LIVE THREAD: UK Election Results (Update - Early Exit Polls Show Tory Upset)

BBC ^ | May 5, 2005 | anonymous

[tellw]

The Vote is under way!

[GiveEmDubya]

It's beginning to look less and less likely as the night goes on, since the Lib Dems are seemingly going to crash above the 60 seat mark. Yet it will still result in smaller and smaller majorities for Blair next term.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Snugs, have you stayed up all night?

[Windcatcher]

Ah, I see. So, im my vulgar Yankee way I might describe it as political correctness run amok and the voters told them to blow it out their a$$es.

[GiveEmDubya]

Tories gain Rugby & Kenilworth

[ScaniaBoy]

There are two things that's going to rock the Labour gv't and probably not increase the Lib vote.

First of all (assuming there is a yes vote in France on the European constitution) there will be a referendum in the UK. The Libs are trying to give away all power to the EU, Labour some power. The Tories have been split on the issue but are now solidly (apart from a small minority) anti-EU. This is a vote winner.

Secondly, the economy will probably take a nose-dive. The Liberals are party for good times. If the economy is bad people are not going to vote for the Liberals.

The reason for Labours three victories in a row is that Tories mismanaged the economy when they took the UK into the ERM (forerunner of the Euro). That caused an economic disaster. This has tainted the Tories for a decade. However, the Thatcherite economy and the fact that the pound has been allowed to float helped to give Britain ten years of a good economy.

Blair hasn't managed to undo Mrs Thatcher's good work, and has been able to keep the economy going. He is quite unpopular on other issues - but just like Clinton was, has been buoyed by the good times. Once that disappears, I think the Tories will be able to mount a real challenge.

[snugs]

Yes but I am shortly going to get my head down for a couple of hours have to be at work by 8.30 and it is 5.20 now

[Qwinn]

Make it 7! We just got Rugby & Kenilworth :)

Qwinn

[Colonel_Flagg]

Thank you so much for sticking around with us and for the education on British politics. Sleep well!

As for me, we've got a thunderstorm coming through so I need to sign off as well. Thanks to all!

[GiveEmDubya]

It's still possible...I hope the seats are out there!

I currently have

LAB 342 (-43)
CON 178 (+28)
LD 55 (+12)

Labour's majority isn't going to grow too much more I sense.

[Windcatcher]

Isn't the EU vote running "non" 55% to 45% in France? It was last I checked...

[ScaniaBoy]

Thanks for your comments. Overall it was quite a good night!

[GiveEmDubya]

Make it 6! Tories just snatched Devon West & Torridge off the Lib Dems!

[snugs]

Good night all will check in tomorrow night all

[GiveEmDubya]

Labour just lost Falmouth & Camborne to the Lib Dems...Labour is now at -44 and falling.

[GiveEmDubya]

Thank you so very much for being here tonight/this morning!

[ScaniaBoy]

There has been quite a turn around in the last few days.

Never trust the French....

Most polls show a split vote or a small lead for the yes.

I'll try to post something on this tomorrow. Just need a few hours of sleep first ;)

[TheBigB]

They're gonna hit that 200! I know it! :)

[1066AD]

Yes, remember how de Gaulle always got his referenda passed LOL.

[GiveEmDubya]

Come on, we gotta get the good vibes going!

I wish I had a list of what non-Northern Ireland seats are still out.

[watsonfellow]

For the Tories to hit 200 they would have to win 19 of the 36 seats left.

Eighteen seats are in N. Ireland and are not contested by the Tories.

I don't think the Conservatives will be able to hit 200.

Alack.