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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Why UKIP standing aside in a particular seat might not be as b

SystemSystem Posts: 11,685
edited May 2017 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Why UKIP standing aside in a particular seat might not be as beneficial to the Tories as might appear

I am sure that I am not the only PBer who is spending a lot of time at the moment looking up Wikipedia pages on interesting constituencies to try to work out whether a particular bet is good value or not.

Read the full story here


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    JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 39,031
    edited May 2017
    First.
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    MTimTMTimT Posts: 7,034
    Keep getting 2nd
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    Aargh! ..... Second.
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    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,969
    ..Regression analysis shows that where UKIP started with around 13% (taking their vote share in the 2015 General Election as an example) the swing from Labour to the Conservatives was 3.9 points if UKIP stood again, and 4.6 points if they dropped out. A difference of just 0.7 points.

    Couldn't this mean that the UKIP support has dropped so much it is basically like them not standing?
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    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,680
    edited May 2017
    Lord Ashcroft had Don Valley down as 'Leaning Labour':

    http://tinyurl.com/kx7p76u
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    MikeSmithsonMikeSmithson Posts: 7,382

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
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    felixfelix Posts: 15,124

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Yes quite. Their selfishness and bitterness after being utterly thrashed last time is embarrassing to behold. What on earth kind of government would they seriously see emerging from a 'progressive alliance' which includes the SNP and Corbyn's Labour?
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    felixfelix Posts: 15,124

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    Surely it's the voters understanding here which matters most.
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    SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    edited May 2017
    Morning all. - Instead of tactical voting, a novel approach to GE2017 would be for a certain party to focus on saving their deposit, rather than gaming the system.
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    MattWMattW Posts: 18,567
    felix said:
    And with one bound she was free!

    The Durgin' Sturgeon retreated from her "D" row of trenches to the "E" row, instantly declaring another towering victory to keep the faithful in line.

    Cool.
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    timmotimmo Posts: 1,469

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    But now a third of their MPs are having to rely on assistance from the Gina Miller Best for Britain consortium to try and rescue their positions.
    Voters are well and truly confused at the LDs " Change Britain" message and as such are not buying into it
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    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,680
    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



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    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    felix said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Yes quite. Their selfishness and bitterness after being utterly thrashed last time is embarrassing to behold. What on earth kind of government would they seriously see emerging from a 'progressive alliance' which includes the SNP and Corbyn's Labour?
    Lib Dems have promised to not go into coalition with anyone. In the unlikely event of a hung parliament it would be a case by case vote on the issue. The Tories would have to persuade and inform parliament rather than ram things through. It would require May to respect parliament rather than be an autocrat. It would be my preferred outcome.
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    felixfelix Posts: 15,124

    felix said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Yes quite. Their selfishness and bitterness after being utterly thrashed last time is embarrassing to behold. What on earth kind of government would they seriously see emerging from a 'progressive alliance' which includes the SNP and Corbyn's Labour?
    Lib Dems have promised to not go into coalition with anyone. In the unlikely event of a hung parliament it would be a case by case vote on the issue. The Tories would have to persuade and inform parliament rather than ram things through. It would require May to respect parliament rather than be an autocrat. It would be my preferred outcome.
    Majority vote is called democracy. You are describing a chaotic coalition. LD promises - yeah, good luck with that meme.
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    madasafishmadasafish Posts: 659

    felix said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Yes quite. Their selfishness and bitterness after being utterly thrashed last time is embarrassing to behold. What on earth kind of government would they seriously see emerging from a 'progressive alliance' which includes the SNP and Corbyn's Labour?
    Lib Dems have promised to not go into coalition with anyone. In the unlikely event of a hung parliament it would be a case by case vote on the issue.

    You mean like Tony Blair did? :-)
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    MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,607

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    A propaganda post from a Lib Dem is probably not going to be taken very seriously. Lib Dems in here are extremely worried about how poorly the election is going. If there is a strategy it is either very poor or being executed very poorly.
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    I think OGH makes a good point on strategy. I might ask whose strategy - Cowley Street's or Paul Trollope's ? ( Paul Trollope is Tim Farron's agent / manager )

    Whether the Tory strategy for dealing with the Farron and LDs is right or wrong it is based upon the assumption that Cowley Street are unable to call the shots under this leader. I will discuss properly after the election. From the Tory pov it makes sense to target W&L. Trollope has shown he is not inclined to lay down his life for his colleagues.
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,307
    I do think that this article is comparing apples and pears. In 2015 UKIP got 4m votes and had a significantly greater effect on results, even if they only won one seat. In the recent local elections they lost every single seat they were defending. Their vote is less than half of what it was in 2015.

    So saying that it doesn't make much of a difference whether they stand or not is simply a reflection of their current weakness. What is relevant, in seats like Don Valley, is that there are several thousand ex UKIP voters looking for a new home and that home is overwhelmingly the Tories. Whilst UKIP standing or not is of marginal importance the fact that there is that pool is likely to be very important. It may or may not be enough in Aaron's case but it gives him a much better chance.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,358

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    Mark Senior?
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    logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,721
    There was a discussion on here yesterday on where the UKIP vote would go. I would think that a large part of it would now not vote and another sizeable part would go to the best NOTA candidate they could find.
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    PatrickPatrick Posts: 225

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    The LibDem election strategy is indeed more cunning than a very cunning thing. It's brilliant. Beyond sublime. The only very minor hole in it is that it's being kept secret from the voters. Voters who look at Minor Fart and his gang of Gina Miller fetishers and think 'really?'. It's going to be another taxi score.
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,307
    edited May 2017
    What might be of greater concern to Aaron is how badly the Lib Dems are doing. Looking at the 2010 and 2015 results together shows that in 2015 several thousand of them voted for Caroline Flint either tactically or to punish them for being in coalition with the Tories. This nearly tripled her majority and made this a relatively safe seat.

    In an ideal scenario for Aaron at least a couple of thousand of these ex Lib Dem supporters would now go back home. But there is very little evidence of that in the national polling. The risk for the Tories and of course the Lib Dems is that those voters may be gone for good.

    This could be significant. Lib Dem weakness was the main reason that Ed Miliband outpolled Brown and gained seats in England. It does look as if Corbyn will have that advantage as well.
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    felixfelix Posts: 15,124
    MaxPB said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    A propaganda post from a Lib Dem is probably not going to be taken very seriously. Lib Dems in here are extremely worried about how poorly the election is going. If there is a strategy it is either very poor or being executed very poorly.
    Be funny if it's Mark Pack.
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    EssexitEssexit Posts: 1,956
    DavidL said:

    What might be of greater concern to Aaron is how badly the Lib Dems are doing. Looking at the 2010 and 2015 results together shows that in 2015 several thousand of them voted for Caroline Flint either tactically or to punish them for being in coalition with the Tories. This nearly tripled her majority and made this a relatively safe seat.

    In an ideal scenario for Aaron at least a couple of thousand of these ex Lib Dem supporters would now go back home. But there is very little evidence of that in the national polling. The risk for the Tories and of course the Lib Dems is that those voters may be gone for good.

    This could be significant. Lib Dem weakness was the main reason that Ed Miliband outpolled Brown and gained seats in England. It does look as if Corbyn will have that advantage as well.

    As someone who'd make money from Labour falling below 25%, I (sadly) have to agree with the above. Farron's incompetence has ruined that bet for me.

    Morning all.
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    felixfelix Posts: 15,124
    DavidL said:

    What might be of greater concern to Aaron is how badly the Lib Dems are doing. Looking at the 2010 and 2015 results together shows that in 2015 several thousand of them voted for Caroline Flint either tactically or to punish them for being in coalition with the Tories. This nearly tripled her majority and made this a relatively safe seat.

    In an ideal scenario for Aaron at least a couple of thousand of these ex Lib Dem supporters would now go back home. But there is very little evidence of that in the national polling. The risk for the Tories and of course the Lib Dems is that those voters may be gone for good.

    This could be significant. Lib Dem weakness was the main reason that Ed Miliband outpolled Brown and gained seats in England. It does look as if Corbyn will have that advantage as well.

    +1 Whichever way you look at it the ABC vote gets you a COC.
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    AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
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    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,850
    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,249
    Very interesting header, but, Fisher is based on local elections and regression analysis. In the GE things could be very different. People are voting on next PM. Indeed, this election has become a de facto referendum on Corbyn. The swings from Lab to Con on this core question, especially in seats like Don, will swamp any UKIP effect imho.

    As Hodges was pointing out yesterday, Lab canvassers are finding mass DLJ (Don't know/borderline Labour but Corbyn is a factor). They don't have time to convert all these people back by focusing on the core skills of a local Labour MP. Nick P assures us that his canvassing has been going well and this is not the case.

    I remain unconvinced and have bet accordingly. At the moment I'm not going to change that.
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    felixfelix Posts: 15,124
    Sean_F said:

    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.

    You can smell the panic in the final sentence of the thread header.
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,307
    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    Its also what I have been saying. The first 4 seats look pretty solid for the Tories. After that there is a whole range of interesting possibilities but nothing nailed on at all.

    The problem is that 2015 was such an incredible tsunami for the SNP that most seats were washed well inland with massive majorities to overcome. In anything like a conventional year these would be safe seats. Even if the SNP tide has receded somewhat they will take some catching, at least in one go.
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    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,680
    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
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    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    I'm sure it's fantabulously sophisticated.

    But is it working?
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    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,850
    felix said:

    Sean_F said:

    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.

    You can smell the panic in the final sentence of the thread header.
    Tactical voting is neither here nor there, given the size of the Lib Dem vote, here.

    We're looking at Con 17,700, Lab 20,600, if national trends apply. Aaron has to win over 1,500 Labour voters.
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    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    edited May 2017
    I was rather concerned to read Peter the Punters comments about the youth and what they are thinking. One hopes they will grow up... notwithstanding that Dennis McShane tweeted about the hostility towards Corbyn id est Labour being the worst in 40 yrs , It does make me wonder about Labour on 30% , I just don't see it.
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,307
    Charles said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    I'm sure it's fantabulously sophisticated.

    But is it working?
    I think it is pretty obvious that their strategy will be to have something like 25 bye-elections throwing all their resources and effort into those with the rest of the country having not much more than paper candidates.

    The problem they have is that Farron is not managing any kind of national profile at all and is one of those bye elections (no doubt one of the reasons the Tories are muttering about having a go in his seat). Add in a lack of clarity of message (other than we don't like the result of the referendum very much) and their vote is unlikely to improve much. It may be slightly more efficient of course but this will be at the margins.
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    daodaodaodao Posts: 821
    edited May 2017

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
  • Options
    CD13CD13 Posts: 6,351
    The basic problem for the Liberals is that overall, the cunning plan of mining the Remain vote has foundered. Yes, the gobby ones are up for it, and they dominate the airwaves, but the majority have accepted the result and now want to move on.

    Have the Yellow Peril got a plan B?
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    Sean_F said:

    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.

    I think that is fair. Those who have previously left Labour to join UKIP are very likely those who are most repelled by Jeremy's IRA-loving, open-borders to all offering. That is likely to be much more strongly felt when we are talking about the security of the nation rather than filling in pot-holes. The best Labour can hope for is that they don't go Tory but stay home. But I think that Corbyn will get them trundling down to the local school or village hall on 8th June in far greater numbers than at the locals. To them, he's a wrong 'un.....
  • Options
    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,307
    daodao said:

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
    We have different fish to fry in Scotland, haddock instead of cod, and different priorities. I will be cheering any SLAB or Lib Dem gains north of the border almost as loudly as the Tory ones.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    daodao said:

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.
  • Options
    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,680
    daodao said:

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
    I think there may be a 'happy medium' for a Con majority - big enough, so May isn't held to ransom by the awkward squad on the back benches, not so big that the Tories get fat dumb & happy and lose sight of their inevitable political mortality.

    I would like a decent showing from Scotland however to get Ms 'Scottish education is fine if you ignore numeracy & literacy' Sturgeon to raise her game.....
  • Options

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    Mark Senior?
    Martin Day?
  • Options
    Fysics_TeacherFysics_Teacher Posts: 6,060
    ydoethur said:

    daodao said:

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.
    400% better I think...
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    edited May 2017

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    edited May 2017
    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    North & Leith dropping before East Lothian ?

    This is where care is needed over being too precise with Ashcroft's work in my opinion. If it's a general swing toward Labour with students (And the interpolation thereafter) that takes North & Leith then I'd have thought this was probably not the case north of the border. No tuition fees in Scotland.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,283
    Sean_F said:

    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.

    I don't believe that is what is happening. Many UKIP voters came from Labour, as the analysis in the lead makes clear, and some are going back, balanced off by former Labour voters moving elsewhere or becoming don't know/not voting. It's the explanation for why even Corbyn is above 30%, which wouldn't be the case if Labour were just losing votes. and not a net gainer of votes from somewhere.

    Adding ukip and Tory votes to try and forecast results risks making some big mistakes.
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    With all due respect, I was in a LibDem held Tory-Lib marginal in 2015 and told you it was going to be a blood-bath for the LibDems. Your conversations with leading members of the LD campaign team in 2015 told you they couldn't possibly fall below 28 seats.

    One of us lost a large amount of money on the 2015 election.
  • Options
    malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 41,980
    ydoethur said:

    daodao said:

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.
    would be hard not to be their best result , anything will mean that. They are a bunch of sectarian right wing bigots, hopefully they will be slaughtered. Scotland can do without these nasties having any say.
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    edited May 2017
    IanB2 said:

    Sean_F said:

    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.

    I don't believe that is what is happening. Many UKIP voters came from Labour, as the analysis in the lead makes clear, and some are going back, balanced off by former Labour voters moving elsewhere or becoming don't know/not voting. It's the explanation for why even Corbyn is above 30%, which wouldn't be the case if Labour were just losing votes. and not a net gainer of votes from somewhere.

    Adding ukip and Tory votes to try and forecast results risks making some big mistakes.
    Con Lab LD UKIP
    Con 89 10 25 69
    Lab 4 80 13 7
    LD 5 7 56 1
    UKIP 0 0 0 23

    Was the vote transfer in thew latest Yougov.

    So the Tories are definitely gaining from the UKIP collapse. My ward (Which isn't a million miles off Don Valley demographically)

    2013: Tories 800ish, Lab 2500

    This time round Tories 2100 Lab 2300.

    If Labour and the Lib Dems aren't moving much in the polls how else do we get Con up 10 pts or more ?
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    IanB2 said:

    Sean_F said:

    There's already such a big UKIP- Con swing underway that UKIP not standing makes little difference.

    If Don Valley follows the national trend, then the UKIP vote from 2015 should split about 7,000/1,000 Con/Lab.

    I don't believe that is what is happening. Many UKIP voters came from Labour, as the analysis in the lead makes clear, and some are going back, balanced off by former Labour voters moving elsewhere or becoming don't know/not voting. It's the explanation for why even Corbyn is above 30%, which wouldn't be the case if Labour were just losing votes. and not a net gainer of votes from somewhere.

    Adding ukip and Tory votes to try and forecast results risks making some big mistakes.
    It is of course possible that many UKIP voters who want an absolute rupture with the EU have worked out that May and Davis are capable enough to come up with a fudge of some sort, while the apologist for terrorism couldn't haggle in a spice bazaar and would come up with a deal that wouldn't pass the Commons. Therefore, the odds of no deal are if anything higher with him in charge and they should therefore vote for him.

    That said, that seems to be the almost certain outcome anyway.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    malcolmg said:

    would be hard not to be their best result , anything will mean that. They are a bunch of sectarian right wing bigots, hopefully they will be slaughtered. Scotland can do without these nasties having any say.

    Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Malcolm!
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    timmo said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    But now a third of their MPs are having to rely on assistance from the Gina Miller Best for Britain consortium to try and rescue their positions.
    Voters are well and truly confused at the LDs " Change Britain" message and as such are not buying into it
    The message isn't "Change Britain", but rather "Change Democracy". They didn't accept the Referendum outcome - the public did.

    I've said before, the timing of the election was terrible for the LibDems - they had no policies to wheel out other than Stop Brexit.
  • Options
    Fysics_TeacherFysics_Teacher Posts: 6,060
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    Sorry about that, but teacher mode was left on.

    I'm almost afraid to ask how you got 2+2=5. You aren't an historian by any chance?
  • Options
    PClippPClipp Posts: 2,138

    felix said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Yes quite. Their selfishness and bitterness after being utterly thrashed last time is embarrassing to behold. What on earth kind of government would they seriously see emerging from a 'progressive alliance' which includes the SNP and Corbyn's Labour?
    Lib Dems have promised to not go into coalition with anyone. In the unlikely event of a hung parliament it would be a case by case vote on the issue. The Tories would have to persuade and inform parliament rather than ram things through. It would require May to respect parliament rather than be an autocrat. It would be my preferred outcome.
    That would be an excellent outcome. Parliament taking back control, on behalf of the people.
  • Options
    EssexitEssexit Posts: 1,956
    edited May 2017
    Charles said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    I'm sure it's fantabulously sophisticated.

    But is it working?
    If the Lib Dem master strategy involved starting the campaign with a row about whether or not gay sex is a sin, followed by a row about whether or not they want an anti-Semite representing them in Parliament, recordings of senior figures implying members should vote against their party, and polling between 8 and 12 percent, then yes.

    It's fantabulously something alright.
  • Options
    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,984
    Good morning, everyone.

    It'll also be interesting to see whether a significant number of ex-Lab, ex-UKIP voters just stay at home. Corbyn's not going to enthuse them, we've voted to leave the EU, and I wonder if the seemingly foregone conclusion of the election might depress turnout and perhaps lead to some odd results.

    Utterly off-topic, but the first (of three, initially) part of my new serial's now available. It's a free, short episode so do give it a look. If you like the style (fast, action-packed and very much Robin Hood meets Ancient China) the next two episodes will be up for pre-order shortly, and, if not, it hasn't cost you a bean.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phoenix-Rising-Wandering-Roaming-Tiger-ebook/dp/B071LCLJYY/
  • Options
    OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 31,997
    It’s odd about the LD vote. It had been rising slow;y and steadily (alright, a small bump or two along the way0 all the way from to 80’s to 2010. Then, received wisdom being as a result of the Coalition, it crashed in 2015, and indeed had been falling, although perhaps less dramatically in local elections from 2010. Since 2015 the local results have been distinctly better; it would appear that one time supporters are coming back.
    I wonder whether that will happen in the GE as the campaign really gets under way.
  • Options
    FattyBolgerFattyBolger Posts: 299
    I am not at all keen on or impressed by TMay''s proposed energy market interference or new employment rights regulations. Which i suppose is the point. I am sure i am not the target audience for this sort of red Tory pitch.. As a CON voter in Deep England where else am i supposed to go?

    Also I am rather concerned by the effectiveness of the Labour campaign so far. I think they are making an energetic and good fist of defending the indefensible in contrast to a very lacklustre CON effort. It feels lazy and complacent.
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    One thing, the Labour voters in Richmond are not the same as the Labour voters in Don Valley.

    For one of my models, the "natural" vote split in the two constituencies I had to apply the following factors :

    0.69 Don Valley
    1.39 Richmond Park

    Anything over 1 implies the seat was more remain for the GE2015 vote than expected, anything under 1 implies more leave.

    Basically Don Valley had alot of Labour leavers above and beyond the 2015 UKIPers (Which makes sense).

    My point is Richmond Park and Don Valley are quite different (At least on this analysis)
  • Options
    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    The question is not what 2015 UKIP voters would do: there's plenty of evidence showing that they were breaking decisively for the Conservatives (though no doubt the effect is intensified among those kippers who previously voted Conservative and muted among those who previously voted Labour).

    The question is what those voters who were still intending to vote UKIP in 2017 will do in constituencies where UKIP aren't standing. I don't think we have very much evidence what they will do.
  • Options
    ThreeQuidderThreeQuidder Posts: 6,133
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    I can prove it mathematically. You just need sufficiently large values of 2.
  • Options
    Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 13,320
    edited May 2017

    I was rather concerned to read Peter the Punters comments about the youth and what they are thinking. One hopes they will grow up... notwithstanding that Dennis McShane tweeted about the hostility towards Corbyn id est Labour being the worst in 40 yrs , It does make me wonder about Labour on 30% , I just don't see it.

    Wasn't me, SR, but yes I have noted with concern and dismay a kind of pseudo-Marxist nonsense amongst young Labour supporters and activists which I thought had long died out.

    But no I don't find 30% surprising. It's not so far from what Ed M got not long ago, and is indicative of Old Labour support rather than a resurgence of the Dave Sparts and Wolfie Smiths of this world.
  • Options
    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095

    I was rather concerned to read Peter the Punters comments about the youth and what they are thinking. One hopes they will grow up... notwithstanding that Dennis McShane tweeted about the hostility towards Corbyn id est Labour being the worst in 40 yrs , It does make me wonder about Labour on 30% , I just don't see it.

    Wasn't me, SR, but yes I have noted with concern and dismay a kind of pseudo-Marxist nonsense amongst young Labour supporters and activists which I thought had long died out.

    But no I don't find 30% surprising. It's not so far from what Ed M got not long ago, and is indicative of Old Labour support rather than a resurgence of the Dave Sparts and Wolfie Smiths of this world.
    Apologies. It was the Apocoypse who said

    "What is scary is the shit I see going Facebook among youngsters that basically says yes corbyn is a bit crap but he is a super nice human not like those evil Tories.."
    .Ed miliband was a bit of hapless plonker but he wasnt a f##king terrorist sympathizing, extremist supporting communist enabler.

    I don't think they really know what they are supporting."
  • Options
    Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 13,320

    Good morning, everyone.

    It'll also be interesting to see whether a significant number of ex-Lab, ex-UKIP voters just stay at home. Corbyn's not going to enthuse them, we've voted to leave the EU, and I wonder if the seemingly foregone conclusion of the election might depress turnout and perhaps lead to some odd results.

    Utterly off-topic, but the first (of three, initially) part of my new serial's now available. It's a free, short episode so do give it a look. If you like the style (fast, action-packed and very much Robin Hood meets Ancient China) the next two episodes will be up for pre-order shortly, and, if not, it hasn't cost you a bean.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phoenix-Rising-Wandering-Roaming-Tiger-ebook/dp/B071LCLJYY/

    Morning Morris.

    You asked me recently whether I was a Federalist and I typed you a longish reply. I didn't notice any response to it from you. I'm not worried if you (or anybody) don't read my posts but I would like to know whether you did comment and I just missed it.

    Thanks.
  • Options
    freetochoosefreetochoose Posts: 1,107
    Before the 2015 GE and the referendum last year this place was full of people reporting positive canvassing sessions, now there are virtually zero. My theory is that labour and libs are getting a massive cold shoulder and the tories are under strict instructions to avoid over confidence. I'm interested to hear from those out canvassing what response they're getting.

    I still predict a huge majority for May with 50% of the vote.
  • Options
    Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 13,320

    I was rather concerned to read Peter the Punters comments about the youth and what they are thinking. One hopes they will grow up... notwithstanding that Dennis McShane tweeted about the hostility towards Corbyn id est Labour being the worst in 40 yrs , It does make me wonder about Labour on 30% , I just don't see it.

    Wasn't me, SR, but yes I have noted with concern and dismay a kind of pseudo-Marxist nonsense amongst young Labour supporters and activists which I thought had long died out.

    But no I don't find 30% surprising. It's not so far from what Ed M got not long ago, and is indicative of Old Labour support rather than a resurgence of the Dave Sparts and Wolfie Smiths of this world.
    Apologies. It was the Apocoypse who said

    "What is scary is the shit I see going Facebook among youngsters that basically says yes corbyn is a bit crap but he is a super nice human not like those evil Tories.."
    .Ed miliband was a bit of hapless plonker but he wasnt a f##king terrorist sympathizing, extremist supporting communist enabler.

    I don't think they really know what they are supporting."
    Yes, I saw that post and replied to it, so maybe that's how the confusion arose. No prob, no apologies necessary.
  • Options
    another_richardanother_richard Posts: 25,091
    Essexit said:

    Charles said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    I'm sure it's fantabulously sophisticated.

    But is it working?
    If the Lib Dem master strategy involved starting the campaign with a row about whether or not gay sex is a sin, followed by a row about whether or not they want an anti-Semite representing them in Parliament, recordings of senior figures implying members should vote against their party, and polling between 8 and 12 percent, then yes.

    It's fantabulously something alright.
    Don't forget:

    1) Ramping predicted huge gains in the local elections which turned out to be losing councillors in England, Wales and Scotland.

    2) Ramping predicted prosecutions of dozens of Conservative MPs which never happened.

    3) Ramping mystery private polls which apparently showed numerous gains from the Conservatives but which neither the local election results, the Conservative campaign nor the bookies have placed any credence.
  • Options
    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    edited May 2017

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    I can prove it mathematically. You just need sufficiently large values of 2.
    there is of course the "proof" of 1=2

    a=b
    therefore ab=b squared
    ab-a squared =b squared - a squared

    therefore a(b-a) = (b+a)(b-a)
    cancelling thro and removing b-a from both sides of the equation
    a=b +a
    therefore 1=2
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,011
    The difference being Richmond Park was a strong Remain seat and Don Valley strongly for Leave
  • Options
    TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 40,115
    DavidL said:

    daodao said:

    Alistair said:

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    That's pretty much the same result I got after 15 mins with excel a couple of weeks ago. All the Con too close to calls were on the Con gain side.
    So all to play for - on both sides! Could be a great night for SCON.....or not......
    I hope that fewer than 5 Con MPs are returned from north of the border. The smaller May's majority, the better.
    We have different fish to fry in Scotland, haddock instead of cod, and different priorities. I will be cheering any SLAB or Lib Dem gains north of the border almost as loudly as the Tory ones.
    Thank goodness that the SCons have almost entirely absorbed Scottish kipperdom so you're not in the awkward (though admittedly unlikely) position of hoping for UKIP success.
  • Options
    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,984
    edited May 2017
    Mr. Bolger, I agree. May's too statist.

    Mr. Punter, I did see and it replied :)

    I can't recall the precise words, but it was essentially: "I disagree with you on federalism, but appreciate your honesty."

    Edited extra bit: and don't forget to enjoy my rambling post-race nonsense following a rather good Spanish Grand Prix:
    http://enormo-haddock.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/spain-post-race-analysis-2017.html
  • Options
    another_richardanother_richard Posts: 25,091
    Pulpstar said:

    One thing, the Labour voters in Richmond are not the same as the Labour voters in Don Valley.

    For one of my models, the "natural" vote split in the two constituencies I had to apply the following factors :

    0.69 Don Valley
    1.39 Richmond Park

    Anything over 1 implies the seat was more remain for the GE2015 vote than expected, anything under 1 implies more leave.

    Basically Don Valley had alot of Labour leavers above and beyond the 2015 UKIPers (Which makes sense).

    My point is Richmond Park and Don Valley are quite different (At least on this analysis)

    Indeed.

    And Labour voters in Carshalton are not the same as Labour voters in Richmond.
  • Options
    CD13CD13 Posts: 6,351
    As a virgin Ukip voter last time, I do find myself adrift now. But I've always voted - generally for the yellows, or reds when they were half-sane. No chance now, of course.

    Mr Dancer, best of luck with the books - you are certainly prolific. I've managed a short story (published in an on-line magazine) and what seems to be a novella. If anyone has access to a kindle or a similar techy things, and more money than sense, the publishers (Wild Wolf) have set the price for my novella at an incredible £1.99. Too much!

    As Tony Capstick once sang ... "Do you know when I were a lad you could get a Tram down into't town
    Buy 3 new suits n an overcoat, 4 new pair of good boots
    Goo n see George Formby at Palace Theatre ,
    Get Blind Drunk,
    Have some Steak n Chips, Bunch of bananas n 3 stone of monkey nuts
    And still have change out on a farthing."

    But be warned, it's not for the faint-hearted, but if you want to squander such an insane amount of money on his trash, don't say you weren't warned.

    Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0727W8ZZ7
    Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727W8ZZ7
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,969
    Hm, and what is Blanchflower's track record like when it comes to predictions?
  • Options
    mattmatt Posts: 3,789
    Re the LDs and coalitions etc. I'd understood that Farron's view is that he could not work with the Conservatives or a Corbyn led Labour Party. Which makes it clear that as a liberal conservative he has no interest in my vote.
  • Options
    FattyBolgerFattyBolger Posts: 299
    One possible factor is what was referredbto in the Referendum as the Council estate vote where there were large LEAVE turnouts in areas with a tradition of disengagement/non-voting. These individuals voted for the first time and guess what? They won. Their vote had an impact. Their vote mattered. Wow.
    Now with TMay looking to implement Brexit and much of the political estabishment lukewarm to actively hostile i suspect large numbers of previous non voters will come out again having lost their voting virginity. They know how to do it and they know it can work. Much less likely to bother for the locals though.

    Just a thought
  • Options
    ThreeQuidderThreeQuidder Posts: 6,133

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    I can prove it mathematically. You just need sufficiently large values of 2.
    there is of course the "proof" of 1=2

    a=b
    therefore ab=b squared
    ab-a squared =b squared - a squared

    therefore a(b-a) = (b+a)(b-a)
    cancelling thro and removing b-a from both sides of the equation
    a=b +a
    therefore 1=2
    Ah, yes, the old classic which relies on dividing by (b-a) where b=a...
  • Options
    felixfelix Posts: 15,124

    Essexit said:

    Charles said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    I'm sure it's fantabulously sophisticated.

    But is it working?
    If the Lib Dem master strategy involved starting the campaign with a row about whether or not gay sex is a sin, followed by a row about whether or not they want an anti-Semite representing them in Parliament, recordings of senior figures implying members should vote against their party, and polling between 8 and 12 percent, then yes.

    It's fantabulously something alright.
    Don't forget:

    1) Ramping predicted huge gains in the local elections which turned out to be losing councillors in England, Wales and Scotland.

    2) Ramping predicted prosecutions of dozens of Conservative MPs which never happened.

    3) Ramping mystery private polls which apparently showed numerous gains from the Conservatives but which neither the local election results, the Conservative campaign nor the bookies have placed any credence.
    It all started with the legendary incumbency bonus of 2015 which turned 56 into 8. Really the term strategy doesn't do justice to such an awesome plan.
  • Options
    MattWMattW Posts: 18,567
    edited May 2017

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    I can prove it mathematically. You just need sufficiently large values of 2.
    there is of course the "proof" of 1=2

    a=b
    therefore ab=b squared
    ab-a squared =b squared - a squared

    therefore a(b-a) = (b+a)(b-a)
    cancelling thro and removing b-a from both sides of the equation
    a=b +a
    therefore 1=2
    Or you could do the summary version.

    1 <> 2
    Divide both sides by zero.
    It does now.

    :-o

    Hopefully short enough for Abbott, Long-Bailey and McMao if they remember one bit each.
  • Options
    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,850
    RobD said:

    Hm, and what is Blanchflower's track record like when it comes to predictions?
    Five million unemployed.
  • Options
    ThreeQuidderThreeQuidder Posts: 6,133

    The question is not what 2015 UKIP voters would do: there's plenty of evidence showing that they were breaking decisively for the Conservatives (though no doubt the effect is intensified among those kippers who previously voted Conservative and muted among those who previously voted Labour).

    The question is what those voters who were still intending to vote UKIP in 2017 will do in constituencies where UKIP aren't standing. I don't think we have very much evidence what they will do.

    Given how much attention the average voter pays to politics, it's likely that many of these won't realise they have no UKIP candidate to vote for until they get handed their ballot paper.

    Good luck to anyone who wants to try and model those people's reactions!
  • Options
    Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 13,320

    Mr. Bolger, I agree. May's too statist.

    Mr. Punter, I did see and it replied :)

    I can't recall the precise words, but it was essentially: "I disagree with you on federalism, but appreciate your honesty."

    Edited extra bit: and don't forget to enjoy my rambling post-race nonsense following a rather good Spanish Grand Prix:
    http://enormo-haddock.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/spain-post-race-analysis-2017.html

    Noted with thanks, Morris.
  • Options
    Fysics_TeacherFysics_Teacher Posts: 6,060

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    I can prove it mathematically. You just need sufficiently large values of 2.
    Of course, if you are working to one significant figure then rounding could do it: 2.4+2.4=4.8.
  • Options
    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,984
    Cheers, Mr. CD13, and best of luck yourself :)

    [Pricing's always a bugger. One of the serial advantages is that making the first part free will, hopefully, work quite well].
  • Options
    felixfelix Posts: 15,124
    RobD said:

    Hm, and what is Blanchflower's track record like when it comes to predictions?
    The current unemployment numbers would be around 5m or thereabouts
  • Options
    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    MattW said:

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    That would still be 500% better than their best result in Scotland in the last 25 years.

    At the moment SCon are getting very carried away. 13 seats seems unlikely, yet they are still on course for their best result in Scotland in decades. They ought in many ways to be downplaying their chances in some seats in the hope of depressing turnout among Nats disillusioned by Sturgeon's domestic record and constitutional posturing.

    Now they've whipped up such a fervour if they're not in double figures there will be pressure on Davidson, while Sturgeon will almost certainly survive what looks set to be a significant drop in the vote and the loss of several seats.

    400% better I think...
    You teach the mathematical subject, I'll take your word for it!

    Edit: due to staffing shortages I was once asked if I would be happy to teach some maths. I proved that philosophically speaking 2+2 equals 5. Strangely I was not asked again!
    I can prove it mathematically. You just need sufficiently large values of 2.
    there is of course the "proof" of 1=2

    a=b
    therefore ab=b squared
    ab-a squared =b squared - a squared

    therefore a(b-a) = (b+a)(b-a)
    cancelling thro and removing b-a from both sides of the equation
    a=b +a
    therefore 1=2
    Or you could do the sumamry version.

    1 <> 2
    Divide both sides by zero.
    It does now.

    :-o
    Indeed the fallacy is in the original supposition that a cannot be equal to b or if it is b-a=0 therefore 1x0=2x0 !
  • Options
    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,984
    Mr. Punter, np.

    As I said, I do think you're entirely wrong about federalism but an honest disagreement is fine (indeed, the basis of democracy). What I dislike is the weaselly evasiveness and half-truths of some politicians on the subject.
  • Options
    JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    matt said:

    Re the LDs and coalitions etc. I'd understood that Farron's view is that he could not work with the Conservatives or a Corbyn led Labour Party. Which makes it clear that as a liberal conservative he has no interest in my vote.

    You'll have some spare time on 8th June. None of the parties with any prospect of 1+ seats has endorsed a coalition.
  • Options
    JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    Hm, and what is Blanchflower's track record like when it comes to predictions?
    Five million unemployed.
    In Venezula ?
  • Options
    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 54,001

    Essexit said:

    Charles said:

    One might have thought that the LibDems would be more concerned about trying o ensure that they were not reduced to a mere handful of M.P.s than being so eager to support a Corbyn led Labour party .... still it's their call.

    Who knows what the LibDems are playing at. Their main strategy of being a home for disgruntled Tory Remainers seems to have crashed and burned - oh what a surprise - so now they are floundering around trying to find themselves a relevance.
    Your simplistic analysis misunderstands the strategy. I'm preparing a post on it based on conversations with a leading member of LD campaign team who has been a regular poster on PB.
    I'm sure it's fantabulously sophisticated.

    But is it working?
    If the Lib Dem master strategy involved starting the campaign with a row about whether or not gay sex is a sin, followed by a row about whether or not they want an anti-Semite representing them in Parliament, recordings of senior figures implying members should vote against their party, and polling between 8 and 12 percent, then yes.

    It's fantabulously something alright.
    Don't forget:

    1) Ramping predicted huge gains in the local elections which turned out to be losing councillors in England, Wales and Scotland.

    2) Ramping predicted prosecutions of dozens of Conservative MPs which never happened.

    3) Ramping mystery private polls which apparently showed numerous gains from the Conservatives but which neither the local election results, the Conservative campaign nor the bookies have placed any credence.
    Worth remembering that the LibDems actually did fine in terms of votes in the locals. They increased their total number by 40%, it's just that in most of their seats, it was the Conservatives who were up more.
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626

    Mr. Punter, np.

    As I said, I do think you're entirely wrong about federalism but an honest disagreement is fine (indeed, the basis of democracy). What I dislike is the weaselly evasiveness and half-truths of some politicians on the subject.

    Good morning, Mr.D.
    At the risk of bragging, I told you Hamilton would win.

    Looking a bit ominous for the rest of the season, as I was hoping for a couple of Ferrari wins this weekend and at Monaco. Have bet on the championship(s) accordingly.
  • Options
    Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 13,320

    Mr. Punter, np.

    As I said, I do think you're entirely wrong about federalism but an honest disagreement is fine (indeed, the basis of democracy). What I dislike is the weaselly evasiveness and half-truths of some politicians on the subject.

    Yes, I think it would have been healthier if Europhiles had acknowledged the Federalist agenda from the outset (and I mean the origins of the EU back when it was just six countries) rather than trying to fudge the question and deceive the public.

    Europhobes may not be noted for their honesty and integrity either but two wrongs will never make a right.
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,984
    Mr. B, aye, bit irked with myself for the Bottas bet, but green overall.

    Also, Ferrari screwed up the strategy. Pitting Vettel a lap earlier would've added 6-8s to the gap, and he might've retained the lead. I still think you're over-egging the cake when it comes to Hamilton/Mercedes being faster than Vettel/Ferari.

    I agree Monaco should be better for Ferrari, but if there's a safety car the timing could be critical.
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    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 54,001

    Scotland - Ashcroft

    SNP targets:

    Dumfries Clydesdale & Tweedale (Con) - Likely Con
    Orkney & Shetland (LibD) - Leaning Lib Dem
    Edinburgh South: (Lab) - Likely Lab

    Con targets (all SNP):

    Berwickshire Roxburgh & Selkirk: - Likely Con
    Dumfries & Galloway: - Leaning Con
    Aberdeen W + K - Leaning Con
    Perth & N Perthshire: - Likely SNP
    Moray: - Too close to Call
    Aberdeen South: - Too close to call
    Stirling: - Leaning SNP
    Edinburgh SW: - Too close to call
    East Lothian: - Likely SNP
    Renfrew E: - Too close to Call
    Angus: - Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    - 1 'Likely Con', 2 'Leaning Con', 5 TCTC and 3 Likely SNP

    Lib Dem
    Dunbartonshire East: Too close to call
    Edinburgh West: Too close to call
    Fife North East: Too close to call
    Caithness: Too close to call
    Ross Skye: Too close to call
    Gordon: Too close to call
    Argyll & Bute: Too close to call
    Aberdeen W : - Leaning Con

    7 TCTC and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    Labour:
    Renfrew E: Too close to call
    Edinburgh N & Leith: Leaning Lab
    East Lothian: Likely SNP
    Paisley & Ren S: Likely SNP
    Aberdeen S: Too close to call
    Edinburgh SW: Too close to call
    Dumfries & G: Leaning Con
    Rutherglen: Likely SNP
    Ochil & S Perth: Too close to call

    1 Leaning Lab, 4 TCTC 3 Likely SNP and 1 Leaning Con (see above)

    So, 3 Con 'likely/leaning', , 1 Leaning Lab and 13 Too close to call......



    It is quite possible that the LDs get a lower vote share in Scotland than in England and Wales (say 7% Vs 10%), but end up with the majority of their seats North of the border.
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