2024 General Election

[Stairway 2 7]

I know two couples who haven't received their postal vote and are away. I don't know for certain of course, but I strongly suspect all four would be SNP voters. Neither couple is older or politically to the right.

But they may be outliers.

Got mine before I went to Germany to see Scotland although I'm not now travelling with work so might do an all nighter Thurs. 20% of Scots are postal voters, a tiny fraction of that will be abroad on Thursday

[Hibbyradge]

27998

[Moulin Yarns]

Got mine before I went to Germany to see Scotland although I'm not now travelling with work so might do an all nighter Thurs. 20% of Scots are postal voters, a tiny fraction of that will be abroad on Thursday

BBC reports 25% in Scotland and 20% UK wide.

[Stairway 2 7]

BBC reports 25% in Scotland and 20% UK wide.

I'm with pretty boy, that's just laziness a fraction will be out of the country or infirm. Station's are open from morning until night. Means a lot of what happens this week won't matter as 25% will probably already have sent.

[grunt]

Probably an unpopular opinion but I'd tighten the criteria for getting a postal vote.

Fair enough for people away, the infirm or those who live rurally and can't travel easily to a polling station but I know people who are here and fit and well but have applied for a postal vote because they can't be arsed to go out and vote.

Able bodied people who are present in the country shouldn't be putting unnecessary additional strain on a system that should be a protected resource for those who need it.
I wouldn't say it's an unpopular opinion, rather just a bit Luddite? :wink:

I used to work away from home a lot and organised a PV in case I wasn't going to be around. My polling station is just round the corner but I've maintained the PV for ease.

I'm really not sure what additional strain there is on "the system" from having more PVs. They all have to be counted eventually. I doubt the voting papers are put in the envelopes by hand.

Personally I'd like to see an independent Scotland introduce online polling.

[grunt]

I'm with pretty boy, that's just laziness a fraction will be out of the country or infirm. Station's are open from morning until night. Means a lot of what happens this week won't matter as 25% will probably already have sent.
So what? :confused:

[Stairway 2 7]

So what? :confused:
That's not a complaint just an observation, I'd rather have all the info available before polling. Many would have voted reform before Farage outed himself as a Russian asset, the tories before the betting scandal

What is a complaint is how many million is it on people being to lazy to walk 15 minutes. Logistics of sending 8 figures of ballots out, then the post office getting them to the election offices.

[SHODAN]

Voting should be as easy as possible and (possibly) mandatory. Why can't we vote from our mobile if we bank from it?

[lapsedhibee]

Voting should be as easy as possible and (possibly) mandatory. Why can't we vote from our mobile if we bank from it?

Because the Westminster Parliament does voting by walking around, that's the best way to do it. Poor wee Scots parliament has to make do with electronic voting, but where's the tradition, the charm? Never built the British Empire on a mobile phone what what?

[Ozyhibby]

That's not a complaint just an observation, I'd rather have all the info available before polling. Many would have voted reform before Farage outed himself as a Russian asset, the tories before the betting scandal

What is a complaint is how many million is it on people being to lazy to walk 15 minutes. Logistics of sending 8 figures of ballots out, then the post office getting them to the election offices.

I’m in favour of anything that makes it easier for people to vote. We really should be able to vote from our phones by now.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Voting should be as easy as possible and (possibly) mandatory. Why can't we vote from our mobile if we bank from it?

Definitely should go that way 90% of adults own a smartphone. They could make it secure and you could scan your ID

[Stairway 2 7]

I’m in favour of anything that makes it easier for people to vote. We really should be able to vote from our phones by now.


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Problem with phones is SNP in Scot or Labour UK would need to bring it in as now way Conservatives will, it would definitely increase younger voters

[grunt]

Slightly off topic for the current discussion on postal voting, but how did we end up with so many ignorant MPs? Where did they all come from?

[Stairway 2 7]

Slightly off topic for the current discussion on postal voting, but how did we end up with so many ignorant MPs? Where did they all come from?

Eton

[JimBHibees]

If, and it's still an if, the SNP do that badly I hope the leadership gives us much more creative excuses than blaming the media. Again. Given they have had landslide victories in Scotland under exactly the same perceived bias it's going to be a hard sell. They have been included in the much more impressive debates we have seen held in Scotland as well.
I'm liking the Scottish school holidays being thrown in to the mix from day one but they can do better. I'd be going with the dog ate our manifesto and all we had left was a list of our greatest hits from ten years ago. :greengrin

To say that the media onslaught doesn’t have an impact is disengenuous. It is relentless.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Tory candidate taking on Nigel Farage compares Reform UK rallies to Nazi Germany - Mirror Online (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/tory-candidate-taking-nigel-farage-33146301)




Tory candidate taking on Nigel Farage compares Reform UK rallies to Nazi Germany

Giles Watling, who has been Tory MP for Clacton since 2017, branded Reform UK's mass gatherings 'chilling' and said a 'personality cult' had been created around Nigel FaraTory candidate taking on Nigel Farage compares Reform UK rallies to Nazi GermaGiles Watling, who has been Tory MP for Clacton since 2017, branded Reform UK's mass gatherings 'chilling' and said a 'personality cult' had been created around Nigel Farage

[grunt]

Do you think the media in Scotland - in particular the BBC - treats the SNP fairly?


Tory supporters despise the BBC more than the SNP supporters , they reckon it’s a hotbed of loony lefties. And Labour supporters know it’s biased against them. They just know. The LibDems don’t seem to have an opinion one way or the other, par for the course for them. I’m rambling… what was the question again.


You dont think the anti-SNP bias has been ramped up significantly in recent years?


No. Next question.

I can't believe your answers. They completely deny the evidence of my own eyes.

[marinello59]

To say that the media onslaught doesn’t have an impact is disengenuous. It is relentless.

A different opinion from yours maybe but nothing dishonest about it. I will happily respect your opinion whilst still thinking you are wrong. :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

I can't believe your answers. They completely deny the evidence of my own eyes.

There was a study by a Scottish uni who confirmed the bias and was then an attempt to bully them into changing their findings by BBC.

[JimBHibees]

A different opinion from yours maybe but nothing dishonest about it. I will happily respect your opinion whilst still thinking you are wrong. :greengrin

😄

[marinello59]

I can't believe your answers. They completely deny the evidence of my own eyes.

It’s fine. We agreed about something last week, I’m still basking in the warm afterglow of that. :greengrin

[marinello59]

Keir Starmer coming under attack from the Tories for potentially being a part time PM by taking Friday nights off to spend with his family. Sunak says he never finished that early. If only he had, a break from the decision making process would have been better for us all.

[Pretty Boy]

I had some tosspot from Reform at the door tonight.

He didn't initially say who he was from and asked who I was voting for and when I explained my position (as I have done to the SNP and Labour campaigners who have come to the door) he said he was from Reform and they were going to end the 'status quo' that had fuelled my apathy towards party politics. I (politely) told him I had nothing further to say to him and didn't wish to engage with someone who supported such a party. He then went on a mini rant which concluded with him telling me I lived in 'a place like this' because of 'unchecked immigration'.

Wow. Firstly I like where I live and it's a nice street in a nice neighbourhood. It's a stones throw from Niddrie, Magdalene and Craigmillar, undoubtedly places with areas of deprivation, but I'm not convinced immigration is the root cause of that. Secondly slagging the place someone calls home is hardly the way to win hearts and minds.

I then (not so politely) told him to get off my property.

The Reform candidate is a local conspiracy theorist who has been vocal down the years in local newspapers, he was particularly prominent during COVID. One of these 'I have a wife and live locally so I can't possibly be an ********' types.

[Jack]

It'll help SNP. Postal voters in general are further to the right and older. It's the Scottish election authority who seem to be behind the mess up

I'm not sure that weighs up with the usual old folk don't want independence 🤔

[Jack]

With regards to postal voting.

When I signed up I'm sure it was until I died or moved house although I understand the torys may have changed this to a max of 3 years.

I think changing the system to one where you'd basically have to prove for each vote that for some reason you'd be unavailable to vote in person on a specific date would be virtually impossible to administer.

[Sylar]

Ignorant question perhaps: how does the new photo ID rule apply to postal votes?

[grunt]

Ignorant question perhaps: how does the new photo ID rule apply to postal votes?
It doesn't. You sign the voting paper.

[weecounty hibby]

I had some tosspot from Reform at the door tonight.

He didn't initially say who he was from and asked who I was voting for and when I explained my position (as I have done to the SNP and Labour campaigners who have come to the door) he said he was from Reform and they were going to end the 'status quo' that had fuelled my apathy towards party politics. I (politely) told him I had nothing further to say to him and didn't wish to engage with someone who supported such a party. He then went on a mini rant which concluded with him telling me I lived in 'a place like this' because of 'unchecked immigration'.

Wow. Firstly I like where I live and it's a nice street in a nice neighbourhood. It's a stones throw from Niddrie, Magdalene and Craigmillar, undoubtedly places with areas of deprivation, but I'm not convinced immigration is the root cause of that. Secondly slagging the place someone calls home is hardly the way to win hearts and minds.

I then (not so politely) told him to get off my property.

The Reform candidate is a local conspiracy theorist who has been vocal down the years in local newspapers, he was particularly prominent during COVID. One of these 'I have a wife and live locally so I can't possibly be an ********' types.

I was out canvassing a couple of weeks ago and had some really good conversations, not all were voting the right way unfortunately😄, but good conversations nonetheless. We then spoke to a guy who said he was voting reform. Wow! In the very brief interaction he told us, amo gs other garbage, that civil war was coming due to immigration. They really do attract the nutters

[Hibrandenburg]

I was out canvassing a couple of weeks ago and had some really good conversations, not all were voting the right way unfortunately😄, but good conversations nonetheless. We then spoke to a guy who said he was voting reform. Wow! In the very brief interaction he told us, amo gs other garbage, that civil war was coming due to immigration. They really do attract the nutters

They're following a winning formula that manages to bond together a whole load of nutters that normally wouldn't want anything to do with each other. Conspiracy theorists, far right headcases, anti vaxxers, religious freaks and Tories who think the current manifestation aren't right wing enough. Throw into that mix a large number of thickoes who have zero ability to think further than where their next pint is coming from and are the voting base of Reform, then you have a powerful collection of *****trumpets that either consciously or subconsciously are willing to tear our society apart. We're seeing this happen all round the world.

[Berwickhibby]

Had a Tory canvasser at the door…a simple GTF did the trick.

[JimBHibees]

Keir Starmer coming under attack from the Tories for potentially being a part time PM by taking Friday nights off to spend with his family. Sunak says he never finished that early. If only he had, a break from the decision making process would have been better for us all.

As an attack it is nearer the lame end of the spectrum

[grunt]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRdYGTcWkAArBih?format=jpg&name=large

[JimBHibees]

I had some tosspot from Reform at the door tonight.

He didn't initially say who he was from and asked who I was voting for and when I explained my position (as I have done to the SNP and Labour campaigners who have come to the door) he said he was from Reform and they were going to end the 'status quo' that had fuelled my apathy towards party politics. I (politely) told him I had nothing further to say to him and didn't wish to engage with someone who supported such a party. He then went on a mini rant which concluded with him telling me I lived in 'a place like this' because of 'unchecked immigration'.

Wow. Firstly I like where I live and it's a nice street in a nice neighbourhood. It's a stones throw from Niddrie, Magdalene and Craigmillar, undoubtedly places with areas of deprivation, but I'm not convinced immigration is the root cause of that. Secondly slagging the place someone calls home is hardly the way to win hearts and minds.

I then (not so politely) told him to get off my property.

The Reform candidate is a local conspiracy theorist who has been vocal down the years in local newspapers, he was particularly prominent during COVID. One of these 'I have a wife and live locally so I can't possibly be an ********' types.

Should have asked him where he stays. Sounds a complete rocket

[grunt]

Presumably he's going to make the French pay for it.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRdJLc5XQAAttM2?format=jpg&name=large

[Moulin Yarns]

Keir Starmer coming under attack from the Tories for potentially being a part time PM by taking Friday nights off to spend with his family. Sunak says he never finished that early. If only he had, a break from the decision making process would have been better for us all.

Does parliament sit on a Friday? Thought they all went back to their constituency to do surgeries.

[Bostonhibby]

I was out canvassing a couple of weeks ago and had some really good conversations, not all were voting the right way unfortunately[emoji1], but good conversations nonetheless. We then spoke to a guy who said he was voting reform. Wow! In the very brief interaction he told us, amo gs other garbage, that civil war was coming due to immigration. They really do attract the nuttersHelping a friend out on a job locally and had the dubious pleasure of getting sucked into an "over the fence" discussion between neighbours.

Elderly "gentleman" who had retired to lincolnshire from london because "there's less foreigners and outsiders in Lincolnshire".Not true of course but hey....

Says he never goes back to london because of it then launched into an expletive ridden rant about just about every minority you could think of, amongst them opera and ballet goers and soft footballers.

Couldn't resist pointing out there'd be many white local Londoners in some of the groups he was attacking including many he probably looks up to. I think he was itching to hurl some anti Scots abuse at us but suspect he isn't the sort to say anything to someone who is actually there at the time.

Strode off after saying to the householder that this is what's wrong with the country.

Householder said he is always interfering, is obsessive about gardening, where the bins are put and any visitors to the street, said he's made the area less pleasant and most wish he'd go back to London!

Hopefully he is a Reform voter which nicks another vote from the tories in one of the safest Tory seats in the country[emoji16]

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[grunt]

Blatant scaremongering. Starmer hasn't said he'll reintroduce prescription charges to Scotland. Has he?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRbrqcdWYAAkU9g?format=png&name=900x900

[CropleyWasGod]

Blatant scaremongering. Starmer hasn't said he'll reintroduce prescription charges to Scotland. Has he?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRbrqcdWYAAkU9g?format=png&name=900x900

He can't.

[jamie_1875]

Blatant scaremongering. Starmer hasn't said he'll reintroduce prescription charges to Scotland. Has he?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRbrqcdWYAAkU9g?format=png&name=900x900

How can he do that as it's a devolved matter, who did that poster?

[lapsedhibee]

He can't.

Sarwar can in 2026 though.

[Jack]

Sarwar can in 2026 though.

Not just this policy but add to that all the other wee gems Scotland currently benefits from.

Labour followers are keen to point out that Scottish Labour can do their own thing and that tartanising, copy and pasting, English legislation into Scottish legislation won't happen as it did previously.

If the UK manifesto and the tartanised Scottish Labour version of the manifesto are anything to go by it doesn't bode well for the future.

[Jack]

... and anyway why are the unionist parties even producing Scottish and Welsh versions of their manifestos?

Do the unionists think that these countries are somehow so different a UK manifesto (obviously English with English policies) is inappropriate?

We'll maybe see in the coming years how much UK and Scottish policies begin to realign, whether its good for Scotland or not.

[Stairway 2 7]

Free prescriptions we're first brought back to the UK by Labour's Vaughan Gething in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland followed in the years later. They are still free in labour run Wales. 89% of prescription items are given out free in England as they are free for older groups and they don't pay. There is no way Sarwar would reintroduce them for such a small number, it would be political madness. Project fear works both ways. There will be enough in their manifesto to criticise without supposition

[Stairway 2 7]

... and anyway why are the unionist parties even producing Scottish and Welsh versions of their manifestos?

Do the unionists think that these countries are somehow so different a UK manifesto (obviously English with English policies) is inappropriate?

We'll maybe see in the coming years how much UK and Scottish policies begin to realign, whether its good for Scotland or not.
Scotland gets 30% more per head to spend, so the manifesto has to be different to England?

[Ozyhibby]

Free prescriptions we're first brought back to the UK by Labour's Vaughan Gething in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland followed in the years later. They are still free in labour run Wales. 89% of prescription items are given out free in England as they are free for older groups and they don't pay. There is no way Sarwar would reintroduce them for such a small number, it would be political madness. Project fear works both ways. There will be enough in their manifesto to criticise without supposition

I agree, prescriptions are safe as it’s cheap. University tuition fees is the one to watch. They hate Scotland being different and it was Labour who introduced them in the first place.


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[Jack]

Scotland gets 30% more per head to spend, so the manifesto has to be different to England?

So the Labour manifesto should be regionalised across England where the difference between lowest and highest public spending is even wider?

The difference between the lowest and highest is more than double!

[Moulin Yarns]

Scotland gets 30% more per head to spend, so the manifesto has to be different to England?

In a UK election we are voting for the national parties, not the regional offices! There shouldn't be different manifestos unless we make our decisions for westminster based on how well our councils are performing :wink:

[Stairway 2 7]

So the Labour manifesto should be regionalised across England where the difference between lowest and highest public spending is even wider?

The difference between the lowest and highest is more than double!

No because they don't have devolved policies in different regions. We need a different manifesto for health education ect

[Stairway 2 7]

In a UK election we are voting for the national parties, not the regional offices! There shouldn't be different manifestos unless we make our decisions for westminster based on how well our councils are performing :wink:

There isn't different manifestos in the UK election, there will be for the Scottish election and I'd bet prescription fees will be kept in them all

[Ozyhibby]

Did Labour not stand a candidate against Douglas Ross? Surely not?


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[Stairway 2 7]

Did Labour not stand a candidate against Douglas Ross? Surely not?


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They did but withdrew support for him as he was putting up RT articles on X saying Russia didn't commit the Salisbury poisonings, a loon.

[Moulin Yarns]

There isn't different manifestos in the UK election, there will be for the Scottish election and I'd bet prescription fees will be kept in them all

All the branch offices produced scottish version of their manifesto, headlining on devolved matters.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c5111w4wl54t#:~:text=The%20outgoing%20Scottish%20C onservative%20leader,%22crack%20down%22%20on%20cri me.

[marinello59]

They did but withdrew support for him as he was putting up RT articles on X saying Russia didn't commit the Salisbury poisonings, a loon.

:agree:

Labour were never in the fight in that seat anyway. An SNP / Tory contest.

[Stairway 2 7]

All the branch offices produced scottish version of their manifesto, headlining on devolved matters.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c5111w4wl54t#:~:text=The%20outgoing%20Scottish%20C onservative%20leader,%22crack%20down%22%20on%20cri me.

Didn't know that. Seems utterly pointless as all the things in the article in the Conservative manifesto are devolved, so can't be touched by this election. It's like an advertisement for 2026

[Moulin Yarns]

Didn't know that. Seems utterly pointless as all the things in the article in the Conservative manifesto are devolved, so can't be touched by this election. It's like an advertisement for 2026

What it boils down to is the usual conservative going full bash the SNP

[Stairway 2 7]

What it boils down to is the usual conservative going full bash the SNP

Yeah agree they are doing that up here and against labour down south. It's all just negativity about the snp rather than what they will provide. The don't surrender your family to Labour poster was vile. You think they would want to highlight there achievements in government over the last 14 years..

[grunt]

You think they would want to highlight there achievements in government over the last 14 years..
:greengrin

[grunt]

He's reading an advert!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRbggUMb0AQR76h?format=jpg&name=large

[grunt]

https://x.com/GNev2/status/1808126041400938518


They partied , they bet on elections , they crashed the economy, they broke every public service, they destroyed integrity and honesty in public office , they paid their mates billions , they put their friends in the House of Lords, they gave their cronies knighthoods, they went into the jungle , they lied again and again, they were convicted by police, they went on holiday when they shouldn’t and they have the cheek to question Keir Starmer’s work ethic. I would never take anything for granted but I hope they are annihilated on Thursday. The worst people and government we have ever had!

[Bostonhibby]

As ever Jonathan Pie gets it right.

https://x.com/DowneyJD/status/1808134350724108793?t=ew7FYDlnP6o7UCsvn68dNg&s=08

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[J-C]

As ever Jonathan Pie gets it right.

https://x.com/DowneyJD/status/1808134350724108793?t=ew7FYDlnP6o7UCsvn68dNg&s=08

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Fantastic as ever from him, love listening to his rants.

[marinello59]

Fantastic as ever from him, love listening to his rants.

There's some good stuff out there. I ways enjoy Marina Hyde's take on things. Here's her latest, not her best but still on the money.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/02/tory-tactics-make-this-a-rip-roaring-election-for-the-phrase-citation-needed

[grunt]

As ever Jonathan Pie gets it right.

https://x.com/DowneyJD/status/1808134350724108793?t=ew7FYDlnP6o7UCsvn68dNg&s=08

That is completely brilliant. It should be on the TV every hour between now and 10pm Thursday.

[JimBHibees]

https://x.com/GNev2/status/1808126041400938518

Saw Neville had an overlap interview with Starmer

[Stairway 2 7]

Sems a bit bizarre for an incumbent to be so defeatist

Rishi Sunak
@RishiSunak
·
3h
Stop the supermajority. Vote Conservative on 4th July.

[grunt]

Reform's pitch to the voters of Orkney. You know it makes sense.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRgRT80WUAAz55e?format=jpg&name=large

[JimBHibees]

Sems a bit bizarre for an incumbent to be so defeatist

Rishi Sunak
@RishiSunak
·
3h
Stop the supermajority. Vote Conservative on 4th July.

Almost seems like their policy all along has been to deliberately lose

[Northernhibee]

Last Survation megapoll has just six seats difference between Tories and Lib Dem’s for the official opposition.

[lapsedhibee]

Reform's pitch to the voters of Orkney. You know it makes sense.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRgRT80WUAAz55e?format=jpg&name=large

Slide to serfdom it is for me on Thursday then. (Though he doesn't say so explicitly, he's talking there about Chinese communist Jewish people, right? :dunno:)

[marinello59]

So good to see Boris Johnson back supporting Sunak without mentioning Sunak I’m swithering now. :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin

[Bostonhibby]

So good to see Boris Johnson back supporting Sunak without mentioning Sunak I’m swithering now. :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin You probably know this but Boris is only interested in what's good for Boris.

Did I really call Bozo, Boris?

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[marinello59]

You probably know this but Boris is only interested in what's good for Boris.

Did I really call Bozo, Boris?

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I’m not having that, Boris is a selfless public servant..His appearance has nothing to do with the next Tory leadership contest

[Bostonhibby]

I’m not having that, Boris is a selfless public servant..His appearance has nothing to do with the next Tory leadership contestMaybe not[emoji6]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240702/febbbfa5215a5c3c09a610cbaaf3993b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240702/4c251f4b75372d767cc00f4cca7ac9d7.jpg

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[marinello59]

Daily Star exclusive. Kim Wilde is backing Binface. :greengrin

[marinello59]

The final day of campaigning is finally upon us. We already know Labour will win, it's down to by how much. The Tories and SNP are both going to go big today with a plea to vote for them to prevent the so called super majority. (It's not really a thing you have a working majority or you don't. The size of that makes no difference.) I will be disappointed if Ed Davey isn't fired from a cannon, other than that I'm not sure what he adds to things. Unless they go absolutely mad Labour will restrict themselves to saying they are taking nothing for granted and not much else. The Greens South of the border will continue to sound like they are talking more sense than anyone else whilst the Greens North of the border won't. All in all it looks like a dull day ahead.

[Bostonhibby]

And up pops Bozo, getting himself a bit of limelight telling everyone we must protect our democracy by voting for the Tories and / or not giving labour a super majority.

Sounds pretty undemocratic to me if that's the end result of voters exercising their democratic right.

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[Pretty Boy]

Labour really have to do nothing today beyond be seen to be working hard but make sure they say absolutely nothing that can be jumped upon.

It's been a sludge of an election campaign with no one offering anything remotely different or enticing. The same tune we have heard from all the major parties for years now. The sooner it is over the better. Just a shame we have to listen to all the nonsense again so soon in Scotland.

[Stairway 2 7]

Super majority makes no sense, a majority is a majority in uk politics

[Northernhibee]

The final day of campaigning is finally upon us. We already know Labour will win, it's down to by how much. The Tories and SNP are both going to go big today with a plea to vote for them to prevent the so called super majority. (It's not really a thing you have a working majority or you don't. The size of that makes no difference.) I will be disappointed if Ed Davey isn't fired from a cannon, other than that I'm not sure what he adds to things. Unless they go absolutely mad Labour will restrict themselves to saying they are taking nothing for granted and not much else. The Greens South of the border will continue to sound like they are talking more sense than anyone else whilst the Greens North of the border won't. All in all it looks like a dull day ahead.

If you believe the Survation MRP (I don’t), there’s a genuine chance that the Lib Dems could end up as official opposition. I actually think Ed Davie’s campaign has cut through more than normal for the Lib Dems, we will see if people have actually paid attention to their manifesto which I would say is very good.

[grunt]

The Tories and SNP are both going to go big today with a plea to vote for them to prevent the so called super majority.
When have the SNP ever said this? What you say is not true. The SNP message is that people in Scotland should vote for the party who will put Scotland's interests first.

[Pretty Boy]

When have the SNP ever said this? What you say is not true. The SNP message is that people in Scotland should vote for the party who will put Scotland's interests first.

Have they specified which party that is?

[grunt]

Have they specified which party that is?
Yes they did.

[lapsedhibee]

Neck and neck in the North British region:

Labour has slipped behind the SNP days before election day, a new poll suggests.

PA reports that a survey by Savanta for The Scotsman suggests 31% of Scots could vote Labour on Thursday, three points down on the last poll, while support for the SNP is unchanged at 34%.

According to analysis from Professor John Curtice, Labour, which won just one seat north of the border in the 2019 election, is on course for 22 Scottish MPs while the SNP would keep 24 seats.

The poll, carried out between 28 June and 2 July, suggests the Conservatives are on 15%, up one point, while the Liberal Democrats are at 9%, up two points on the last poll earlier in June.

The latest poll of 1,083 Scottish adults found 6% said they would back Reform UK, no change since the last poll, while the Greens were up one point at 3%, and 2% said they would vote for other parties.

Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta, said:

Our final Scottish voting intention before 4 July suggests the SNP is ahead of Labour, showing a modest improvement and potentially blunting their losses on election night.

If our results were reflected on polling day, John Swinney’s election as SNP leader looks like it will have come just in the nick of time.

That being said, Labour’s efficient vote, in particular around the central belt, will still mean it’s likely going to be a very good evening for Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer.

Their majority is no longer dependent on Scotland, but they’ll want to squeeze the SNP as much as they can.”

[grunt]

That being said, Labour’s efficient vote, in particular around the central belt, will still mean it’s likely going to be a very good evening for Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer.What's an efficient vote?


Their majority is no longer dependent on Scotland, but they’ll want to squeeze the SNP as much as they can.”Their majority hasn't been dependent on Scotland for ages.

[Stairway 2 7]

Neck and neck in the North British region:

Labour has slipped behind the SNP days before election day, a new poll suggests.

PA reports that a survey by Savanta for The Scotsman suggests 31% of Scots could vote Labour on Thursday, three points down on the last poll, while support for the SNP is unchanged at 34%.

According to analysis from Professor John Curtice, Labour, which won just one seat north of the border in the 2019 election, is on course for 22 Scottish MPs while the SNP would keep 24 seats.

The poll, carried out between 28 June and 2 July, suggests the Conservatives are on 15%, up one point, while the Liberal Democrats are at 9%, up two points on the last poll earlier in June.

The latest poll of 1,083 Scottish adults found 6% said they would back Reform UK, no change since the last poll, while the Greens were up one point at 3%, and 2% said they would vote for other parties.

Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta, said:

Our final Scottish voting intention before 4 July suggests the SNP is ahead of Labour, showing a modest improvement and potentially blunting their losses on election night.

If our results were reflected on polling day, John Swinney’s election as SNP leader looks like it will have come just in the nick of time.

That being said, Labour’s efficient vote, in particular around the central belt, will still mean it’s likely going to be a very good evening for Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer.

Their majority is no longer dependent on Scotland, but they’ll want to squeeze the SNP as much as they can.”

That would mean SNP lose about 15 seats and sit in the high 20s, I can see that. Bookies have them evens to get over 19.5 seats which seems easy money

[marinello59]

When have the SNP ever said this? What you say is not true. The SNP message is that people in Scotland should vote for the party who will put Scotland's interests first.

Oh Grunty, Grunty, Grunty, don't be so sensitive. (Can I call you Grunty? I think we are pals now. :greengrin)

The Tories have are saying vote for them to prevent Labour going power mad with a super majority (as opposed to what they did, went mad in power) and the SNP are saying a vote for them will result in the worst excesses of the Labour Party being restrained. The messages aren't really that far apart but I will concede that they didn't actually say the words 'super majority.'

Don't take what I say too seriously on here, no one else does. :greengrin

[marinello59]

Yes they did.

Was it Scottish Socialist. Please say it was. :greengrin

[lapsedhibee]

What's an efficient vote?


Presume efficient's a misprint/typo for some other word, though nothing immediately springs to mind.

[grunt]

The Tories have are saying vote for them to prevent Labour going power mad with a super majority (as opposed to what they did, went mad in power) and the SNP are saying a vote for them will result in the worst excesses of the Labour Party being restrained.
Sigh.

Where are they saying this? I'm not saying you're lying (after all we're pals, right?) but I haven't seen this message. It's quite possible I've missed it.

[marinello59]

Sigh.

Where are they saying this? I'm not saying you're lying (after all we're pals, right?) but I haven't seen this message. It's quite possible I've missed it.

:greengrin

I'm giving my opinion of their message, not a direct quote. We all have them and some of them occasionally differ from our own.

[grunt]

:greengrin

I'm giving my opinion of their message, not a direct quote. We all have them and some of them occasionally differ from our own.
Oh you're making it up? You should have said.

[grunt]

Here's an example of Reform tactics:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRjiDoaXQAAKMPn?format=jpg&name=medium

Here's where the photo came from that was used in the post:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRjiJz8WMAAJbyf?format=jpg&name=large

[Hibrandenburg]

Here's an example of Reform tactics:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRjiDoaXQAAKMPn?format=jpg&name=medium

Here's where the photo came from that was used in the post:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRjiJz8WMAAJbyf?format=jpg&name=large

That's the 21st century version of the 1930's placards depicting dubious looking characters with long hooked noses stealing our money. You'd think there would be laws against this kind of obvious deception.

[marinello59]

Oh you're making it up? You should have said.

Well, no. It's an opinion.
I shouldn't have to explain it but I will try, I have a few spare minutes. :greengrin
Several posters on here over the past few days have said confidently that Labour will privatise the NHS, probably reintroduce prescription charges and charge for University tuition in Scotland. Labour have never said they will do any of those things but I wouldn't insult anybody by calling them a liar or accuse them of making it up. That's their opinion of what will happen and even though I may disagree with some of it I'll respect that.
Personally though I don't care what I'm accused of or called on here, I get much worse at home. :greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

https://news.stv.tv/politics/voter-who-hasnt-lived-in-uk-for-60-years-can-cast-ballot-in-general-election


I don't know what to say. 60 years living abroad but gets a vote.

[Moulin Yarns]

https://news.stv.tv/politics/when-will-my-new-mp-be-announced-all-scottish-constituencies-and-expected-declaration-times-listed

In case you want to get up to watch your results.

[Moulin Yarns]

Rumours that Matt Hancocks daughter has been canvassing for Labour 🤣

[marinello59]

https://news.stv.tv/politics/when-will-my-new-mp-be-announced-all-scottish-constituencies-and-expected-declaration-times-listed

In case you want to get up to watch your results.

Get up? It will be an all nighter for me.

[nonshinyfinish]

What's an efficient vote?


Presume efficient's a misprint/typo for some other word, though nothing immediately springs to mind.

I don't think it's a typo, I think it's a reference to how a party's national percentage of votes is distributed among individual constituencies.

E.g. if you have 15–20% of the vote nationally but it's spread completely evenly (15–20% in every constituency), that's inefficient because chances are you won't win a single seat under FPTP. Reform's vote currently appears to be 'inefficient' in this way, polling an average of about 16/17% but projected to get a handful of seats at best. Meanwhile the Lib Dems are polling significantly lower (10–12%) but are likely to win ~10 times as many seats – because their vote is more 'efficiently' distributed, they have strongholds of more concentrated support and so they win more seats.

At the other end of the scale, having your support too concentrated in certain constituencies is also inefficient – you don't gain anything by winning a constituency with 70% of the vote rather than 35%.

Presumably when they say Labour's vote is 'efficient' in Scotland they mean that they're more-or-less in the sweet spot between the two.

[lapsedhibee]

I don't think it's a typo, I think it's a reference to how a party's national percentage of votes is distributed among individual constituencies.

E.g. if you have 15–20% of the vote nationally but it's spread completely evenly (15–20% in every constituency), that's inefficient because chances are you won't win a single seat under FPTP. Reform's vote currently appears to be 'inefficient' in this way, polling an average of about 16/17% but projected to get a handful of seats at best. Meanwhile the Lib Dems are polling significantly lower (10–12%) but are likely to win ~10 times as many seats – because their vote is more 'efficiently' distributed, they have strongholds of more concentrated support and so they win more seats.

At the other end of the scale, having your support too concentrated in certain constituencies is also inefficient – you don't gain anything by winning a constituency with 70% of the vote rather than 35%.

Presumably when they say Labour's vote is 'efficient' in Scotland they mean that they're more-or-less in the sweet spot between the two.

Yes. Though bizarre to be using a word like 'efficient', normally a term of praise, to describe the utterly crackers voting system in UK GEs. Bandying that about gives (in this case Labour) apparent credit for something of which the whole UK should be ashamed.

[cabbageandribs1875]

this is what British Labour voters are voting for Labour is putting its plans for Britain in the hands of private finance. It could end badly | Daniela Gabor | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/02/labour-plans-britain-private-finance-blackrock?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1NW6SyrsFXbn_ oYX4ZSOlERP9bDj6LR1hgjaookH35jN2F7XQIRB61Frc_aem_Y 4FlddSWBRXrtsuTdtroMg) :agree: oh how they labour voters will gloat when people are finally paying for GP/Hospital visits. but but we only wanted rid of the Tories they will proclaim.

[nonshinyfinish]

Yes. Though bizarre to be using a word like 'efficient', normally a term of praise, to describe the utterly crackers voting system in UK GEs. Bandying that about gives (in this case Labour) apparent credit for something of which the whole UK should be ashamed.

I didn't read it as a term of praise or giving Labour credit, more as purely descriptive of the situation. I don't know if it's a common technical term among polling analysts or not.

(I fully agree with you on FPTP by the way.)

[cabbageandribs1875]

Keir Starmer will win, but he's already on very thin ice (substack.com) (https://anotherangryvoice.substack.com/p/keir-starmer-win-but-thin-ice?r=1xa6fm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3mxhXyeg8Q6n34WNS3cnVqr HTbkkq60vRn4nNFbLVeLPxHWaWGe91xmAU_aem_NqkUnmMbXpa 3sZ_9g4_s4w&triedRedirect=true)

"4% of respondents said they're supporting Labour for the NHS, but the Nuffield trust have warned that Rachel Reeves' myopic penny-pinching is going to leave the NHS worse off than under Tory Austerity, and Starmers dreadful Health Minister Wes Streeting is already champing at the bit to carve the NHS open for even more Privatisation Profiteering.
If Labour follows through on this diabolical agenda, it's likely a lot of these pro-NHS Labour voters are going to be left feeling severely disappointed and betrayed"


ousting Blue conservatism for Red conservatism :agree: woopeeeee

[Stairway 2 7]

Yes. Though bizarre to be using a word like 'efficient', normally a term of praise, to describe the utterly crackers voting system in UK GEs. Bandying that about gives (in this case Labour) apparent credit for something of which the whole UK should be ashamed.

I've just read a thread saying Starmer’s votes are much more efficient than Corbyn. Corbyns vote was large but concentrated in urban settings and poorly spread. Starmer’s doing well in every seat, which they said was more efficient. I think it must be commonly used when talking about votes

Although the thread said the bigger problem for Corbyn was he brought out a massive amount of Tory voters. In the top 3 reasons for Tory voters voting was not wanting Corbyn

[Moulin Yarns]

Get up? It will be an all nighter for me.

Us oldies need our beauty sleep, and the constituencies I'm more interested in don't declare until after 5am

[grunt]

I don't think it's a typo, I think it's a reference to how a party's national percentage of votes is distributed among individual constituencies.
Thanks, good explanation, makes sense.

[grunt]

Well, no. It's an opinion.
Ok, my last post on the matter, as we will be driving the other posters mad.

You are correct insofar as what you think about what someone said is an opinion.

But what words someone used are a matter of fact, not opinion. So the SNP did not ask people to vote of them in order to avoid a supermajority. You may think that's what they meant, but they didn't say it. Fact, not opinion.

I'm glad we cleared that up.


It will be an all nighter for me.
Me too. We can chat all night! :greengrin

[Keith_M]

After criticising a Tory for playing the Race Card, I feel it is incumbent on me to highlight that Keir Starmer has... indirectly but probably on purpose... once again played the Anti-Semitism Card.

https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/national/24427511.starmer-watching-cheerleading-rather-friday-night-dinner---sunak/


What the Tories are trying to accuse him of is clearly nonsense, but this is a sad state of affairs.

[marinello59]

After criticising a Tory for playing the Race Card, I feel it is incumbent on me to highlight that Keir Starmer has... indirectly but probably on purpose... once again played the Anti-Semitism Card.

https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/national/24427511.starmer-watching-cheerleading-rather-friday-night-dinner---sunak/


What the Tories are trying to accuse him of is clearly nonsense, but this is a sad state of affairs.

I’m not sure what Starmer has done wrong there? :confused:

[marinello59]

Ok, my last post on the matter, as we will be driving the other posters mad.

You are correct insofar as what you think about what someone said is an opinion.

But what words someone used are a matter of fact, not opinion. So the SNP did not ask people to vote of them in order to avoid a supermajority. You may think that's what they meant, but they didn't say it. Fact, not opinion.

I'm glad we cleared that up.


Me too. We can chat all night! :greengrin

:greengrin

[Stairway 2 7]

After criticising a Tory for playing the Race Card, I feel it is incumbent on me to highlight that Keir Starmer has... indirectly but probably on purpose... once again played the Anti-Semitism Card.

https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/national/24427511.starmer-watching-cheerleading-rather-friday-night-dinner---sunak/


What the Tories are trying to accuse him of is clearly nonsense, but this is a sad state of affairs.

Starmer didn't play it he just said on a Friday night he doesn't work, I'm not sure how it's a story. Funny thing is multiple people have said he's a workaholic and a prick to work for with his demanding regime. He does seem he would be an erse at work, think it's the fake smile

[SteveHFC]

Hopefully this will be the last ever time we have the tories in charge of Westminster.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Hopefully this will be the last ever time we have the tories in charge of Westminster.

Would be even better never having to worry about who is in charge at Westminster again.

[weecounty hibby]

Hopefully this will be the last ever time we have the tories in charge of Westminster.

They'll be back in 10 years if not sooner. It may be a Tory/Reform hybrid, but they'll be back and very possibly with Farage in charge

[Pretty Boy]

They'll be back in 10 years if not sooner. It may be a Tory/Reform hybrid, but they'll be back and very possibly with Farage in charge

I'm not convinced. We'll certainly see a Tory government again but they are going to be seriously rejected across the UK tomorrow.

Reform are not to be dismissed but the right have a habit of gathering round a cause at election times in a way the left don't. They are usually pretty fragile arrangements though and when there is no defined goal they start to fall apart. Reform poll well in exactly the areas you expect Reform to poll well; however in much the same way Corbyn couldn't win an election dominating urban areas neither can they dominating in their enclaves.

The article linked to above written by Another Angry Voice paints a dystopian picture of a Labour government and I have no real enthusiasm for it, as I have no enthusiasm for any party politics right now. However the article, wholly unintentionally, does give me a small amount of guarded optimism. Starmer's support base is so fragile that from day one he is going to be held to account by traditional Labour voters. Those holding their noise and voting for him to get the Tories out. A political party needs that. We saw what happened to Labour in Scotland when they believed they could stick a red rosette on a monkey and win here, it's taken a generation to even be competitive again. The same is now arguably happening to the SNP. A bloody nose tomorrow will be no bad thing for them; they have known for over a decade that there are those who would vote for them regardless because the dangling carrot of independence was tantalisingly close. They went off on a range of tangents, enacted bad policy, got involved in bizarre coalitions, became obsessive about fringe issues and independence is a somewhat more distant dream for now. They are going to pay something of a price that.

Starmer has to be on it from his first day. He can't ignore the left when he's in power and you have to hope he is smart enough to know that. If he doesn't understand that then there is every chance we see some right wing hybrid in government in 5 years. If he gets it then there will be enough tweaks around the edges to keep him in power for longer than a single term.

[Hibrandenburg]

Hopefully this will be the last ever time we have the tories in charge of Westminster.

I'd like to think that but with Liz Truss likely to be reelected, it just shows how thick the British electorate can be.

[Northernhibee]

Good morning and happy Tories Out day everyone

[Ozyhibby]

I'm not convinced. We'll certainly see a Tory government again but they are going to be seriously rejected across the UK tomorrow.

Reform are not to be dismissed but the right have a habit of gathering round a cause at election times in a way the left don't. They are usually pretty fragile arrangements though and when there is no defined goal they start to fall apart. Reform poll well in exactly the areas you expect Reform to poll well; however in much the same way Corbyn couldn't win an election dominating urban areas neither can they dominating in their enclaves.

The article linked to above written by Another Angry Voice paints a dystopian picture of a Labour government and I have no real enthusiasm for it, as I have no enthusiasm for any party politics right now. However the article, wholly unintentionally, does give me a small amount of guarded optimism. Starmer's support base is so fragile that from day one he is going to be held to account by traditional Labour voters. Those holding their noise and voting for him to get the Tories out. A political party needs that. We saw what happened to Labour in Scotland when they believed they could stick a red rosette on a monkey and win here, it's taken a generation to even be competitive again. The same is now arguably happening to the SNP. A bloody nose tomorrow will be no bad thing for them; they have known for over a decade that there are those who would vote for them regardless because the dangling carrot of independence was tantalisingly close. They went off on a range of tangents, enacted bad policy, got involved in bizarre coalitions, became obsessive about fringe issues and independence is a somewhat more distant dream for now. They are going to pay something of a price that.

Starmer has to be on it from his first day. He can't ignore the left when he's in power and you have to hope he is smart enough to know that. If he doesn't understand that then there is every chance we see some right wing hybrid in government in 5 years. If he gets it then there will be enough tweaks around the edges to keep him in power for longer than a single term.

A generation you say?[emoji6][emoji23]


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[Stairway 2 7]

I'd like to think that but with Liz Truss likely to be reelected, it just shows how thick the British electorate can be.

I think it shows British are more willing to change than many places, she had a majority of 26,000, the fact her seat is being discussed is extraordinary. It a safe seat she was placed in and she's favourite to lose it, would be the first prime minister to lose a seat since 1935.

In the US Trump can sleep with prostitutes, get done with fraud and cause insurrection and most won't change the way they vote. Boris lost the country and his and his parties popularity plummeted when he chose to defend Owen Patterson and got a police warning for a covid birthday party.

It's a good thing that the populous is going to reject the right wing in the UK when most in Europe is about to do the opposite. 30% of Germany, Italy and France voting the far right shows how thick many countries can be. I think whilst fptp is terrible it shelters the UK from the far right winning seats, Reform will get a couple only. In the UK you basically have to win the middle swing voters if your going to win the election.

[marinello59]

Good morning and happy Tories Out day everyone

:greengrin

After the last election I thought Labour were at least two electoral cycles away from mounting any sort of serious challenge to the Tories. Like him or dislike him (I don’t think he generates enough passion to be loved or hated :greengrin ) he has done a remarkable job of turning things around. He may find that getting the Tories out was the easy bit, he will be in for a rough ride from day one. The honeymoon period ain’t gonna last long.

After saying that I hope the polling companies have it right. Geez, can you imagine waking up to see Sunak smiling and waving from the steps of number 10. :greengrin

[Ozyhibby]

:greengrin

After the last election I thought Labour were at least two electoral cycles away from mounting any sort of serious challenge to the Tories. Like him or dislike him (I don’t think he generates enough passion to be loved or hated :greengrin ) he has done a remarkable job of turning things around. He may find that getting the Tories out was the easy bit, he will be in for a rough ride from day one. The honeymoon period ain’t gonna last long.

After saying that I hope the polling companies have it right. Geez, can you imagine waking up to see Sunak smiling and waving from the steps of number 10. :greengrin

I’m not sure that much credit can be given to Starmer. He probably won’t increase the amount of people voting Labour. The Tory vote has just divided in two.
Corbyn or Michael Foot would win for Labour today.
The Labour offer today is the least exciting I’ve seen from a party about to win.


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[Hibrandenburg]

I think it shows British are more willing to change than many places, she had a majority of 26,000, the fact her seat is being discussed is extraordinary. It a safe seat she was placed in and she's favourite to lose it, would be the first prime minister to lose a seat since 1935.

In the US Trump can sleep with prostitutes, get done with fraud and cause insurrection and most won't change the way they vote. Boris lost the country and his and his parties popularity plummeted when he chose to defend Owen Patterson and got a police warning for a covid birthday party.

It's a good thing that the populous is going to reject the right wing in the UK when most in Europe is about to do the opposite. 30% of Germany, Italy and France voting the far right shows how thick many countries can be. I think whilst fptp is terrible it shelters the UK from the far right winning seats, Reform will get a couple only. In the UK you basically have to win the middle swing voters if your going to win the election.

Your points would be good ones if the UK hadn't been governed by a far right party since 2019 :greengrin

This current Tory manifestation is far right in all but name. The reason Sunak is so unpopular amongst his Tory colleagues is because he's too centrist. Anyone who considered UKIP to be far right in 2014 or the BNP to be far right in the 80's will find no trouble considering at least Boris Johnson's Tory party far right. If it walks, talks and acts like a fascist, chances are it's a fascist.

[JimBHibees]

The final day of campaigning is finally upon us. We already know Labour will win, it's down to by how much. The Tories and SNP are both going to go big today with a plea to vote for them to prevent the so called super majority. (It's not really a thing you have a working majority or you don't. The size of that makes no difference.) I will be disappointed if Ed Davey isn't fired from a cannon, other than that I'm not sure what he adds to things. Unless they go absolutely mad Labour will restrict themselves to saying they are taking nothing for granted and not much else. The Greens South of the border will continue to sound like they are talking more sense than anyone else whilst the Greens North of the border won't. All in all it looks like a dull day ahead.

Looking forward to Ed Davey sky diving from a plane to register his vote get blown off course and land in a tree miles away 😄

[JimBHibees]

https://news.stv.tv/politics/voter-who-hasnt-lived-in-uk-for-60-years-can-cast-ballot-in-general-election


I don't know what to say. 60 years living abroad but gets a vote.

Had no idea this was a thing absolutely bizarre. What the heck has this country become and no press coverage from our weak as a kitten biased media. Shameful

[JimBHibees]

Here's an example of Reform tactics:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRjiDoaXQAAKMPn?format=jpg&name=medium

Here's where the photo came from that was used in the post:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRjiJz8WMAAJbyf?format=jpg&name=large

What a truly despicable thing to do to an old lady

[JimBHibees]

Keir Starmer will win, but he's already on very thin ice (substack.com) (https://anotherangryvoice.substack.com/p/keir-starmer-win-but-thin-ice?r=1xa6fm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3mxhXyeg8Q6n34WNS3cnVqr HTbkkq60vRn4nNFbLVeLPxHWaWGe91xmAU_aem_NqkUnmMbXpa 3sZ_9g4_s4w&triedRedirect=true)

"4% of respondents said they're supporting Labour for the NHS, but the Nuffield trust have warned that Rachel Reeves' myopic penny-pinching is going to leave the NHS worse off than under Tory Austerity, and Starmers dreadful Health Minister Wes Streeting is already champing at the bit to carve the NHS open for even more Privatisation Profiteering.
If Labour follows through on this diabolical agenda, it's likely a lot of these pro-NHS Labour voters are going to be left feeling severely disappointed and betrayed"


ousting Blue conservatism for Red conservatism :agree: woopeeeee

Yep they are genuinely getting in because they are not tories or some of them anyway.

[Moulin Yarns]

:greengrin

After the last election I thought Labour were at least two electoral cycles away from mounting any sort of serious challenge to the Tories. Like him or dislike him (I don’t think he generates enough passion to be loved or hated :greengrin ) he has done a remarkable job of turning things around. He may find that getting the Tories out was the easy bit, he will be in for a rough ride from day one. The honeymoon period ain’t gonna last long.

After saying that I hope the polling companies have it right. Geez, can you imagine waking up to see Sunak smiling and waving from the steps of number 10. :greengrin

Wakening up? I thought you were pulling an alnighter. 🤣

[Just Alf]

Wakening up? I thought you were pulling an alnighter. [emoji1787]Waking up while still sitting on the couch .... like the rest of us :greengrin

[Wembley67]

Just been to vote and I found it highly amusing that in and around the polling station no-one makes eye contact. It's as if they know they are about to do something dirty :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

Just been to vote and I found it highly amusing that in and around the polling station no-one makes eye contact. It's as if they know they are about to do something dirty :greengrin

Yes it is a bit odd

[J-C]

Well I was met by two lovely smiling ladies, gave my old codgers bus pass as proof and put a massive X next to Tommy Sheppard's name. I think we'll lose some seats and votes as expected but will cone back again once folk realise Labour are just watered down Tories and nothing much will change.

[Hibernian Verse]

When can we expect the first exit polls?

[lapsedhibee]

When can we expect the first exit polls?

Results kept secret until 10 tonight, when real polls close.

[Stairway 2 7]

Your points would be good ones if the UK hadn't been governed by a far right party since 2019 :greengrin

This current Tory manifestation is far right in all but name. The reason Sunak is so unpopular amongst his Tory colleagues is because he's too centrist. Anyone who considered UKIP to be far right in 2014 or the BNP to be far right in the 80's will find no trouble considering at least Boris Johnson's Tory party far right. If it walks, talks and acts like a fascist, chances are it's a fascist.

Your point would be good if we weren't about to vote to the left in a landslide. Doesn't fit doomsayers narrative but Britain being one of the few countries voting to the left is a good thing, the centre is getting beat by the right everywhere.

[Pretty Boy]

When can we expect the first exit polls?

Just after 10. It's usually the first headline on the News at Ten.

I was second in line at my polling station this morning. 'None of the above' written at the bottom of my paper and off to work I went.

[DaveF]

Your point would be good if we weren't about to vote to the left in a landslide. Doesn't fit doomsayers narrative but Britain being one of the few countries voting to the left is a good thing, the centre is getting beat by the right everywhere.

I'd say the country is voting for a centre party. To describe this Labour party as 'left' is quite the leap.

[Stairway 2 7]

I’m not sure that much credit can be given to Starmer. He probably won’t increase the amount of people voting Labour. The Tory vote has just divided in two.
Corbyn or Michael Foot would win for Labour today.
The Labour offer today is the least exciting I’ve seen from a party about to win.


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Nah. As has been said Corbyn got massive numbers but concentrated in hardly any seats, no point getting millions in London but few in the rest. Also he got the middle and the right out in massive numbers to vote for anyone but him. Go to far left or right in the UK and you lose the middle thanks to outdated FPTP. It's why in my lifetime we've went from Blair to Cameron to Starmer in a merry-go-round of beige

https://x.com/jburnmurdoch/status/1808242893146280025
John Burn-Murdoch
@jburnmurdoch
It can be easy to forget quite how central Corbyn was to Labour’s defeat in 2019.

The single biggest reason people gave for why they switched directly from Labour to the Tories in 2019 (1.4 million did this) was that they didn’t want Corbyn to be PM

[grunt]

I was second in line at my polling station this morning. 'None of the above' written at the bottom of my paper and off to work I went.
Personal opinion - that's a wasted vote. Disappointing to find an intelligent poster doing this.

[Stairway 2 7]

I'd say the country is voting for a centre party. To describe this Labour party as 'left' is quite the leap.

To the left. I always say Starmer is centre to centre right. He's clearly to the left of this conservative administration and miles left of AFD and le Rassemblement National

[Pagan Hibernia]

Personal opinion - that's a wasted vote. Disappointing to find an intelligent poster doing this.

Why?

I'll never understand why people who don't like the policies of anyone on the ballot paper are made to feel obligated to vote.

Why should he give a mandate to someone he doesn't want just for the sake of voting?

[Stairway 2 7]

Why?

I'll never understand why people who don't like the policies of anyone on the ballot paper are made to feel obligated to vote.

Why should he give a mandate to someone he doesn't want just for the sake of voting?
Indeed it's a democratic right not to be forced to vote for someone you don't want.

[lapsedhibee]

Your point would be good if we weren't about to vote to the left in a landslide.

Tory voters have been known to lie about their intentions. If it ends up that Labour gets 39% of the vote and the Tories and Reform between them 38%, don't you think this 'landslide for the left' chat (not just you - will be repeated by all the MSM) will be a tad off? It's just a quirk of the totally crap electoral system we share with (I think) Hungary and Belarus.

[Paul1642]

Personal opinion - that's a wasted vote. Disappointing to find an intelligent poster doing this.

No such thing as a wasted vote unless you don’t turn up at all. Everyone can do as they please in the voting booth but tactical voting and / or voting for the best of those who actually have a chance doesn’t suit me. I’ll always vote for who I actually want to win, even if they are going to creep in with 1% of the vote. None of the above really would be the best option on the current ballot paper although I voted what was imo the least worst candidate.

[marinello59]

Wakening up? I thought you were pulling an alnighter. 🤣

Oh I am. I will be watching the horror unfold until a result is declared. :greengrin

[Paul1642]

Tory voters have been known to lie about their intentions. If it ends up that Labour gets 39% of the vote and the Tories and Reform between them 38%, don't you think this 'landslide for the left' chat (not just you - will be repeated by all the MSM) will be a tad off? It's just a quirk of the totally crap electoral system we share with (I think) Hungary and Belarus.

It really is a crap electoral system. Electoral calculus has the following predictions.

Lib Dem’s - 11% of votes - 67 seats
Reform - 16.4% of votes - 7 seats
SNP - 3.1% of votes - 19 seats


I don’t for a minute endorse reform in any way however disregarding the politics that’s pretty crazy in terms of the over / under representation of parties based on where their votes come from.

If a good party who I could really get behind were in Reforms electoral position I’d be pretty pissed.

[marinello59]

I'd say the country is voting for a centre party. To describe this Labour party as 'left' is quite the leap.

People describe the SNP as left as well, take out the constitution and there really isn’t much difference.
I’d describe them both as right wing from my viewpoint. :greengrin

[grunt]

Why?
I have to say it's a view I've held for a long time - and I haven't really examined why I think this way, so it's a fair question.

Top of my head some quick thoughts:


If everyone who is as demonstrably sensible and caring and thoughtful as PB didn't vote, we'd get the Tories back in
I do a little genealogy, and you dont have to go back very far to find ancestors who didn't have the vote - under 100 years for women, just over 100 years for the wider male population. So there's a part of me that thinks it's disrespectful to them not to use it
There's seldom a party with whom you will agree with everything they stand for so I think people should vote for those parties who fit the majority of their aspirations - so I think "none of the above" is a bit precious
I think it's a civic duty to vote
I think you're letting down the next generation if you allow disagreeable or corrupt parties to get power (personally I'd struggle to answer the "who did you vote for Daddy?" question)

Don't get me wrong, it's everyone's right to vote or not to vote. I was simply expressing an opinion on something which I'll admit I haven't a good, considered well thought through answer for.

[marinello59]

Tory voters have been known to lie about their intentions. If it ends up that Labour gets 39% of the vote and the Tories and Reform between them 38%, don't you think this 'landslide for the left' chat (not just you - will be repeated by all the MSM) will be a tad off? It's just a quirk of the totally crap electoral system we share with (I think) Hungary and Belarus.

The SNP 48 out of 59 seats in 2019 with 45% of the vote. There were no complaints about the electoral system here or describing the victory as a landslide then. :greengrin

[Ozyhibby]

It really is a crap electoral system. Electoral calculus has the following predictions.

Lib Dem’s - 11% of votes - 67 seats
Reform - 16.4% of votes - 7 seats
SNP - 3.1% of votes - 19 seats


I don’t for a minute endorse reform in any way however disregarding the politics that’s pretty crazy in terms of the over / under representation of parties based on where their votes come from.

If a good party who I could really get behind were in Reforms electoral position I’d be pretty pissed.

3% of mp’s is 19 so the SNP is spot on.


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[grunt]

No such thing as a wasted vote unless you don’t turn up at all.
What's the effective difference between that and spoiling your ballot paper?

[marinello59]

I have to say it's a view I've held for a long time - and I haven't really examined why I think this way, so it's a fair question.

Top of my head some quick thoughts:


If everyone who is as demonstrably sensible and caring and thoughtful as PB didn't vote, we'd get the Tories back in
I do a little genealogy, and you dont have to go back very far to find ancestors who didn't have the vote - under 100 years for women, just over 100 years for the wider male population. So there's a part of me that thinks it's disrespectful to them not to use it
There's seldom a party with whom you will agree with everything they stand for so I think people should vote for those parties who fit the majority of their aspirations - so I think "none of the above" is a bit precious
I think it's a civic duty to vote
I think you're letting down the next generation if you allow disagreeable or corrupt parties to get power (personally I'd struggle to answer the "who did you vote for Daddy?" question)

Don't get me wrong, it's everyone's right to vote or not to vote. I was simply expressing an opinion on something which I'll admit I haven't a good, considered well thought through answer for.

Looks like a well thought out answer there. I don’t agree with everything there but I get what you are saying and why.

[Pretty Boy]

Personal opinion - that's a wasted vote. Disappointing to find an intelligent poster doing this.

It's a point of principle for me.

I'm a socialist (or a democratic socialist who likes some of the principles of Christian socialism if you want to be picky). I don't expect any party to entirely align with my views but there comes a point when I'm completely unwilling to abandon huge chunks of what I believe just to vote for the least bad option. If I lived in a marginal seat then I might have reconsidered but I don't, only 2 parties can win and they just about fall into the least bad category.

I'm not against the concept of Scottish independence but I'm not a dyed in the wool nationalist who votes for a party solely because they are the best vehicle for such (had the SSP been given a more prominent position post 2014 I would have voted for them as a means of showing support for socialism and tentative support for independence). The SNP have thrown a few Scandi inspired social ideas into the mix but on the big economic issues they aren't close to being far enough left for me. Whilst the current Labour Party are something of an improvement on the Tories and have a few sops to the left it would be stretch to call them left wing and I think the leadership would have collective heart attacks if there was even a suggestion they were socialists. If the Greens got back to being committed to environmental policy and move on from the Harvie and Slater ego trip then I could be tempted by them in the future.

I find myself increasingly drawn to the more radical ideas that party politics is an illusion of choice, one in which there is a shuffling of deck chairs but a wider system ensures that meaningful change is impossible. As such I've chosen not to fully engage with that. I've registered my dissatisfaction and played a part in ensuring that 'low voter turnout' can't be blamed for the result by whoever does the worst. I'm comfortable with my decision, if others feel differently and are either happy with the status quo or feel the manifestos on offer offer the change they are looking for then that's for them to decide.

[lapsedhibee]

The SNP 48 out of 59 seats in 2019 with 45% of the vote. There were no complaints about the electoral system here or describing the victory as a landslide then. :greengrin

Was a nonsensical description then, will be nonsensical again tomorrow.

[DaveF]

People describe the SNP as left as well, take out the constitution and there really isn’t much difference.
I’d describe them both as right wing from my viewpoint. :greengrin

Why bring the SNP into this? They are not forming the next govt.

Are you Douglas Ross 😃

[Stairway 2 7]

Tory voters have been known to lie about their intentions. If it ends up that Labour gets 39% of the vote and the Tories and Reform between them 38%, don't you think this 'landslide for the left' chat (not just you - will be repeated by all the MSM) will be a tad off? It's just a quirk of the totally crap electoral system we share with (I think) Hungary and Belarus.

Your choosing to ignore about 25% will vote for SNP, Green, Lib Dems and PC ect why just reform, if it was proportional representation it would be an easy majority for a left alliance. I think conservative and reform numbers will be much lower also as many won't vote. It would be a clear victory with PR or FPTP. I used landslide as that's the language used at every electionl.

[marinello59]

Why bring the SNP into this? They are not forming the next govt.

Are you Douglas Ross 😃

Damn , cover blown. Yes I am and I’ve done a pretty good job of wrecking the Tory party in Scotland. Awaiting my next mission. :greengrin

[lapsedhibee]

Your choosing to ignore about 25% will vote for SNP, Green, Lib Dems and PC ect why just reform, if it was proportional representation it would be an easy majority for a left alliance. I think conservative and reform numbers will be much lower also as many won't vote. It would be a clear victory with PR or FPTP. I used landslide as that's the language used at every electionl.

Hope so but where exit polls have been wrong in the past they've been wrong in underestimating the actual Tory vote. As if perhaps Tory voters not only lie about their intentions beforehand but also lie on their way out of polling stations. I wouldn't be that shocked to wake up to headlines like 'Farage wins stunning victory in Clacton by record margin', 'No Portillo moments materialised' etc etc etc.

[Kato]

Hope so but where exit polls have been wrong in the past they've been wrong in underestimating the actual Tory vote. As if perhaps Tory voters not only lie about their intentions beforehand but also lie on their way out of polling stations. I wouldn't be that shocked to wake up to headlines like 'Farage wins stunning victory in Clacton by record margin', 'No Portillo moments materialised' etc etc etc.Saw an interview last night in which a bloke slated the Tories, called them out for everything them admitted he had already submitted his postal vote - for the Conservative Party.

I can't envisage the mental gymnastics required for that or how he imagines more of what we have had for another 5 years is the way to go.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[Paul1642]

3% of mp’s is 19 so the SNP is spot on.


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Correct however 16.4% would be around 106. Quite the raw deal you could argue.

[Stairway 2 7]

Hope so but where exit polls have been wrong in the past they've been wrong in underestimating the actual Tory vote. As if perhaps Tory voters not only lie about their intentions beforehand but also lie on their way out of polling stations. I wouldn't be that shocked to wake up to headlines like 'Farage wins stunning victory in Clacton by record margin', 'No Portillo moments materialised' etc etc etc.

Not tories reform. About 30% of voters who say they will vote reform say they probably won't vote when polled, I also think turn out will be low for Tory voters. Even the massive polls of the last few days have all the left parties miles ahead of tory/reform. Tories are 6/1 to get more than 150 seats if your fancy a flutter and that would still be a trouncing

[weecounty hibby]

Damn , cover blown. Yes I am and I’ve done a pretty good job of wrecking the Tory party in Scotland. Awaiting my next mission. :greengrin

Can you do Labour next please 😆

[Stairway 2 7]

Correct however 16.4% would be around 106. Quite the raw deal you could argue.

FPTP means the extreme right and left have no chance in the UK, so we just get pass the ball on our wee shift left and right of centre

[marinello59]

Can you do Labour next please 😆

:greengrin

[overdrive]

What's the effective difference between that and spoiling your ballot paper?

It gets recorded. Folk not voting at all could be for any number of reasons. Forgot, doesn’t care about politics, apathy, emergency came up at home.

Spoiling the paper is deliberate and makes a point.

I’m actually pretty annoyed at the signs in the polling station that pretty much tell you not to spoil your paper. It is your democratic right to.

I voted this morning through gritted teeth. The candidate I voted for only got it because of their party. Can’t stand the candidate on any level.

[Hibrandenburg]

Your point would be good if we weren't about to vote to the left in a landslide. Doesn't fit doomsayers narrative but Britain being one of the few countries voting to the left is a good thing, the centre is getting beat by the right everywhere.

The UK is probably ahead of the game and now swinging back to the centre after voting in a far right government at the last election. From the countries you mentioned, only Italy has voted in a far right government thus far and I'm not convinced they're as far right as the Tories were.

Anyway, hopefully after today they're bound for the political scrapheap.

[grunt]

https://youtube.com/shorts/dbHzGUc2eT0?si=JrOsMlnmPAFrwA9L

[Andy Bee]

Personal opinion - that's a wasted vote. Disappointing to find an intelligent poster doing this.

It'll go down as a spoiled ballot, Allan Petrie has ran a campaign on putting "Not my Parliament" on the ballot so it could be quite interesting if the number of spoiled ballots are higher than normal.

[grunt]

It gets recorded.
Hence why I asked what was the effective difference. It gets recorded and read out by the presiding officer. A footnote in the election history. Otherwise no effective difference.

[weecounty hibby]

It'll go down as a spoiled ballot, Allan Petrie has ran a campaign on putting "Not my Parliament" on the ballot so it could be quite interesting if the number of spoiled ballots are higher than normal.
But they won't read that out. All it will go down as is a spoilt ballot. You could write anything you want but it won't be read out

[Colr]

But they won't read that out. All it will go down as is a spoilt ballot. You could write anything you want but it won't be read out

It isn’r read out but the presiding officer reads each one with the candidates or their agents to agree whether its spoiled or whether a clear choice has been indicated.

[Hibbyradge]

I’m not sure that much credit can be given to Starmer. He probably won’t increase the amount of people voting Labour. The Tory vote has just divided in two.
Corbyn or Michael Foot would win for Labour today.
The Labour offer today is the least exciting I’ve seen from a party about to win.


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Corbyn got 32% of the vote in 2019.

Starmer will definitely increase that substantially.

[Moulin Yarns]

It isn’r read out but the presiding officer reads each one with the candidates or their agents to agree whether its spoiled or whether a clear choice has been indicated.

Pretty sure the retuning officer says how many spoilt papers there were. Not that anyone is paying attention to that.

[overdrive]

Hence why I asked what was the effective difference. It gets recorded and read out by the presiding officer. A footnote in the election history. Otherwise no effective difference.

It records that someone is more than likely dissatisfied (there will be a few who genuinely arse up their ballot like voting for two candidates). The number of folk who do it is low, so you are right it won’t make a difference. If more folk did, it might make the political class take notice of it.

Likewise, not turning up to vote and turning up but voting Reform or SSP in most Scottish seats where they are standing could be argued to be no effective difference. Same for any safe seat where you vote for someone other than the incumbent. Surely nobody is arguing folk in those case shouldn’t bother voting?

I’ve worked at election counts before in roles varying from counter to various management positions. The doubtful papers get shown to the candidates for them to agree what happens with them. That in itself is a useful democratic exercise.

[overdrive]

Pretty sure the retuning officer says how many spoilt papers there were. Not that anyone is paying attention to that.

Nope he’s right. Before the RO reads it out (the result including spoiled papers), they (or one of their management team) does as was outlined. It was always my highlight of working the counts to see the candidates’ faces at some of the comments.

Edit: my ballot will be one that gets shown to them tonight as I’ve left a message on it for the guy I’ve voted for. I’ve done it in such a way that my vote will be counted for who I’ve voted for rather than being classed as a spoiled paper

[Andy Bee]

But they won't read that out. All it will go down as is a spoilt ballot. You could write anything you want but it won't be read out


I know, I don't agree with it and it'd only be effective if done in huge numbers but I understand why people feel the need to do it. I'm pretty close to it myself but I think I'll just vote and then book a therapist to deal with the feelings of violation over the coming weeks. :greengrin

[DaveF]

I didn't realise that the labour candidate for my area, while born and raised in Falkirk, now works and resides in London.

He's only willing to move up here if he wins.

That's good commitment to his would be constituents....

[Moulin Yarns]

I didn't realise that the labour candidate for my area, while born and raised in Falkirk, now works and resides in London.

He's only willing to move up here if he wins.

That's good commitment to his would be constituents....

My labour candidate is even further south as a sitting councillor in Canterbury.

[Pagan Hibernia]

But they won't read that out. All it will go down as is a spoilt ballot. You could write anything you want but it won't be read out

I used to draw a cock and balls on mine in the hope that at the very least it might give the vote counter a giggle on a long night

[overdrive]

I used to draw a cock and balls on mine in the hope that at the very least it might give the vote counter a giggle on a long night

I salute you! Stuff like that made the night a bit more pleasant.

[Moulin Yarns]

My labour candidate is even further south as a sitting councillor in Canterbury.

There's also an independent candidate

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Pe%C3%B1a


https://danpenaforscotland.co.uk/manifesto-for-change/

[overdrive]

There's also an independent candidate

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Pe%C3%B1a


https://danpenaforscotland.co.uk/manifesto-for-change/

Wow. Watched two minutes of his YouTube video and he’s already said the people of the constituency are illiterate.

Edit: now the questions people ask him are “moronic”. He does realise that’s probably not going to help get him elected?

[lapsedhibee]

Saw an interview last night in which a bloke slated the Tories, called them out for everything them admitted he had already submitted his postal vote - for the Conservative Party.

Was it Stephen Barclay (https://www.indy100.com/news/brexit-secretary-stephen-barclay-article-50-extension-vote-eu-deal-8824501)?

[overdrive]

Wow. Watched two minutes of his YouTube video and he’s already said the people of the constituency are illiterate.

Edit: now the questions people ask him are “moronic”. He does realise that’s probably not going to help get him elected?

This guy makes Trump look like a perfectly sensible politician :greengrin. I don’t think he gets Scottish or UK politics.

He mocks the stuff people have told him is important as “there’s nae money tae dae anything” (his words) then lists a whole load of things he wants that, you know, probably costs money!

[Moulin Yarns]

This guy makes Trump look like a perfectly sensible politician :greengrin. I don’t think he gets Scottish or UK politics.

He mocks the stuff people have told him is important as “there’s nae money tae dae anything” (his words) then lists a whole load of things he wants that, you know, probably costs money!

I've not watched but his printed stuff is enough to make me think he would give trump and farage a run for their money.

[overdrive]

I've not watched but his printed stuff is enough to make me think he would give trump and farage a run for their money.

Why is he sending out leaflets when he thinks that you’re all illiterate morons? The comments on the video are downright scary. There are folk that actually agree with him.

[Jay]

Just after 10. It's usually the first headline on the News at Ten.

I was second in line at my polling station this morning. 'None of the above' written at the bottom of my paper and off to work I went.

I'm not sure the person who actually reads your vote will give a flying one to be honest. Seems a total waste of time

I didn't realise that the labour candidate for my area, while born and raised in Falkirk, now works and resides in London.

He's only willing to move up here if he wins.

That's good commitment to his would be constituents....

I have the same candidate. I was taken aback when I noticed, more wondering why we don't have anyone more local when we used to be a strong labour seat I don't mind that he will only move if he wins though.

[marinello59]

I didn't realise that the labour candidate for my area, while born and raised in Falkirk, now works and resides in London.

He's only willing to move up here if he wins.

That's good commitment to his would be constituents....


My labour candidate is even further south as a sitting councillor in Canterbury.

Two stick on Labour voters lost then because the candidate doesn't have a local address. :greengrin

It's always been like that , candidates from all parties standing in a constituency they don't actually live in and only moving when they've got the job they have interviewed for. It's only a problem if they get the job then don't move up, if they don't they won't last long. Winston Churchill was practically run out of town after his spell as Dundee's MP.

I lived in a rural NE seat for few years and we got stuck with some banker dude from Edinburgh who only moved up when he got the gig. Turned out to be a real nutter as well, think he leads Alba now. :greengrin

[lapsedhibee]

Winston Churchill was practically run out of town after his spell as Dundee's MP.

As with the current PM, unnecessary use of lavish transport for official business cost him support. (Not helicopters though.)

27999

[Pretty Boy]

I'm not sure the person who actually reads your vote will give a flying one to be honest. Seems a total waste of time


I have the same candidate. I was taken aback when I noticed, more wondering why we don't have anyone more local when we used to be a strong labour seat I don't mind that he will only move if he wins though.

I'm sure they won't but it's a decision made with my conscience and I'd rather my dissatisfaction was officially recorded, however irrelevant or meaningless that is, than be passed off as someone who just couldn't be bothered to walk to the polling station. In that respect I don't regard it as a waste of time, others are entitled to view it as they wish.

Watching Starmer's sycophantic thank you to the Sun last night pretty much summed up this election campaign for me and cemented that I am doing the right thing, for me.

[Kato]

Was it Stephen Barclay (https://www.indy100.com/news/brexit-secretary-stephen-barclay-article-50-extension-vote-eu-deal-8824501)?...the same ilk.


Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[Moulin Yarns]

Why is he sending out leaflets when he thinks that you’re all illiterate morons? The comments on the video are downright scary. There are folk that actually agree with him.

I'm guessing that video is from a meeting he held not long before Sunk announced the election, he hadn't decided to stand at that point.

[Moulin Yarns]

Two stick on Labour voters lost then because the candidate doesn't have a local address. :greengrin

It's always been like that , candidates from all parties standing in a constituency they don't actually live in and only moving when they've got the job they have interviewed for. It's only a problem if they get the job then don't move up, if they don't they won't last long. Winston Churchill was practically run out of town after his spell as Dundee's MP.

I lived in a rural NE seat for few years and we got stuck with some banker dude from Edinburgh who only moved up when he got the gig. Turned out to be a real nutter as well, think he leads Alba now. :greengrin

After I pointed it out a month ago I then thought about it, and most of the time they are at Westminster, so Canterbury is close enough to commute and constituency surgeries are held at the weekend so she can stay in a travelodge at the weekends. 🤣 Biggest problem is complete lack of knowledge of the constituency which stretches from Rannoch Moor to Arbroath.

[Bristolhibby]

Super majority makes no sense, a majority is a majority in uk politics

It means internal Labour strife can be ignored.

Blair was asked how he dealt with rebels in 1997. He ignored them, he didn’t need their votes.

Starmer can do whatever he pleases come Friday.

Remember the coalition, or the grubby DUP deal that May needed. Or the chaotic Brexit voting?

J

[Bristolhibby]

Last Survation megapoll has just six seats difference between Tories and Lib Dem’s for the official opposition.

Please, please!!

🙏🏻

J

[DaveF]

Two stick on Labour voters lost then because the candidate doesn't have a local address. :greengrin


A couple more than that, not that it really matters.

I have my daughter's vote (she is abroad) and she was initially voting Labour but the fact he wasn't local annoyed her. And you don't want to annoy her 😂

[Jack]

A couple more than that, not that it really matters.

I have my daughter's vote (she is abroad) and she was initially voting Labour but the fact he wasn't local annoyed her. And you don't want to annoy her 😂

As a dad I thought it was our duty to annoy our daughters.

Maybe I'm just a bad dad!

[overdrive]

I'm guessing that video is from a meeting he held not long before Sunk announced the election, he hadn't decided to stand at that point.

No, it is after he becomes an official candidate. He’s sat on his own flanked by a saltire and union flag and basically has a rant for almost an hour and a quarter about how everyone in his constituency is an illiterate moron who doesn’t understand economics and asks stupid questions of him. “We have nae money so stop wanting stuff” is his cry. Except of course, the vague things he wants like “look after pensioners” and “stopping immigrants”. Ironic given he appears to be one. Seems to want all public services scrapped but then moans about pot holes. I only got 25 mins in. I assume it is similar for the rest.

https://youtu.be/5R_MXihplHA?si=T4ES1JQNgU8F7bNI

[Jay]

A couple more than that, not that it really matters.

I have my daughter's vote (she is abroad) and she was initially voting Labour but the fact he wasn't local annoyed her. And you don't want to annoy her 😂

He was born and raised in Falkirk. Moved for work. Has worked in supporting affordable housing and campaigning to stop privatisation of the nhs.

[greenlex]

I'm not sure the person who actually reads your vote will give a flying one to be honest. Seems a total waste of time


I have the same candidate. I was taken aback when I noticed, more wondering why we don't have anyone more local when we used to be a strong labour seat I don't mind that he will only move if he wins though.
Same candidate here but it does bother me he will move if he wins. He’s a politician and they’re not averse to say anything to get elected but once they are they are untouchable.

[Jay]

Same candidate here but it does bother me he will move if he wins. He’s a politician and they’re not averse to say anything to get elected but once they are they are untouchable.

I get that but why would he move if he didn't win? Or before he gets the job?

[Ozyhibby]

I'm sure they won't but it's a decision made with my conscience and I'd rather my dissatisfaction was officially recorded, however irrelevant or meaningless that is, than be passed off as someone who just couldn't be bothered to walk to the polling station. In that respect I don't regard it as a waste of time, others are entitled to view it as they wish.

Watching Starmer's sycophantic thank you to the Sun last night pretty much summed up this election campaign for me and cemented that I am doing the right thing, for me.

Given how specific your political leanings are I think that unless you stand yourself then you’ll spend the rest of your days without ever voting for anything.
I’m a member of the SNP but there is no way I could ever support everyone of their policies. That’s just the way it is.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DaveF]

I get that but why would he move if he didn't win? Or before he gets the job?

Being an MP isn't or should not be treated like any other job though, but nowadays it seems that it is. I'd rather have an MP who was invested in their local area.

[greenlex]

I get that but why would he move if he didn't win? Or before he gets the job?
He wouldn’t move if he didn’t win that’s a given. It’s whether he would actually do it if he did win that I’m questioning. Politicians promises etc. I think an MP should be a local representative and not a career politician parachuted in to a safe seat to keep their career on track. Self interest above local issues is quite blatant in that circumstance. If they want to move the other way to be closer to parliament once elected then that’s quite acceptable. All IMO of course.

[overdrive]

He wouldn’t move if he didn’t win that’s a given. It’s whether he would actually do it if he did win that I’m questioning. Politicians promises etc. I think an MP should be a local representative and not a career politician parachuted in to a safe seat to keep their career on track. Self interest above local issues is quite blatant in that circumstance. If they want to move the other way to be closer to parliament once elected then that’s quite acceptable. All IMO of course.

I kind of agree but what if there wasn't anyone in the area wanting to stand?

[Pretty Boy]

Given how specific your political leanings are I think that unless you stand yourself then you’ll spend the rest of your days without ever voting for anything.
I’m a member of the SNP but there is no way I could ever support everyone of their policies. That’s just the way it is.


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I don't think wanting a democratic socialist party is unreasonably specific. We had one for over a century and they are hardly a rarity across northern Europe. They are even quite successful in some places with a considerably higher standard of living than we enjoy.

I don't expect to agree with every policy, that's unrealistic. I want a party that broadly aligns with my core views and none of those standing in my constituency do. As I've said had the SSP/TUSC stood a candidate then I would have voted for them. I voted for Labour twice under Corbyn despite disagreeing with him on a fair few issues.

[marinello59]

He wouldn’t move if he didn’t win that’s a given. It’s whether he would actually do it if he did win that I’m questioning. Politicians promises etc. I think an MP should be a local representative and not a career politician parachuted in to a safe seat to keep their career on track. Self interest above local issues is quite blatant in that circumstance. If they want to move the other way to be closer to parliament once elected then that’s quite acceptable. All IMO of course.


You live in a safe Labour seat? Is this guy a career politician who needs to keep his career on track? And was he parachuted in or selected as the best candidate who put themselves forward? Under your criteria Salmond among many other very capable politicians would never have got started.
I agree, ideally you would go with someone local but that doesn't mean restricting the talent pool if a more than capable candidate applies for consideration. They may be bringing valuable expertise and knowledge with them that others don't have. If they have done their research before selection then they will surely demonstrate a degree of local knowledge during the selection process as well. With that in mind demanding that a candidate give up their current employment and move home before being actually given the job by the electorate seems unreasonable. Only the really wealthy could afford to do that, people living in the real world simply couldn't. And we need more politicians who have lived in the real world don't we?

As an aside, how on earth have we all been sucked down this particular rabbit hole. :greengrin

[lapsedhibee]

When can we expect the first exit polls?


Just after 10. It's usually the first headline on the News at Ten.

What happens after that depends on what TV channel you're watching.

Ch 4:
10.00 Exit poll
10.01 Dorries explains that the result was an inevitable consequence of the Tories getting rid of her Boris.
10.02 Dorries loses her seat. Combination of overexuberance at being proved right and having been on the gin all day.

BBC:
10.00 Exit poll
10.01 Kuenssberg sheds actual tears.

[marinello59]

What happens after that depends on what TV channel you're watching.

Ch 4:
10.00 Exit poll
10.01 Dorries explains that the result was an inevitable consequence of the Tories getting rid of her Boris.
10.02 Dorries loses her seat. Combination of overexuberance at being proved right and having been on the gin all day.

BBC:
10.00 Exit poll
10.01 Kuenssberg sheds actual tears.

Awww man. No spoilers please. :boo hoo:

[wookie70]

I don't think wanting a democratic socialist party is unreasonably specific. We had one for over a century and they are hardly a rarity across northern Europe. They are even quite successful in some places with a considerably higher standard of living than we enjoy.

I don't expect to agree with every policy, that's unrealistic. I want a party that broadly aligns with my core views and none of those standing in my constituency do. As I've said had the SSP/TUSC stood a candidate then I would have voted for them. I voted for Labour twice under Corbyn despite disagreeing with him on a fair few issues.

My leanings are similar to yours. None of the above has been my most popular vote since the turn of the Century. I voted SNP solely in teh hope that we may eventually get self rule and that should mean I have the opportunity to vote for a Labour Party or similar that at least comes close to my politics. There was no-one on that ballot that was remotely close which just shows how far to the right the UK has moved. You can tell that by the utter shambles the UK is.

[jamie_1875]

Ex FM Humza Yousaf lives in Dundee but represents Glasgow. Doesn't seem to be an issue, at least the Labour guy will move to the area if he wins.

[Northernhibee]

I'm sure they won't but it's a decision made with my conscience and I'd rather my dissatisfaction was officially recorded, however irrelevant or meaningless that is, than be passed off as someone who just couldn't be bothered to walk to the polling station. In that respect I don't regard it as a waste of time, others are entitled to view it as they wish.

Watching Starmer's sycophantic thank you to the Sun last night pretty much summed up this election campaign for me and cemented that I am doing the right thing, for me.

It's an interesting one because I did one of those online surveys where you agree or disagree with a whole load of statements and policies that they put in front of you, and I came out as slightly left of centre and slightly inclined towards Scottish nationalism, but only just.

When it put me on the political compass with where all the parties are, there wasn't a party even close to where I was. Lib Dems closest, Alba second (and they hold no interest to me whatsoever) but both a mile away. I'm going against the grain somewhat in that I quite like Starmer and think he's done a good job in his election campaign to brush off any attempts to make muck stick, but needed to offer a little bit more hope in amongst it all.

In the end, I voted for our SNP MP as it's a largely safe seat that the Tories stand no chance in. Our MP has been very good at the times I've contacted him and he does spend time in the area. I don't like what the SNP has been like in Westminster under Flynn (I don't see him as a serious grown up politician), and Swinney is not long in the job so tough to judge if his influence can change that, so even that had a degree of holding my nose. I didn't know where my cross was going even walking into the booth.

If it was to be a close call in Westminster as to who gets into power, or if there was a danger of the Tories getting in here I'd 100% have voted tactically to keep the Tories out.

[DaveF]

Ex FM Humza Yousaf lives in Dundee but represents Glasgow. Doesn't seem to be an issue, at least the Labour guy will move to the area if he wins.

Good to see your search engine is working again as it was obviously broken when I asked you previously about trade unions not supporting the Labour manifesto 😃

[Pretty Boy]

My leanings are similar to yours. None of the above has been my most popular vote since the turn of the Century. I voted SNP solely in teh hope that we may eventually get self rule and that should mean I have the opportunity to vote for a Labour Party or similar that at least comes close to my politics. There was no-one on that ballot that was remotely close which just shows how far to the right the UK has moved. You can tell that by the utter shambles the UK is.

I often avoid discussing politics now (I know the last couple of pages of this thread suggests otherwise) because I find it all very disheartening.

My views aren't some student union revolutionary dreamer bull****, they were pretty mainstream a decade or 2 ago. I haven't really shifted political position in my adult life but the political spirit level has become so tilted to the right (hence why the 2 major 'left' options on the ballot in Scotland aren't really anything of the sort) that even people I know who are self identified left wingers and thoroughly decent people now seem to regard me as a weirdo extremist with niche views.

It's not a case of dogma for dogmas sake or an outright refusal to compromise but surely everyone has a line that they just won't cross? For me this election is where that line was drawn.

[Ozyhibby]

I often avoid discussing politics now (I know the last couple of pages of this thread suggests otherwise) because I find it all very disheartening.

My views aren't some student union revolutionary dreamer bull****, they were pretty mainstream a decade or 2 ago. I haven't really shifted political position in my adult life but the political spirit level has become so tilted to the right (hence why the 2 major 'left' options on the ballot in Scotland aren't really anything do the sort) that even people I know who are self identified left wingers and thoroughly decent people now seem to regard me as a weirdo extremist with niche views.

It's not a case of dogma for dogmas sake or an outright refusal to compromise but surely everyone has a line that they just won't cross? For me this election is where that line was drawn.

I would say find the end of the spirit level that suits you and start tilting it the way you want. That’s the only way it moves.


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[Keith_M]

So, has everybody voted?


😁

[Northernhibee]

So, election night scran. What’s everyone got?

I’ve got:

Chicken tenders
Morrisons chicken nachos from their pizza section that look decent
Pack of Haribo Tangfastics
Dairy Milk
Salt and vinegar Squares
Jumbo Flumps
Cherry Pepsi Max
Alcohol free Guinness

[H18 SFR]

Before I flew out on holiday I was doing some work with the local Labour Party. Worrying texts doing the rounds that the exit polls are not as good as hoped across the 100 target seats.

Perhaps a last min change of heart from folk voting Tory.

[marinello59]

So, has everybody voted?


😁

Yeap. I don’t know how it started but I always go to the polling station about 6pm. It can’t be superstition, I rarely vote for a winning candidate and the last time I did they were suspended by their party within weeks of the election and disappeared from view. I do sometimes wonder if democracy really is for me. :greengrin

[Andy Bee]

So, has everybody voted?


😁


I'm just back, walked up to the polling station and was welcomed by a Labour canvasser and an SNP. The SNP bloke opened the door for me which strengthened my belief that Labour will do **** all for the people of Scotland.

[lapsedhibee]

I'm just back, walked up to the polling station and was welcomed by a Labour canvasser and an SNP. The SNP bloke opened the door for me which strengthened my belief that Labour will do **** all for the people of Scotland.

:greengrin

[Hibrandenburg]

So, election night scran. What’s everyone got?

I’ve got:

Chicken tenders
Morrisons chicken nachos from their pizza section that look decent
Pack of Haribo Tangfastics
Dairy Milk
Salt and vinegar Squares
Jumbo Flumps
Cherry Pepsi Max
Alcohol free Guinness

Bratwurst
Nürnberger Bratwurst
Potato salad
Ginger humus
Tomato humus
Coleslaw
Berliner Jubiläums Pilsener
Lime Absolut Vodka
3 curly wurlies

[Jack]

What happens after that depends on what TV channel you're watching.

Ch 4:
10.00 Exit poll
10.01 Dorries explains that the result was an inevitable consequence of the Tories getting rid of her Boris.
10.02 Dorries loses her seat. Combination of overexuberance at being proved right and having been on the gin all day.

BBC:
10.00 Exit poll
10.01 Kuenssberg sheds actual tears.

When Kuenssberg has a break down or the program ends there will be a tory HQ car waiting to take her off to the House of Lords!

[greenlex]

I'm just back, walked up to the polling station and was welcomed by a Labour canvasser and an SNP. The SNP bloke opened the door for me which strengthened my belief that Labour will do **** all for the people of Scotland.

Many a true word said in jest Andy.

[JimBHibees]

I'd say the country is voting for a centre party. To describe this Labour party as 'left' is quite the leap.

Indeed

[Stairway 2 7]

Looking at some sleeping tactics on twitter. Some doing all nighter, some going to bed early getting up at 3 for the big show. I might try see exit poll watch half an hour get 3 hours kip then mini kip at 6 when it's done. Will probably be up most of the night though

[Callum_62]

Avoid the supermajority and what a night for the Tories!

Disaster for labour

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[marinello59]

An hour until the exit polls land and we get the first inkling of how accurate the forecasts have been. No matter who each of you have voted for I hope you all take something positive from the night, if not at national level then maybe at local level. And once the results come in we can start looking forward to the Holyrood election in two years time. :greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

So, has everybody voted?


😁

Went on my way to Parkrun group training, in my running gear, and first thing I heard was " I recognise those legs" 🤣. Guy from Parkrun was on the desk.

[Moulin Yarns]

https://www.bestforbritain.org/election_night_bingo

[McD]

Not sure if I’m in the same constituency as others, but my Labour candidate lives in London too

[Andy Bee]

Not sure if I’m in the same constituency as others, but my Labour candidate lives in London too

Gregor Poynton? The bloke that brought Fergal Sharkey up for a photo op at the River Almond which is apparently full of sewage.

This bloke https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/13/falkirk-labour-gregor-poynton-paid-recruits

[Hibrandenburg]

That's some exit poll.

[Pretty Boy]

Wow.

If that exit poll is accurate that is a disaster for the SNP, I expected it to be had but that is worse than anyone predicted. Reform will be happy, Lib Dems likewise. Disaster for the Tories and a huge win for Labour.

[marinello59]

Sky has the SNP at 10 seats. I will say confidently now that is garbage.

[Ozyhibby]

Terrible for SNP if exit poll is correct.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Oh my God

[marinello59]

Ruth Davidson’s reaction was priceless. :greengrin

[marinello59]

Terrible for SNP if exit poll is correct.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No chance of that being correct.

[Pretty Boy]

What channel is everyone watching?

I'm going with Balls, Osborne and Sturgeon on ITV for now. Osborne being very gracious this far.

[Andy Bee]

Sky has the SNP at 10 seats. I will say confidently now that is garbage.

STV have the same but I'm assuming they all use the same figures. Nicola Sturgeon aint too cheery.

[Northernhibee]

That Reform number is troubling.

[Hibrandenburg]

Terrible for SNP if exit poll is correct.


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It was needed. Might sound crazy now but in the long run I think it will benefit the independence movement.

[Pretty Boy]

STV have the same but I'm assuming they all use the same figures. Nicola Sturgeon aint too cheery.

It's a joint broadcasters poll they use so they will all have the same figures.

[Moulin Yarns]

Ruth Davidson’s reaction was priceless. :greengrin

What channel? Probably cannae get it.

[Scorrie]

What channel? Probably cannae get it.

Sky news

[Pretty Boy]

That Reform number is troubling.

Ed Balls said as much.

Macron siezed the centre in France and it emboldened rather than obliterated the far right.

It would be folly to say it was a bad night for Starmer but he has to deliver now.

[Andy Bee]

It was needed. Might sound crazy now but in the long run I think it will benefit the independence movement.

That's my thinking, I think returning low 20's or even high teens would be worse than a complete tanking.

[Moulin Yarns]

Sky news

Aye, only got bbc and channel 4.

[Ozyhibby]

No chance of that being correct.

I think it might be. Exit polls usually pretty accurate.


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[GlesgaeHibby]

It was needed. Might sound crazy now but in the long run I think it will benefit the independence movement.

Absolutely. Get focus back onto competent government and delivery, and get serious about independence again pre 2026.