I am actually feeling optimistic for the first time ever* that an outcome I want to happen, may actually happen. Lib Dems winning here?
*not an exaggeration - 2010 was the first election I really cared about (at 15 in 2005 I didn't really care). 2010 the LD's failed expectations, 2015 even more so, then Brexit, then Trump. I'll take any crumbs I can get at this point!
UKIP didn't stand last time. The Conservatives have lost over half their vote share, with a big chunk going to the Lib Dems and another big chunk to UKIP. It must be an extreme example of the Brexitisation of politics that Mike referred to earlier today.
The reported comment from Faisal below has him saying all sample tallies he's seen show Olney slightly ahead.
Anyone who's been to a count will know that doesn't ring true, or he's not looked at many sample sheets.
Different tally sheets are done for each ward, and sometimes in practice they are attached to votes from a specific ballot box. It is implausible that across the constituency they'd all be showing Olney slightly ahead, even though she may be slightly ahead overall.
Probably the old journalist thing of two people have separately told him the same thing, so he assumes it's true
But the Verification stage is when the party samplers are really able to do their work by getting a clear idea as to how particular boxes have voted. After that the votes are mixed up as it were!
But the Verification stage is when the party samplers are really able to do their work by getting a clear idea as to how particular boxes have voted. After that the votes are mixed up as it were!
Isn't verificationsupposed to be with the papers face down so people cannot get an idea?
But the Verification stage is when the party samplers are really able to do their work by getting a clear idea as to how particular boxes have voted. After that the votes are mixed up as it were!
Isn't verificationsupposed to be with the papers face down so people cannot get an idea?
No, that is only for postal votes.
At a count the verification must be done face up, to keep the serial numbers on the back of the ballot papers hidden.
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
But the Verification stage is when the party samplers are really able to do their work by getting a clear idea as to how particular boxes have voted. After that the votes are mixed up as it were!
Isn't verificationsupposed to be with the papers face down so people cannot get an idea?
It used to be face up when I was doing counts at the verification stage.
Betfair. Someone knows something from the verification stage. There was a point just now when no one was laying the LibDem and someone else wanted 900/1 to bet on Zac. It's stabilised a bit now but there is information out there. There will be moles tweeting from inside the count. No wonder Ladbrokes and William Hill have closed their books.
If you know an area and its boxes, it is usually possible to know how things are going early in a verification - and the LibDems will have a lot of local experience to draw on (as will any Tories that Zac has been good enough to invite, their not being entitled to any counting agents of their own).
But it is strictly illegal to communicate the information outside the hall..in pre-mobile phone days you'd end up in jail; some counts try to prevent people taking phones in, or insist that they are turned off, but controlling it is pretty much impossible nowadays
The media can - and have been - excluded from counts. It is at the Returning Officer's discretion.
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
I agree with SeanT. The end of the world is neigh. Pigs are flying.
Rumors in Paris tonight converge towrds a Friday morning Valls government resignation. The next government would be announced as soon as Friday afternoon, with only minimal change. Cazeneuve would become PM and he would have to be replaced as Interior minister. To manage police and security issues during the campaign, they would certainly choose a very loyal Hollandist (maybe Andre Vallini).
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Although the Liberals did manage the first ever asian MP.
If he loses, can't say that I have one ounce of sympathy for Zac.
Indeed; the man's an idiot.
It would be disappointing if a politician were to be punished by the voters for following through on a pledge.
Politicians get punished unfairly all the time. It's one reason pccs are such a stupid idea, since general party standing performance will trump any merit, or not, of a PCC candidate.
Betfair. Someone knows something from the verification stage. There was a point just now when no one was laying the LibDem and someone else wanted 900/1 to bet on Zac. It's stabilised a bit now but there is information out there. There will be moles tweeting from inside the count. No wonder Ladbrokes and William Hill have closed their books.
If you know an area and its boxes, it is usually possible to know how things are going early in a verification - and the LibDems will have a lot of local experience to draw on (as will any Tories that Zac has been good enough to invite, their not being entitled to any counting agents of their own).
But it is strictly illegal to communicate the information outside the hall..in pre-mobile phone days you'd end up in jail; some counts try to prevent people taking phones in, or insist that they are turned off, but controlling it is pretty much impossible nowadays
The media can - and have been - excluded from counts. It is at the Returning Officer's discretion.
The normal general election approach is to put them somewhere separate but with a view over the count, and people sidle up and tell them things. It is unusual IME for them to be allowed to wander about next to the counting agents, but I guess it can happen - discretion as you say
Rumors in Paris tonight converge towrds a Friday morning Valls government resignation. The next government would be announced as soon as Friday afternoon, with only minimal change. Cazeneuve would become PM and he would have to be replaced as Interior minister. To manage police and security issues during the campaign, they would certainly choose a very loyal Hollandist (maybe Andre Vallini).
Does that imply Valls doesn't have Hollande's support for his Presidential run? In which case who will be the stop Valls candidate? Segolene?
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
In affectionate remembrance of English Brexit, which died today in Richmond. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances.
NB - Brexit will be cremated and the ashes taken to Trump Tower.
lol. We're in RICHMOND. Possibly the most Remainery (and beautiful) urban constituency in the UK.
There are actually a surprisingly high number of Remainy Tory seats throughout the southern Home Counties. The Remain message of "don't ruin the economy" did actually do the trick with a big section of the wealthy middle-aged Tory vote.
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
If he loses, can't say that I have one ounce of sympathy for Zac.
Indeed; the man's an idiot.
It would be disappointing if a politician were to be punished by the voters for following through on a pledge.
Politicians get punished unfairly all the time. It's one reason pccs are such a stupid idea, since general party standing performance will trump any merit, or not, of a PCC candidate.
and it probably wasn't that bright to have admitted that it was a silly pledge and if he had his time again he wouldn't have made it
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
I would probably vote Lib-Dem if I was in Rihmond just to stick it to Zac...
On the other hand though, wouldn't it be great if Faisal is was making an idiot of himself again...
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
Labour's policy on brexit is the same as policy on austerity, trident and heathrow
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
Olney has also only been the party 18 months. I wouldn't vote for her as leader, not yet anyway. 9.2 on Betfair though.
There will be a lull in information now while the real counting and sorting takes place. Then the piles will start to form for Zac and Sarah. People will be mentally measuring them. More info will start to flow with another movement on Betfair.
I don't know how or when the postal votes are counted. Does anyone know?
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
Ah, oh dear - ok accusation withdrawn!
I think the point still stands though. She would stand out amongst the field
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
A victory in Richmond will embolden the Lib Dems in their attempt to block Brexit. They will argue that the people of Richmond have rejected Brexit so therefore the rest of the UK has as well.
I cant imagine zacs failed recent London mayoral election can be helping, not only the negative tone of it but also how much of an out of touch wally he sounded in lots of interviews.
Rumors in Paris tonight converge towrds a Friday morning Valls government resignation. The next government would be announced as soon as Friday afternoon, with only minimal change. Cazeneuve would become PM and he would have to be replaced as Interior minister. To manage police and security issues during the campaign, they would certainly choose a very loyal Hollandist (maybe Andre Vallini).
Does that imply Valls doesn't have Hollande's support for his Presidential run? In which case who will be the stop Valls candidate? Segolene?
Not really. It really means that Valls could campaign without being criticized of using his office as PM or not giving 100% of his time to managing the country. Hollande will probably stay as much as possible out of it. he did not mention Valls or any of his Ministers during his speech tonight. Apparently he said to Valls earlier this week that him not running would make Valls the logical candidate.
As I explained earlier today, the Hollande branch of the party may not be enthusiastic about Valls anyway and will probably try to find a Hollande proxy. Najat Vallaud Belkacem is the most likely (and has zero chance to win).
Segolene said a month ago that she had already refused several calls to run from former supporters.
There will be a lull in information now while the real counting and sorting takes place. Then the piles will start to form for Zac and Sarah. People will be mentally measuring them. More info will start to flow with another movement on Betfair.
I don't know how or when the postal votes are counted. Does anyone know?
After the verification the postals are mixed in and then the votes all counted together.
Assessing the piles in the centre of the hall from a distance is the hardest thing to do, IME. Its much easier to work out how things are going at the verification, except you don't have the PVs. If you are really organised you can watch and tally as each bundle of 50 is banded up and taken off, but that requires a level of alertness that people aren't usually capable of, most of the counting agents will have been working since dawn
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
A victory in Richmond will embolden the Lib Dems in their attempt to block Brexit. They will argue that the people of Richmond have rejected Brexit so therefore the rest of the UK has as well.
The circumstances of this by-election are sui generis. It tells you nothing ( on it's own ) about UK politics. That won't stop people framing it and some f those frames being sucessful. But in terms of the fundamentals ? The circumstances are bizarre. Sui Generis.
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
Olney has also only been the party 18 months. I wouldn't vote for her as leader, not yet anyway. 9.2 on Betfair though.
It will take about eight years or more before there is a vacancy. She'll be ready then.
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
A victory in Richmond will embolden the Lib Dems in their attempt to block Brexit. They will argue that the people of Richmond have rejected Brexit so therefore the rest of the UK has as well.
Were it to happen, I think they'd be wiser to be more circumspect. Look for opportunities to block, but focus on those pushing for soft, and if that looks like being rejected, press the blocking attempts more. Time, of corse, is agai st such a strategy, but I think they'd struggle with an open blocking agenda. That might be the agenda now, but no one would notice.
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
A victory in Richmond will embolden the Lib Dems in their attempt to block Brexit. They will argue that the people of Richmond have rejected Brexit so therefore the rest of the UK has as well.
This would be 72% Remain voting Richmond?
A minor detail to intellectual heavyweights such as Farron and Brake.
A source from the Zac Goldsmith campaign has been speaking to reporters. “It is certainly looking very tight,” he said. He also thinks the turnout is around 50%.
The circumstances of this by-election are sui generis. It tells you nothing ( on it's own ) about UK politics. That won't stop people framing it and some f those frames being sucessful. But in terms of the fundamentals ? The circumstances are bizarre. Sui Generis.
Do by-elections commonly say anything about national politics? Peop,e pretend comfortable holds in safe seats are remarkable in these things.
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
Olney has also only been the party 18 months. I wouldn't vote for her as leader, not yet anyway. 9.2 on Betfair though.
It will take about eight years or more before there is a vacancy. She'll be ready then.
A source from the Zac Goldsmith campaign has been speaking to reporters. “It is certainly looking very tight,” he said. He also thinks the turnout is around 50%.
That is on the low side. 75% turnout at the general election. I would expect 55-60% tonight.
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
But since 2015 both taxi-fulls of LD MPs are white and male!
Betfair. Someone knows something from the verification stage. There was a point just now when no one was laying the LibDem and someone else wanted 900/1 to bet on Zac. It's stabilised a bit now but there is information out there. There will be moles tweeting from inside the count. No wonder Ladbrokes and William Hill have closed their books.
If you know an area and its boxes, it is usually possible to know how things are going early in a verification - and the LibDems will have a lot of local experience to draw on (as will any Tories that Zac has been good enough to invite, their not being entitled to any counting agents of their own).
But it is strictly illegal to communicate the information outside the hall..in pre-mobile phone days you'd end up in jail; some counts try to prevent people taking phones in, or insist that they are turned off, but controlling it is pretty much impossible nowadays
The media can - and have been - excluded from counts. It is at the Returning Officer's discretion.
The normal general election approach is to put them somewhere separate but with a view over the count, and people sidle up and tell them things. It is unusual IME for them to be allowed to wander about next to the counting agents, but I guess it can happen - discretion as you say
If Faisal Islam has broken the law it would be good to see him prosecuted!
The circumstances of this by-election are sui generis. It tells you nothing ( on it's own ) about UK politics. That won't stop people framing it and some f those frames being sucessful. But in terms of the fundamentals ? The circumstances are bizarre. Sui Generis.
Do by-elections commonly say anything about national politics? Peop,e pretend comfortable holds in safe seats are remarkable in these things.
Not always. But being in a Lab/Con marginal that 52 to 48 to Leave would be a start.
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
Olney has also only been the party 18 months. I wouldn't vote for her as leader, not yet anyway. 9.2 on Betfair though.
But after a mediocre LD showing in 2020, perhaps just 5 or 6 gains (which is an optimistic estimate based on current polls), Farron would probably step down, and she would have been a member and MP for several years at that point.
If it's a snap election then I think it would probably be Norman Lamb assuming he holds on (and that Farron does badly).
There might be more niqabs and burqas per capita in London - and England - than any non-Muslim country on earth. Even in countries with larger Muslim populations - e.g. France - you seldom see the niqab.
What is it about British Muslims that makes these horrible shrouds so popular among them? Is it a particular kind of migrant/community? Is it some perverse kind of British Muslim fashion?
Here are a few reasons:
1. O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al-Ahzab 33:59)
2. It's a form of Ibadah (worship), a way of feeling closer to Allah. Muslims believe that this Dunya (this life on earth) is for worshipping Allah. Dunya is just a test for what really matters: the Akhira (next life). Everything a person does will have consequences in the Akhira.
3. The rise of Salafism. Salafi's say we need to go back to basic principles and live as the Prophet and his Companions lived. The Prophet's wives were completely covered. Salafi's say that Hadiths indicate women should live in seclusion apart from in front of other women or maharams (husbands, brothers, fathers, father-in-laws), a burqa or abaya with niqab allows for the woman to be in seclusion but still live, work and be present in society.
Burqas and niqabs should not be banned in the UK, they are a part of an increasing number of Muslim women's idenity and religious worship. Any ban would increase tensions and would create a nightmare for police and authorities to enforce. These women will not suddenly take off their burqas and go around uncovered, instead they will retreat into the home and not work or be in education. Also, Women do not endless debate what men should wear or campaign to ban men from wearing this or that particular clothing.
I'm confused. I know what the "verification stage" is for postal votes: you take the votes out of their envelopes and check that the numbers and signatures match those on the outside. But what in the name of Jesus H Trump is the "verification stage" for non-postal votes?
I kinda want the Libs to win tonight. I have no sympathy for trillionaire anti-Heathrow loser Zac G. And it would be great if the Remainian LDs could, somehow, replace the shower of shite that is Corbyn's Labour.
We are a democracy. The 48% - nearly half the damn country - need representation. Labour, right now, do not do that, at all.
The LDs really just need to focus on EEA/Soft Brexit/Single Market - that's what the 48% really want. It's a small minority that really want to block Brexit completely. Sarah Olney has argued along those lines to her credit.
I think the 48% "really want" to remain in the EU - that's what we voted for - and almost all of us will be relieved if for whatever reason Brexit doesn't happen. But no, most of us aren't actively trying to block it, and if our relationship with the EU is the same after Brexit we won't be happy exactly but we'll be reasonably content with that.
Rumors in Paris tonight converge towrds a Friday morning Valls government resignation. The next government would be announced as soon as Friday afternoon, with only minimal change. Cazeneuve would become PM and he would have to be replaced as Interior minister. To manage police and security issues during the campaign, they would certainly choose a very loyal Hollandist (maybe Andre Vallini).
Does that imply Valls doesn't have Hollande's support for his Presidential run? In which case who will be the stop Valls candidate? Segolene?
Not really. It really means that Valls could campaign without being criticized of using his office as PM or not giving 100% of his time to managing the country. Hollande will probably stay as much as possible out of it. he did not mention Valls or any of his Ministers during his speech tonight. Apparently he said to Valls earlier this week that him not running would make Valls the logical candidate.
As I explained earlier today, the Hollande branch of the party may not be enthusiastic about Valls anyway and will probably try to find a Hollande proxy. Najat Vallaud Belkacem is the most likely (and has zero chance to win).
Segolene said a month ago that she had already refused several calls to run from former supporters.
Who would you say is the most likely winner of the Socialist primaries?
what are the betting odds on Sarah Olney next LD leader? Presumptuous yes, but if she does win she will be the sole female MP, and that will play well in any future leadership contests in a party that has never elected a female leader or even an ethnic minority MP (i.e. they are failing on the identity politics front - and LDs tend to go in for that generally).
Err, Parmjit Singh Gill says hello.
Olney has also only been the party 18 months. I wouldn't vote for her as leader, not yet anyway. 9.2 on Betfair though.
But after a mediocre LD showing in 2020, perhaps just 5 or 6 gains (which is an optimistic estimate based on current polls), Farron would probably step down, and she would have been a member and MP for several years at that point.
If it's a snap election then I think it would probably be Norman Lamb assuming he holds on (and that Farron does badly).
Clegg comeback is quite possible. Several at my party meeting were seriously discussing it last time.
I'm confused. I know what the "verification stage" is for postal votes: you take the votes out of their envelopes and check that the numbers and signatures match those on the outside. But what in the name of Jesus H Trump is the "verification stage" for non-postal votes?
It's a genuine question.
I thought it was just making sure the tally of votes matched what the polling stations reported.
I'm confused. I know what the "verification stage" is for postal votes: you take the votes out of their envelopes and check that the numbers and signatures match those on the outside. But what in the name of Jesus H Trump is the "verification stage" for non-postal votes?
It's a genuine question.
the object of verification of a polling station box is to tally the number of votes in the box with the number the presiding officer recorded as issued during the day. If you have a shortfall it is serious and if you have an excess it is very serious.
I'm confused. I know what the "verification stage" is for postal votes: you take the votes out of their envelopes and check that the numbers and signatures match those on the outside. But what in the name of Jesus H Trump is the "verification stage" for non-postal votes?
I'm confused. I know what the "verification stage" is for postal votes: you take the votes out of their envelopes and check that the numbers and signatures match those on the outside. But what in the name of Jesus H Trump is the "verification stage" for non-postal votes?
I'm confused. I know what the "verification stage" is for postal votes: you take the votes out of their envelopes and check that the numbers and signatures match those on the outside. But what in the name of Jesus H Trump is the "verification stage" for non-postal votes?
It's a genuine question.
It's when all the votes from each ballot box are counted and compared to the number issued at that polling station. They should match up of course. This doesn't involve sorting the votes into each candidate, but those observing can often get a rough idea of how many votes each candidate has got in that area and compare it to what they expected.
Comments
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-38175768
*not an exaggeration - 2010 was the first election I really cared about (at 15 in 2005 I didn't really care). 2010 the LD's failed expectations, 2015 even more so, then Brexit, then Trump. I'll take any crumbs I can get at this point!
NB - Brexit will be cremated and the ashes taken to Trump Tower.
Trading this like a mugeroo tonight !
At a count the verification must be done face up, to keep the serial numbers on the back of the ballot papers hidden.
Is it possible the postal votes haven't been "seen" yet?
The next government would be announced as soon as Friday afternoon, with only minimal change. Cazeneuve would become PM and he would have to be replaced as Interior minister.
To manage police and security issues during the campaign, they would certainly choose a very loyal Hollandist (maybe Andre Vallini).
Did the postals show up later on in Oldham West ?
I literally have no idea what Labour's policy actually is on Brexit. Does anyone? What a complete shitshow.
On the other hand though, wouldn't it be great if Faisal is was making an idiot of himself again...
Then the piles will start to form for Zac and Sarah. People will be mentally measuring them. More info will start to flow with another movement on Betfair.
I don't know how or when the postal votes are counted. Does anyone know?
I think the point still stands though. She would stand out amongst the field
Is there a feed somewhere?
Hollande will probably stay as much as possible out of it. he did not mention Valls or any of his Ministers during his speech tonight.
Apparently he said to Valls earlier this week that him not running would make Valls the logical candidate.
As I explained earlier today, the Hollande branch of the party may not be enthusiastic about Valls anyway and will probably try to find a Hollande proxy. Najat Vallaud Belkacem is the most likely (and has zero chance to win).
Segolene said a month ago that she had already refused several calls to run from former supporters.
Assessing the piles in the centre of the hall from a distance is the hardest thing to do, IME. Its much easier to work out how things are going at the verification, except you don't have the PVs. If you are really organised you can watch and tally as each bundle of 50 is banded up and taken off, but that requires a level of alertness that people aren't usually capable of, most of the counting agents will have been working since dawn
Hit my self imposed exposure limit
-£500 LD
+£1k Zac
Good luck punters.
Hope the LD's win!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyoVXApWgAA1vUY.jpg
If it's a snap election then I think it would probably be Norman Lamb assuming he holds on (and that Farron does badly).
http://www.coombemonthly.co.uk/richmondpark-by-election-live-blog/
1. O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al-Ahzab 33:59)
2. It's a form of Ibadah (worship), a way of feeling closer to Allah. Muslims believe that this Dunya (this life on earth) is for worshipping Allah. Dunya is just a test for what really matters: the Akhira (next life). Everything a person does will have consequences in the Akhira.
3. The rise of Salafism. Salafi's say we need to go back to basic principles and live as the Prophet and his Companions lived. The Prophet's wives were completely covered. Salafi's say that Hadiths indicate women should live in seclusion apart from in front of other women or maharams (husbands, brothers, fathers, father-in-laws), a burqa or abaya with niqab allows for the woman to be in seclusion but still live, work and be present in society.
Burqas and niqabs should not be banned in the UK, they are a part of an increasing number of Muslim women's idenity and religious worship. Any ban would increase tensions and would create a nightmare for police and authorities to enforce. These women will not suddenly take off their burqas and go around uncovered, instead they will retreat into the home and not work or be in education. Also, Women do not endless debate what men should wear or campaign to ban men from wearing this or that particular clothing.
It's a genuine question.
Lib Dem Zac < 2500 Zac 2500+
60.915 31.3625 33.87125
Ind 1147
Lab 823
Con 217
LDem 173
Green 170
UKIP 34