@The_Apocalypse With the pasting Ed was getting in the press, I would suggest that "shy Labour" might also be in the equation?
Wouldn't surprise me. Perhaps picking that up finally was what led to the convergence.
The one thing that's still niggling at me is George Eaton (famed for puting the most positive gloss for Miliband on anything) has confirmed that both the Tories' and Labour's internal projections from canvassing as of yesterday showed the Tories having most seats. Could they be completely wrong??
Given how hard this election has been to call, yes, they could be wrong. I'd be shocked if all pollsters were wrong, tbh. In that case we may as well not take any notice of the polls at all after this GE.
Ed in power won't change a lot, assuming the lights don't go out. Energy bills will rise to pay for the green initiatives and everyone's taxes will rise a little to pay for the Gaelgeld, but look on the bright side.
Scots will be better off, and our carbon footprint will disappear. And everyone else will be equal so any misery will be shared. And there will no more more Islamophobia allowed.
And lots of people will feel better about themselves.
yeah Ed is going to ban Charlie Hebdo, and we wont be able to discuss Rotherham without being called Islamophobes, he'll also destroy the free press and freedom of speech, so much to look forward to
Thanks that's interesting I've heard Seaford is solid for Baker but Lewes town much less so. Sounds like they need ukip to take blue votes.
Any news from Eastbourne?
Somewhat similar story. Again it is being very intensely fought. It's an absolute sea of posters! I was helping there over the weekend, and my wife has been there doing phone follow-ups today. I don't have any inside knowledge other than general impression - I think it's probably a LibDem hold (or, rather, a Stephen Lloyd hold), but we shall see.
Future mythology prediction: it's going to come down to the Russell Brand moment. There has to be a story that everyone believes they remember being aware of at the time, and there aren't many candidates in this campaign. So if the Tories managed to pull it out of the bag (Coalition 2.0) it'll be because Ed cemented perceptions of his joke politician persona by crawling to Russell. If Labour's late movement in the polls translates into a win, it'll be down to the moment that Cameron dismissed Brand and all of those who follow him as a joke, crystallising the consistent impression of disdain for large swathes of the electorate that started by dodging debates and sticking with the softest of sofa interviews.
Of course only one of these narratives will be remembered, and we'll all nod knowingly and say how we remembered it well as a turning point.
Indeed. I've heard that canvassing in Lewes today has left the Dems sweating. Seepage to Labour and greens apparently. That should have been a certain hold. And may of course still be.
Lewes looks like being close. It's partly because Maria Caulfield put an enormous amount of effort in early on, at a time when she wasn't getting much support at all from central office (that changed about a year ago). Norman Baker was complacent initially but eventually woke up, and the two sides have been going all out since.
Thanks that's interesting I've heard Seaford is solid for Baker but Lewes town much less so. Sounds like they need ukip to take blue votes.
Any news from Eastbourne?
Seaford has never been solid for Baker . It has always been the most Conservative part of the constituency . UKIP though have supplanted the Conservatives there in recent years . The Lib Dem strength has always been Newhaven and Lewes tho in the latter votes get split in the locals with the Greens and the formidable Independent Ruth O'Kkeeffe getting one vote of almost everyone
everyone else will be equal so any misery will be shared.
Repealing the "bedroom tax" will be fun. It came up in one of the debates. Apparently if it applies to some housing and not others it will be subject to judicial review
@MrJacHart: Each time someone from #Labour asks you about the #BedroomTax, ask them to explain how the Local Housing Allowance they introduced works...
Yes, the government levelled the playing field between council owned and private rented accommodation paid for with housing benefit, so it's not as simple as simply repealing that change.
Was there not a poll at the time that, when it was explained exactly what the change was, had quite dramatic support among the public, like 65 or 70%? How many people in the private sector can afford to buy or rent a place with a guest room?
Maybe if Ed becomes PM it will become standard practice in future elections to engrave platitudes on huge limestone blocks: "Hell, if it worked for Ed Miliband, it will work for anyone!"
Future mythology prediction: it's going to come down to the Russell Brand moment. There has to be a story that everyone believes they remember being aware of at the time, and there aren't many candidates in this campaign. So if the Tories managed to pull it out of the bag (Coalition 2.0) it'll be because Ed cemented perceptions of his joke politician persona by crawling to Russell. If Labour's late movement in the polls translates into a win, it'll be down to the moment that Cameron dismissed Brand and all of those who follow him as a joke, crystallising the consistent impression of disdain for large swathes of the electorate that started by dodging debates and sticking with the softest of sofa interviews.
Of course only one of these narratives will be remembered, and we'll all nod knowingly and say how we remembered it well as a turning point.
If Ed loses, I think #edstone will be the enduring LOL moment.
If Ed wins, then the monuments will get bigger and bigger at every election.
Ed in power won't change a lot, assuming the lights don't go out. Energy bills will rise to pay for the green initiatives and everyone's taxes will rise a little to pay for the Gaelgeld, but look on the bright side.
Scots will be better off, and our carbon footprint will disappear. And everyone else will be equal so any misery will be shared. And there will no more more Islamophobia allowed.
And lots of people will feel better about themselves.
yeah Ed is going to ban Charlie Hebdo, and we wont be able to discuss Rotherham without being called Islamophobes, he'll also destroy the free press and freedom of speech, so much to look forward to
But segregated rallies and "vote for god, vote for labour" will still be welcome in Ed's world.
Yeah, but that's, like, umm, completely different. Or something.
Future mythology prediction: it's going to come down to the Russell Brand moment. There has to be a story that everyone believes they remember being aware of at the time, and there aren't many candidates in this campaign. So if the Tories managed to pull it out of the bag (Coalition 2.0) it'll be because Ed cemented perceptions of his joke politician persona by crawling to Russell. If Labour's late movement in the polls translates into a win, it'll be down to the moment that Cameron dismissed Brand and all of those who follow him as a joke, crystallising the consistent impression of disdain for large swathes of the electorate that started by dodging debates and sticking with the softest of sofa interviews.
Of course only one of these narratives will be remembered, and we'll all nod knowingly and say how we remembered it well as a turning point.
If Ed loses, I think #edstone will be the enduring LOL moment.
If Ed wins, then the monuments will get bigger and bigger at every election.
It's thought the Easter island civilisation died out from putting all its resources into monumental masonry. Perhaps that is our fate.
Indeed. I've heard that canvassing in Lewes today has left the Dems sweating. Seepage to Labour and greens apparently. That should have been a certain hold. And may of course still be.
Lewes looks like being close. It's partly because Maria Caulfield put an enormous amount of effort in early on, at a time when she wasn't getting much support at all from central office (that changed about a year ago). Norman Baker was complacent initially but eventually woke up, and the two sides have been going all out since.
Thanks that's interesting I've heard Seaford is solid for Baker but Lewes town much less so. Sounds like they need ukip to take blue votes.
Any news from Eastbourne?
Seaford has never been solid for Baker . It has always been the most Conservative part of the constituency . UKIP though have supplanted the Conservatives there in recent years . The Lib Dem strength has always been Newhaven and Lewes tho in the latter votes get split in the locals with the Greens and the formidable Independent Ruth O'Kkeeffe getting one vote of almost everyone
"what are the best hopes for SLAB to hold a seat? Edinburgh South and East Lothian? "
Edinburgh South. A very talented and hard working MP who is in with a very good chance. Look out also for Aberdeen South.
Aberdeen South? Cannot see any way Labour will hold it. This used to be a Tory seat and is a 4 way marginal now with the Labour vote the softest of the 4.
This is a really strange election in Scotland. It is even a non election. Just been walking back from meeting in Central Glasgow. Got stopped twice, once to be asked who my internet provider was and the second time to support a petition on animal testing. There were a few SNP cars around earlier but even they are trying to keep a low profile now.
What does this all mean? Who knows but Scotland is not yet in the bag for the SNP.
3,500 have dropped from the electoral roll in Cardiff Central and 5,000 from Ceredigion apparently..
Actually I think it is nearer 11.5k (eleven and a half) dropped off here in Cardiff Central. Almost certainly students might actually be a good thing for the L Dem here Jenny Willott. Whether it's enough is a different question......
I don't think either EdStone or Brand will have had any material impact on the outcome of this election, although they have provided entertainment.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
Very best wishes to everyone for a profitable/exciting night, enjoy the Finborough Arms if you're going.
Finally, as you may have seen, Netanyahu's new government will have five parties and a bare 61-59 Knesset majority, while the new Finnish government will be outlined tonight.
Just got home for a short break after all day on the GOV. No inside info, all say is from here in Preseli, is that the Labour GOV is far better than the Tories, as has been the ground war all along. Whether it will be enough to overturn a 4000 majority I doubt, but you can't accuse us of not trying.
Future mythology prediction: it's going to come down to the Russell Brand moment. There has to be a story that everyone believes they remember being aware of at the time, and there aren't many candidates in this campaign. So if the Tories managed to pull it out of the bag (Coalition 2.0) it'll be because Ed cemented perceptions of his joke politician persona by crawling to Russell. If Labour's late movement in the polls translates into a win, it'll be down to the moment that Cameron dismissed Brand and all of those who follow him as a joke, crystallising the consistent impression of disdain for large swathes of the electorate that started by dodging debates and sticking with the softest of sofa interviews.
Of course only one of these narratives will be remembered, and we'll all nod knowingly and say how we remembered it well as a turning point.
If Ed loses, I think #edstone will be the enduring LOL moment.
If Ed wins, then the monuments will get bigger and bigger at every election.
"Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that."
Tory mopbile poster lorries galore driving round and parked up in Paignton. Massive picture of Ed,Eck and Nicola with message if you vote LD this is what you will get.
Saw 3 different ones. Con certainly putting effort in.
"what are the best hopes for SLAB to hold a seat? Edinburgh South and East Lothian? "
Edinburgh South. A very talented and hard working MP who is in with a very good chance. Look out also for Aberdeen South.
Aberdeen South? Cannot see any way Labour will hold it. This used to be a Tory seat and is a 4 way marginal now with the Labour vote the softest of the 4.
This is a really strange election in Scotland. It is even a non election. Just been walking back from meeting in Central Glasgow. Got stopped twice, once to be asked who my internet provider was and the second time to support a petition on animal testing. There were a few SNP cars around earlier but even they are trying to keep a low profile now.
What does this all mean? Who knows but Scotland is not yet in the bag for the SNP.
After the splendours of the Indy ref it all feels a little low key. we have been ruined.
In response to SO (fpt): "The wealthiest have never had it so good. QE, rising stock markets, booming property prices, low interest rates. If you are earning in the top rate band and are asset rich the last few years have been fantastic. If you are paying a bit more tax, you are not noticing it. As you say, below that level it is much, much harder. "
As I said, I am not whinging. But I do notice the extra tax I pay. I have gone through various redundancy rounds at my firm since 2007 and have suffered real pay falls so every penny has to be saved for possible bad times. Any money taken in tax is money not available for the "Rainy Day Fund". And my savings have been depleted in real terms by inflation and low interest rates, interest rates kept low to save the imprudent who over-borrowed and over-lent from the consequences of their folly.
And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then).
I do not - unlike Labour - assume that a number before it is actually earned equals real wealth.
I am better off than many and realise that I need to pay my fair share but let's not pretend that somehow people like me haven't been targeted by the Coalition government and won't be targeted even more by Labour. We are wallets to be picked. It is infuriating that those who do the right thing: don't over-borrow, save, work hard etc are the ones who are punished.
This is a really strange election in Scotland. It is even a non election. Just been walking back from meeting in Central Glasgow. Got stopped twice, once to be asked who my internet provider was and the second time to support a petition on animal testing. There were a few SNP cars around earlier but even they are trying to keep a low profile now.
What does this all mean? Who knows but Scotland is not yet in the bag for the SNP.
Same experience here Edinburgh E (city centre polling station). 5.30pm, expected a queue of people coming home from work. None at all, the place was half-empty. Nobody campaigning outside, nothing.
Perhaps an atypical polling station, it's a walk-in designed for people coming back from work, a lot of whom are about to walk over a constituency boundary into Edinburgh S.
@The_Apocalypse With the pasting Ed was getting in the press, I would suggest that "shy Labour" might also be in the equation?
Maybe, though Labour voters usually don't feel ''embarrassed' about who they vote for, so I doubt that there is much of a shy-Labour effect. That said, Labour's seat share was underestimated in 2010.
Labour voters particularly the tribal ones such as Surbiton have the political memory of gnats . They are totally incapable of remembering the damage their party did to the economy of this country in 2005 to 2010 .
They don't think they did any damage to the economy.
I don't think either EdStone or Brand will have had any material impact on the outcome of this election, although they have provided entertainment.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
Correct. And to think the put down is for people living in the 'Westminster Bubble' Wilful ignorance stretches a lot further than that.
Just got back from voting here in Lincoln - following a very heavy bout of rain that's been pounding away much of the afternoon. It's dryer now though and there were a good few people voting.
I'd only managed to narrow my choice down to three of the six candidates by today so I let my three goldfish (Vastra, Jenny & Strax) make the final choice. I allocated a candidate to each fish (Vastra/Con, Jenny/LD, Strax/Lincs Ind) and then fed them. The first fish to take a mouthful of food was declared the winner and I voted accordingly... Vastra was first.
The local council election was much easier. Green. No need to involve the fish...
I hope everyone has an enjoyable evening. I'm going to take a nap now so I can watch some of the results programme later.
If I may, in the best traditions of PB pedantry: you mean, presumably, wavering.
'Havering', in Scots, is to talk rubbish discoursively - which you certainly do not, least of all in a Caledonian context.
Unfortunately its misappropriation means that it is probably going the same way as 'decimate'.
I was about to make the same complaint, but according to dictionary.com it does indeed mean to equivocate. It lists the Scots version too, but doesn't say whether either has its origin in the other.
I don't think either EdStone or Brand will have had any material impact on the outcome of this election, although they have provided entertainment.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
much too pessimistic CR.
Cameron is in the centre ground, elections are won in the centre therefore he's bound to win the election
"Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that."
What do you think is at the heart of it?
People think the Tories are heartless snobs, with questionable moral fibre, who are in it for themselves and their mates.
And people believe what they want to believe: I don't think the nation has yet accepted the parlous state it's in and the difficult decisions needed by any government.
The Tories just have a very hard time convincing people they're taking the right ones for the right reasons, for the prejudices I've outlined.
I don't think either EdStone or Brand will have had any material impact on the outcome of this election, although they have provided entertainment.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
much too pessimistic CR.
Cameron is in the centre ground, elections are won in the centre therefore he's bound to win the election
Con 467 seats ( and all of Scotland) nailed on
Polls consistently show voters consider Miliband to be closer to the "centre ground" than Cameron.
Just went and did a democracy in a bowling pavilion in the sunny constituency of Cheadle. Plenty busy; seems everyone brought their bairns and dogs too.
Indeed. I've heard that canvassing in Lewes today has left the Dems sweating. Seepage to Labour and greens apparently. That should have been a certain hold. And may of course still be.
Lewes looks like being close. It's partly because Maria Caulfield put an enormous amount of effort in early on, at a time when she wasn't getting much support at all from central office (that changed about a year ago). Norman Baker was complacent initially but eventually woke up, and the two sides have been going all out since.
Thanks that's interesting I've heard Seaford is solid for Baker but Lewes town much less so. Sounds like they need ukip to take blue votes.
Any news from Eastbourne?
Is @Plato not working in Eastbourne as a teller for the Blues this afternoon?
In response to SO (fpt): "The wealthiest have never had it so good. QE, rising stock markets, booming property prices, low interest rates. If you are earning in the top rate band and are asset rich the last few years have been fantastic. If you are paying a bit more tax, you are not noticing it. As you say, below that level it is much, much harder. "
As I said, I am not whinging. But I do notice the extra tax I pay. I have gone through various redundancy rounds at my firm since 2007 and have suffered real pay falls so every penny has to be saved for possible bad times. Any money taken in tax is money not available for the "Rainy Day Fund". And my savings have been depleted in real terms by inflation and low interest rates, interest rates kept low to save the imprudent who over-borrowed and over-lent from the consequences of their folly.
And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then).
I do not - unlike Labour - assume that a number before it is actually earned equals real wealth.
I am better off than many and realise that I need to pay my fair share but let's not pretend that somehow people like me haven't been targeted by the Coalition government and won't be targeted even more by Labour. We are wallets to be picked. It is infuriating that those who do the right thing: don't over-borrow, save, work hard etc are the ones who are punished.
Presumably you think it is wrong for the Tories to say Ed Miliband is a millionaire then?
My point relates to those individuals at the very top and to big multinationals. They really have never had it so good and voters can see it.
I don't think either EdStone or Brand will have had any material impact on the outcome of this election, although they have provided entertainment.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
What sort of reasons are we talking about? Been a bit busy today and haven't seen much. Do you mean problems with the electorate's expectations, or with the Tories' approach?
"what are the best hopes for SLAB to hold a seat? Edinburgh South and East Lothian? "
Edinburgh South. A very talented and hard working MP who is in with a very good chance. Look out also for Aberdeen South.
Aberdeen South? Cannot see any way Labour will hold it. This used to be a Tory seat and is a 4 way marginal now with the Labour vote the softest of the 4.
This is a really strange election in Scotland. It is even a non election. Just been walking back from meeting in Central Glasgow. Got stopped twice, once to be asked who my internet provider was and the second time to support a petition on animal testing. There were a few SNP cars around earlier but even they are trying to keep a low profile now.
What does this all mean? Who knows but Scotland is not yet in the bag for the SNP.
After the splendours of the Indy ref it all feels a little low key. we have been ruined.
Aye, spoilt for life. No intimidating marching mobs of women and bairns with SNP balloons this time. The Annan thing seems to have been made up pish for all one can tell, and there is just the odd momentary alleged excitement in Dundee:
"Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that."
What do you think is at the heart of it?
And people believe what they want to believe: I don't think the nation has yet accepted the parlous state it's in and the difficult decisions needed by any government.
It will over the next 5 years, regardless of who's in power. We're in for some Greek style adjustment.
I don't think either EdStone or Brand will have had any material impact on the outcome of this election, although they have provided entertainment.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
much too pessimistic CR.
Cameron is in the centre ground, elections are won in the centre therefore he's bound to win the election
Con 467 seats ( and all of Scotland) nailed on
Polls consistently show voters consider Miliband to be closer to the "centre ground" than Cameron.
Just shows you can fool some of the people some of the time.
"Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that."
What do you think is at the heart of it?
People think the Tories are heartless snobs, with questionable moral fibre, who are in it for themselves and their mates.
And people believe what they want to believe: I don't think the nation has yet accepted the parlous state it's in and the difficult decisions needed by any government.
The Tories just have a very hard time convincing people they're taking the right ones for the right reasons, for the prejudices I've outlined.
Yes people do think that of the Tories, and the Tory party has only reinforced that picture over the last 5 years.
If Ed loses, I think #edstone will be the enduring LOL moment.
If Ed wins, then the monuments will get bigger and bigger at every election.
@thomasknox: As polls show a late swing to Labour, spin doctors across London are saying "OK, next time we do our OWN 8ft high limestone Policy Obelisk"
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
If Dave does lose who hand on heart wont be pleased that his creepy cheer leaders-Guido Dacre and Murdoch-wont lose with him?
I don't know about Guido and Dacre, but it has been interesting watching the Sun having to back the Tories. They are essentially glory hunters but I guess it would have been a bit weird to have backed Labour this time!
If Ed loses, I think #edstone will be the enduring LOL moment.
If Ed wins, then the monuments will get bigger and bigger at every election.
@thomasknox: As polls show a late swing to Labour, spin doctors across London are saying "OK, next time we do our OWN 8ft high limestone Policy Obelisk"
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
"Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that."
What do you think is at the heart of it?
People think the Tories are heartless snobs, with questionable moral fibre, who are in it for themselves and their mates.
And people believe what they want to believe: I don't think the nation has yet accepted the parlous state it's in and the difficult decisions needed by any government.
The Tories just have a very hard time convincing people they're taking the right ones for the right reasons, for the prejudices I've outlined.
Yes people do think that of the Tories, and the Tory party has only reinforced that picture over the last 5 years.
And yet the tories will still be within touching distance of what they polled 5 years ago. A simple truth is that ukip may have cost them 4% of the popular vote.
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
How hard can it be to create an SQL database with a web interface?
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
There's about to be a massive dose of reality coming for the social media generation of lefties, most of whom think that only 1% of the population need to pay any more in taxes in order for everyone else to have more sweeties.
Ed in power won't change a lot, assuming the lights don't go out. Energy bills will rise to pay for the green initiatives and everyone's taxes will rise a little to pay for the Gaelgeld, but look on the bright side.
Scots will be better off, and our carbon footprint will disappear. And everyone else will be equal so any misery will be shared. And there will no more more Islamophobia allowed.
And lots of people will feel better about themselves.
yeah Ed is going to ban Charlie Hebdo, and we wont be able to discuss Rotherham without being called Islamophobes, he'll also destroy the free press and freedom of speech, so much to look forward to
Reality will hit him when the next Islamist terrorist atrocity occurs. And - sadly - it is a case of when rather than if.
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
I understand that elements of their Wikipedia engagement project have shown prolific output.
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
I understand that elements of their Wikipedia engagement project have shown prolific output.
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
How hard can it be to create an SQL database with a web interface?
You would ask the same about why every GP doesn't have online booking...it is absolute piece of cake these days, but despite basically every company out there that requiring it having some sort of online booking system, it is only in a very small percentage of GP surgeries.
"And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then)."
Do you believe that only an asset that produces an income can be called wealth? If so the same would apply to your Ferrari your house in Tuscany your diamonds or your Van Dyke.
None produce income but as with all assets they are saleable or can be borrowed against. Rent a smaller house and buy an annuity with the change.
I know several people who have sold their London homes or even traded down do they can buy a second home in Italy France or Spain. If you want an income you could even rent them out
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
How hard can it be to create an SQL database with a web interface?
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
How hard can it be to create an SQL database with a web interface?
Have they been working with the NHS?
Well, that is a lot more complex. Surely the voter database only contains one table: voters. I'm not sure how canvassing is done, but you could easily imagine integrating it with a tablet (not a stone one!) which could directly record information in the database while canvassers are out on the street.
If I may, in the best traditions of PB pedantry: you mean, presumably, wavering.
'Havering', in Scots, is to talk rubbish discoursively - which you certainly do not, least of all in a Caledonian context.
Unfortunately its misappropriation means that it is probably going the same way as 'decimate'.
I was about to make the same complaint, but according to dictionary.com it does indeed mean to equivocate. It lists the Scots version too, but doesn't say whether either has its origin in the other.
The Scots version (possibly Northumbrian, too, for all I know) is definitely the primary sense. The equivocation sense is a misappropriation/neologism - I imagine, from the similarity to 'wavering'. It annoys me as much as 'decimate' would a legionary Primus Pilus!
"And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then)."
Do you believe that only an asset that produces an income can be called wealth? If so the same would apply to your Ferrari your house in Tuscany your diamonds or your Van Dyke.
None produce income but as with all assets they are saleable or can be borrowed against. Rent a smaller house and buy an annuity with the change.
I know several people who have sold their London homes or even traded down do they can buy a second home in Italy France or Spain. If you want an income you could even rent them out
Your rich chums can do that, but back in the real world most 'normal' people don't have the luxury of living overseas whilst they still have to earn a crust somewhere to pay the mortgage and bills. They certainly don't have houses large enough that they can trade down, without being squished into an ever smaller shoebox.
"@thomasknox: As polls show a late swing to Labour, spin doctors across London are saying "OK, next time we do our OWN 8ft high limestone Policy Obelisk""
Even though the article concludes its all rubbish:
" Police Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council said they are currently looking into the allegations, although The Independent understands that there isn't anything in the claims. "
In response to SO (fpt): "The wealthiest have never had it so good. QE, rising stock markets, booming property prices, low interest rates. If you are earning in the top rate band and are asset rich the last few years have been fantastic. If you are paying a bit more tax, you are not noticing it. As you say, below that level it is much, much harder. "
As I said, I am not whinging. But I do notice the extra tax I pay. I have gone through various redundancy rounds at my firm since 2007 and have suffered real pay falls so every penny has to be saved for possible bad times. Any money taken in tax is money not available for the "Rainy Day Fund". And my savings have been depleted in real terms by inflation and low interest rates, interest rates kept low to save the imprudent who over-borrowed and over-lent from the consequences of their folly.
And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then).
I do not - unlike Labour - assume that a number before it is actually earned equals real wealth.
I am better off than many and realise that I need to pay my fair share but let's not pretend that somehow people like me haven't been targeted by the Coalition government and won't be targeted even more by Labour. We are wallets to be picked. It is infuriating that those who do the right thing: don't over-borrow, save, work hard etc are the ones who are punished.
Presumably you think it is wrong for the Tories to say Ed Miliband is a millionaire then?
My point relates to those individuals at the very top and to big multinationals. They really have never had it so good and voters can see it.
I have no idea what cash assets EdM has and don't really care, to be honest. If people have earned their money, good for them. But I do think that it is absurd to say that you are worth a million, say, purely on the basis of some hypothetical value of a house, which may be mortgaged. And even sillier to borrow money against such a house and fritter it away on holidays and the rest, which seems to be what a lot of people have done.
I am a bit old-fashioned on this score. Paper wealth is meaningless. Only actual cash in the bank counts for me. And it's one reason why I think that property is best taxed when there is a transaction because you get a real valuation and it is easier (and probably less painful) to take a slice then.
I take your point about individuals at the top. But Labour will not just be taxing those. They will be taxing all of us - and very heavily - and they have been dishonest about this.
The drop of the FTSE today is a small taste of what will happen if Labour get in. I'm pretty sure that the majority of voters don't realise what impact this will have on what ever pension savings they have, or the impact on annuity returns.
I still can't believe that in the privacy of the voting cubicle, people will put their cross on Labour.
Gosh some of the comments on here are crazy. Absurd defeatism and negativity from the right and silly tribal taunts from the left. And this for an election which will still very likely produce a hung parliament - so no clear winner. After 5 years of difficult times for many on average incomes or less, with little growth for much of the time and some tax rises. Yet roughly the same % will be voting Tory/Labour again in E & W. I'm disappointed that the Coalition is not getting the credit it deserves, but there is no ringing endorsement of the left here either.
The big losers, as always, will be ordinary folk who, as always, will be disappointed when little changes. Twas ever thus.
@GuidoFawkes: Another marginal seat says CCHQ have told 'em to not enter data into VoteSource. Database has crashed.
God, it's farcical.
Jeez, not this one again! They had the same problem last time with the old system. I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Every bit of IT that CCHQ has ever tried to introduce has been an unmitigated disaster. Extraordinary that this is still a problem.
How hard can it be to create an SQL database with a web interface?
Have they been working with the NHS?
Well, that is a lot more complex. Surely the voter database only contains one table: voters. I'm not sure how canvassing is done, but you could easily imagine integrating it with a tablet (not a stone one!) which could directly record information in the database while canvassers are out on the street.
Quite Rob. Sarcasm doesn't travel well, Sorry. Agree;; when one is managing canvassers what one needs to know is how people intend to vote, probably showing Will, deffo, will might, won't deffo (party 1) ( won't deffo (Party 2), won't Jehovah Witness or whatever. And for groups 1 & 2 whether they need a lift.
Comments
Of course only one of these narratives will be remembered, and we'll all nod knowingly and say how we remembered it well as a turning point.
"It don't start till 5 though"
Good luck! As my gambling guru I've got a lot riding on your silky skills.
Was there not a poll at the time that, when it was explained exactly what the change was, had quite dramatic support among the public, like 65 or 70%? How many people in the private sector can afford to buy or rent a place with a guest room?
If Ed loses, I think #edstone will be the enduring LOL moment.
If Ed wins, then the monuments will get bigger and bigger at every election.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iE8RU4rVmDmtRhjo1Ws3Om3IjrmgUVSbcW-tO7cY-RE/edit#gid=0
2010 running totals spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f6PlK5ig7p1I9aqfMzV6AMBKKX8TPvEuqoPakoX2W_M/edit#gid=0
2010 running totals, Scotland only:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xw2z0uQQJQpvXEIOn2kujhZfVgcuSBiViLlaUwlJGQw/edit#gid=0
'Havering', in Scots, is to talk rubbish discoursively - which you certainly do not, least of all in a Caledonian context.
Unfortunately its misappropriation means that it is probably going the same way as 'decimate'.
This is a really strange election in Scotland. It is even a non election. Just been walking back from meeting in Central Glasgow. Got stopped twice, once to be asked who my internet provider was and the second time to support a petition on animal testing. There were a few SNP cars around earlier but even they are trying to keep a low profile now.
What does this all mean? Who knows but Scotland is not yet in the bag for the SNP.
Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that.
Tottenham Labour @TottenhamLabour 3 h3 ore fa
The #LammyMobile is now in Seven Sisters with our megaphone to get @DavidLammy re-elected.
Evening all, trust everyone is raring to go, have you all voted yet?!
Just a quick note to say many thanks to everyone who entered the game, the seat averages were as follows:
Con 281
Lab 267
SNP 46
Lib Dem 26
UKIP 3 (if we ignore the player who went for 282 UKIP seats)
Plaid 3
Green 1
To be in government, leading answers:
Con 52
Lab 59
Lib Dem 47
SNP 19
DUP 13
Among the 25 individual seats, Hallam split 92-28 LD-Lab, while Thanet S split 67-51 UKIP-Con.
Full details available at:
http://www.electiongame.co.uk/
Very best wishes to everyone for a profitable/exciting night, enjoy the Finborough Arms if you're going.
Finally, as you may have seen, Netanyahu's new government will have five parties and a bare 61-59 Knesset majority, while the new Finnish government will be outlined tonight.
Cheers,
DC
Or unchartered waters of course.
Good luck, whatever your colors.
No inside info, all say is from here in Preseli, is that the Labour GOV is far better than the Tories, as has been the ground war all along. Whether it will be enough to overturn a 4000 majority I doubt, but you can't accuse us of not trying.
https://twitter.com/search?q=callanish&src=typd
"Looking at some the hysterical fact-denying comments I've seen on social media today about why people aren't voting Tory, the problem seems much more deep-seated than that."
What do you think is at the heart of it?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFkzTjFrRmJRN3F6ODBTTEs4NGFhcUE#gid=0
Saw 3 different ones. Con certainly putting effort in.
Is Paignton in Torbay constituency?
As I said, I am not whinging. But I do notice the extra tax I pay. I have gone through various redundancy rounds at my firm since 2007 and have suffered real pay falls so every penny has to be saved for possible bad times. Any money taken in tax is money not available for the "Rainy Day Fund". And my savings have been depleted in real terms by inflation and low interest rates, interest rates kept low to save the imprudent who over-borrowed and over-lent from the consequences of their folly.
And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then).
I do not - unlike Labour - assume that a number before it is actually earned equals real wealth.
I am better off than many and realise that I need to pay my fair share but let's not pretend that somehow people like me haven't been targeted by the Coalition government and won't be targeted even more by Labour. We are wallets to be picked. It is infuriating that those who do the right thing: don't over-borrow, save, work hard etc are the ones who are punished.
Perhaps an atypical polling station, it's a walk-in designed for people coming back from work, a lot of whom are about to walk over a constituency boundary into Edinburgh S.
Must be news of the final BJESUS!!!
https://twitter.com/WingsScotland/status/596358902310109185
And to think the put down is for people living in the 'Westminster Bubble'
Wilful ignorance stretches a lot further than that.
I'd only managed to narrow my choice down to three of the six candidates by today so I let my three goldfish (Vastra, Jenny & Strax) make the final choice. I allocated a candidate to each fish (Vastra/Con, Jenny/LD, Strax/Lincs Ind) and then fed them. The first fish to take a mouthful of food was declared the winner and I voted accordingly... Vastra was first.
The local council election was much easier. Green. No need to involve the fish...
I hope everyone has an enjoyable evening. I'm going to take a nap now so I can watch some of the results programme later.
Cameron is in the centre ground, elections are won in the centre therefore he's bound to win the election
Con 467 seats ( and all of Scotland) nailed on
And people believe what they want to believe: I don't think the nation has yet accepted the parlous state it's in and the difficult decisions needed by any government.
The Tories just have a very hard time convincing people they're taking the right ones for the right reasons, for the prejudices I've outlined.
My point relates to those individuals at the very top and to big multinationals. They really have never had it so good and voters can see it.
https://twitter.com/search?q=dundee polling station&src=typd
The media has never lost an election before, this could be the first one.
I might volunteer my services in 2020, do they really not have someone that can set up a scalable and robust database infrastructure?
Guido, Dacre and Murdoch or Brand, Coogan and Jones, take your pick
A simple truth is that ukip may have cost them 4% of the popular vote.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Deal_on_Madonna_Street
"And while @Roger may think that a house brings wealth, mine does not. It costs me: repairs, maintenance, insurance, etc. It brings me no income and will only bring me any wealth when/if I sell it, at which point I may be rich (depending on what house prices are doing then)."
Do you believe that only an asset that produces an income can be called wealth? If so the same would apply to your Ferrari your house in Tuscany your diamonds or your Van Dyke.
None produce income but as with all assets they are saleable or can be borrowed against. Rent a smaller house and buy an annuity with the change.
I know several people who have sold their London homes or even traded down do they can buy a second home in Italy France or Spain. If you want an income you could even rent them out
And you're saying the Tories are out of touch.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/police-scotland-warn-polling-stations-5650534
LOL!!!
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/election-2015-voters-intimidated-in-polling-stations-across-scotland-says-ruth-davidson-10232793.html
Even though the article concludes its all rubbish:
" Police Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council said they are currently looking into the allegations, although The Independent understands that there isn't anything in the claims. "
I am a bit old-fashioned on this score. Paper wealth is meaningless. Only actual cash in the bank counts for me. And it's one reason why I think that property is best taxed when there is a transaction because you get a real valuation and it is easier (and probably less painful) to take a slice then.
I take your point about individuals at the top. But Labour will not just be taxing those. They will be taxing all of us - and very heavily - and they have been dishonest about this.
I still can't believe that in the privacy of the voting cubicle, people will put their cross on Labour.
Really?
CON 302
LAB 249
SNP 51
LIB 23
http://t.co/Tfknp8cMP1
#GE2015 #ELECTION2015 http://t.co/LfX5K0N6SF
The big losers, as always, will be ordinary folk who, as always, will be disappointed when little changes. Twas ever thus.
And further to that -
http://www.thenational.scot/news/police-scotland-deny-unionist-reports-they-warned-of-snp-aggression-at-polls.2731
Agree;; when one is managing canvassers what one needs to know is how people intend to vote, probably showing Will, deffo, will might, won't deffo (party 1) ( won't deffo (Party 2), won't Jehovah Witness or whatever.
And for groups 1 & 2 whether they need a lift.