| Author |
Topic:
2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/3 2:03am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
Darth_Asabrush posted:
I must admit. I do like a good election. They can be so brutal which is healthy, don't you think?
Yeah, and they are especially fun when the side your on are the winners. 
So, where do we go from here? Definatly no general election until 2010, I assume? 
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthKarde
Registered:
Jun '02
|
Date Posted:
5/3 9:22am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
Darth_Asabrush posted:
I must admit. I do like a good election. They can be so brutal which is healthy, don't you think?
The glories of FPTP. Under PR it's almost impossible to give a party a real good kicking.
I have got to give some credit to Ken. His brief speech was a real class act and reminded my what a great politician he is. To accept total responsibility for the defeat and to apologise to the party for failing to deliver cannot have been easy when he, and everyone else, know that national issues sunk him.
-----signature-----
The UK Independance Party - http://www.ukip.org The Freedom Association - http://www.tfa.net Better Off Out - http://www.betteroffout.co.uk Say NO2ID and the database state - http://www.no2id.net/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/3 9:36am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
On the other hand, a lot of his support has always been personal and a lot of that personal vote peeled away last night, didn't it? I understand he's been involved in a lot of sleaze and corruption accusations? Though of course, the national mood for change that appears to be gaining momentum, can't have helped.
Out of interest Karde, what seats do we have up for election in the 2009 local elections? These seats were last contested in 2005 - Labours general election winning year - So, one assumes there could be much greater scope for Conservative gains, certainly in terms of councillors, if not councils, than was the case this year?
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthKarde
Registered:
Jun '02
|
Date Posted:
5/3 10:28am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
- Date Edited:
5/3 11:00am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
DarthKarde
|
G-FETT posted:
On the other hand, a lot of his support has always been personal and a lot of that personal vote peeled away last night, didn't it? I understand he's been involved in a lot of sleaze and corruption accusations? Though of course, the national mood for change that appears to be gaining momentum, can't have helped.
Ken's first preference votes
2000 - 667,877
2004 - 685,541
2008 - 893,877
Ken's total (first & second preferences)
2000 - 776,427
2004 - 828,178
2008 - 1,028,966
G-FETT posted:
Out of interest Karde, what seats do we have up for election in the 2009 local elections? These seats were last contested in 2005 - Labours general election winning year - So, one assumes there could be much greater scope for Conservative gains, certainly in terms of councillors, if not councils, than was the case this year?
Next year is County Council year so very few authorities are actually electing. The 27 counties that are retaining two tier systems (for now anyway) will all have elections. The Isle of White (a Unitary Authority) holds it's elections in the County Council year and Bristol (a unitary which elects by thirds) has a unique electoral cycle and will also have elections next year. Finally 5 new Unitary Authorities will hold their first elections next year (Cornwall, Shropshire, Wiltshire, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire).
When Durham becomes a Unitary in April of next year labour will be left with just 4 county councils (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Staffordshire). I could see them losing all 4 and a lot of councillors. In fact I would say that Derbyshire is the only one that they could have any real expectations of holding.
-----signature-----
The UK Independance Party - http://www.ukip.org The Freedom Association - http://www.tfa.net Better Off Out - http://www.betteroffout.co.uk Say NO2ID and the database state - http://www.no2id.net/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/3 11:03am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
- Date Edited:
5/3 11:03am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
G-FETT
|
Thanks man.  So next year could be pretty grim for Labour, but its mainly a county council election?
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthKarde
Registered:
Jun '02
|
Date Posted:
5/4 11:21am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
Following this years elections Labour have been reduced to controlling just 48 councils across the UK compared to 216 for the Tories. For the record the Lib Dems have 30, Independents have 15 and 131 are NOC.
All that Labour have left is
5 (out of 34) County Councils
7 (out of 32) London Borough's
12 (out of 36) Metropolitan Borough's
8 (out of 46) Unitary Authorities
12 (out of 238) District Councils
2 (out of 32) Scottish Councils
2 (out of 22) Welsh Councils
Furthermore 7 of these districts will be abolished on the 1st of April next year when their counties become unitary authorities. If as expected they are wiped out in the county councils next year they will be down to just 37 councils.
This isn't quite as bad as the Tories in the 1990's (after 1996 they only held 13 councils) but it is clearly very poor.
-----signature-----
The UK Independance Party - http://www.ukip.org The Freedom Association - http://www.tfa.net Better Off Out - http://www.betteroffout.co.uk Say NO2ID and the database state - http://www.no2id.net/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/4 3:05pm
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
- Date Edited:
5/4 3:07pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
G-FETT
|
Its when it gets to this sort of level that council elections DO matter. Most of the time a governing party can accept they are never going to do well at local elections, and just get on with governing and winning general elections, but after a long time in office, with their councils and councillors being deplited year after year after year, it gets to a critical level where the sheer mis-match of numbers between Labour and Conservative (and in the 90s Conservative and Labour) actually becomes a defining issue, because at the general election Labour are going to be seriously lacking in manpower, where-as the Tories will have thousands of councillors all over the country, ready to campaign on the parties behalf.
This alone could make the differance in 20-30 or so seats, maybe?
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/5 4:00am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
G-FETT posted:
Its when it gets to this sort of level that council elections DO matter. Most of the time a governing party can accept they are never going to do well at local elections, and just get on with governing and winning general elections, but after a long time in office, with their councils and councillors being deplited year after year after year, it gets to a critical level where the sheer mis-match of numbers between Labour and Conservative (and in the 90s Conservative and Labour) actually becomes a defining issue, because at the general election Labour are going to be seriously lacking in manpower, where-as the Tories will have thousands of councillors all over the country, ready to campaign on the parties behalf.
This alone could make the differance in 20-30 or so seats, maybe?
Further to this, is it possible that this mis-match in man power has already made itself in London? Could part of Ken Livingstones problem be that he just didn't have the numbers of councillors and party activists to pound the streets and campaign on his behalf?
And could we this problem for Labour again making itself felt in Crewe and Nantwich?
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthKarde
Registered:
Jun '02
|
Date Posted:
5/5 4:38pm
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
G-FETT posted:
G-FETT posted:
Its when it gets to this sort of level that council elections DO matter. Most of the time a governing party can accept they are never going to do well at local elections, and just get on with governing and winning general elections, but after a long time in office, with their councils and councillors being deplited year after year after year, it gets to a critical level where the sheer mis-match of numbers between Labour and Conservative (and in the 90s Conservative and Labour) actually becomes a defining issue, because at the general election Labour are going to be seriously lacking in manpower, where-as the Tories will have thousands of councillors all over the country, ready to campaign on the parties behalf.
This alone could make the differance in 20-30 or so seats, maybe?
Further to this, is it possible that this mis-match in man power has already made itself in London? Could part of Ken Livingstones problem be that he just didn't have the numbers of councillors and party activists to pound the streets and campaign on his behalf?
And could we this problem for Labour again making itself felt in Crewe and Nantwich?
I would say that your first post was spot on. Your second post is way out. There was a lot of activists working hard to save Ken and I think that the figures clearly show that he was a very popular mayor who was overwhelmed by the national picture. As for Crewe and Nantwich. Parties never have a problem finding activists for by elections as they will get support from across the country.
-----signature-----
The UK Independance Party - http://www.ukip.org The Freedom Association - http://www.tfa.net Better Off Out - http://www.betteroffout.co.uk Say NO2ID and the database state - http://www.no2id.net/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Jedi Ben
Registered:
Jul '99
|
Date Posted:
5/6 2:14pm
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
If there's one organisation that'll get Labour, Tories, Lib Dems and Greens to quit brawling, it's the BNP. Barnbrook may be in but that's as far as it's going to go, as he's an isolated figure.
As for Johnson, I'd say he's recognising the seriousness of the job and is moving from campaign mode to working as Mayor. One pledge he has no hope of fulfilling is getting a no-strike deal with the unions, hell'll freeze over first. He may end up surprising people.
-----signature-----
Other guy: Could I have your autograph?
Darth Vader: No, **** off or I'll kill you with a tray!
Give me penne all'arrabiata or you shall die!
And you and everyone in this canteen!
Death by tray it shall be!
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/9 5:17am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
Well, I've been imporessed with his first few days. The guy he's appointed to deputy Mayor sounds interesting. He's upset leftie train unions by banning booze on the tube and I've just read he's cancelled the GLA's subscription to radical left wing newspaper Morning Star. I think he's going to do great.
Anybody seen the latest opinion poll in The Sun this morning? The Tories have opened up an amazing 26% lead. Con 49% Lab 23%. It looks like we really are in 1995 territory now? 
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthKarde
Registered:
Jun '02
|
Date Posted:
5/10 8:49am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
G-FETT posted:
Well, I've been imporessed with his first few days. The guy he's appointed to deputy Mayor sounds interesting. He's upset leftie train unions by banning booze on the tube and I've just read he's cancelled the GLA's subscription to radical left wing newspaper Morning Star. I think he's going to do great.
The appointment of Ray Lewis as Deputy Mayor is simply fantastic. I normally rail against so called community leaders but Ray is an inspirational figure who works tirelessly to drag the "black community" away from the it's destructive tendencies. He is of course the scourge of the PC left who prefer to tell black people that they are victims.
G-FETT posted:
Anybody seen the latest opinion poll in The Sun this morning? The Tories have opened up an amazing 26% lead. Con 49% Lab 23%. It looks like we really are in 1995 territory now?
A poll taken after a local election drubbing is always likely to produce a silly result like this. It almost certainly will not be maintained. I wouldn't say we are in 1995 territory as Labour are not hated in the way that the tories were. They are held in contempt but not hated.
-----signature-----
The UK Independance Party - http://www.ukip.org The Freedom Association - http://www.tfa.net Better Off Out - http://www.betteroffout.co.uk Say NO2ID and the database state - http://www.no2id.net/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Jedi Ben
Registered:
Jul '99
|
Date Posted:
5/10 1:47pm
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
G-FETT posted:
Well, I've been imporessed with his first few days. The guy he's appointed to deputy Mayor sounds interesting. He's upset leftie train unions by banning booze on the tube
Strange as it is for me to agree with the RMT, on this they have a point for it is apparently London Underground staff that'll have to enforce this, as there isn't enough Transport Police to do so. Which opens up a host of potential problems: How do you stop a load of guys drinking alcohol on the train? There's 1 of you and 5 of them and that's just 1 incident in a city. How this is to be enforced is a big question and there isn't a clear answer yet.
-----signature-----
Other guy: Could I have your autograph?
Darth Vader: No, **** off or I'll kill you with a tray!
Give me penne all'arrabiata or you shall die!
And you and everyone in this canteen!
Death by tray it shall be!
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
DarthKarde
Registered:
Jun '02
|
Date Posted:
5/12 2:04am
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
|
Jedi Ben posted:
G-FETT posted:
Well, I've been imporessed with his first few days. The guy he's appointed to deputy Mayor sounds interesting. He's upset leftie train unions by banning booze on the tube
Strange as it is for me to agree with the RMT, on this they have a point for it is apparently London Underground staff that'll have to enforce this, as there isn't enough Transport Police to do so. Which opens up a host of potential problems: How do you stop a load of guys drinking alcohol on the train? There's 1 of you and 5 of them and that's just 1 incident in a city. How this is to be enforced is a big question and there isn't a clear answer yet.
As much as the Ray Lewis appointment was fantastic the booze ban on public transport is half witted idiocy of the highest order and what is worse is that our beloved government are now going to extend it across the country. Why do the law abiding majority once again have to suffer because the police are not willing to enforce laws that are already on the statute book?
-----signature-----
The UK Independance Party - http://www.ukip.org The Freedom Association - http://www.tfa.net Better Off Out - http://www.betteroffout.co.uk Say NO2ID and the database state - http://www.no2id.net/
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
G-FETT
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
5/18 1:06pm
Subject:
RE: 2008 - A Big Year for British Politics
- Date Edited:
5/18 1:07pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
G-FETT
|
|
So is Labour set to lose Crewe and Nantwich? The poll I read in the News of the World today made for grim reading for Labour, but are they really going to be beaten in one of their heartlands?
-----signature-----
I felt a great disturbance in the force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Then were suddenly silenced.
The Saga returns; August 15th 2008.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
