Foyle from Sinn Fein (Mark Durkan keeps seat)

It looks like UUP voters used tactical voting to keep Sinn Fein out.