Election 2010: tonight's the night
Thursday, May 6, 2010 If I can keep my eyes open I intend to stay up most of the night and blog about the incoming results. In particular (and at risk of sounding disturbingly anal) I intend to monitor the fate of those candidates who voted for and against the smoking ban. (Yes, really.)
I shall be looking out for some preferred candidates including Philip Davies, Greg Knight, Nigel Evans, Robert Halfon, Annesley Abercorn, Nigel Huddlestone (Conservative), Kate Hoey, Tom Harris (Labour), Greg Mulholland, Lembit Opik (Lib Dem), Nigel Farage (UKIP), Martin Cullip (Libertarian), Old Holborn (Independent) and one or two others.
I shall also be passing comment on the election coverage (BBC, ITV, Sky News), much of which will be viewed through the bottom of a glass, darkly.
If you'd like to join me and add your own comments you are more than welcome.
Simon Clark
09:25 I have just cast my vote in my local village hall. I am strongly against making it compulsory for people to vote (how illiberal is that?!) but I can't support those who say "Can't Smoke, Won't Vote" or refuse to vote for some other reason.
Generally we get the government we deserve. I defend your right not to vote, but if you choose not to vote you really can't complain about the result. Today, more than usual, every vote counts.
Simon Clark
09:43 Nigel Farage in plane crash (Channel 4 News). The first of many dramatic headlines, I suspect.
11:06 What's in store if Labour remains in power, asks former Labour voter Rose Whiteley (The Free Society)
Reader Comments (12)
If you get a moment also look out for Leyton and Wanstead. The sitting MP was arch trougher and anti smoker Harry "2 marble baths" Cohen who maybe subject to a criminal investigation.
Us Conservatives have to pull off a 12% swing out of the hat. However, the anti Cohen factor, an excellent candidate in Ed Northover, the communist/UNITE, John Cryer, a particuarly weak Lib Dem candidate in Farooq Quereshi who only went to 1 out of the 4 hustings and his team have canvassed 50% of the constituency. This could be one of the shock results of the night.
Ed would like to see an amendment to the smoking ban.
Best wishes for a quick recovery, Nigel!
Amen to that: your country needs you, Nigel.
Just seen the shocking pictures on the news of Nigel Farage being pulled from the wrecked plane this morning. From what I saw it looks like he is very lucky to be alive. Lets hope he makes a full recovery very soon.
My constituency
2005
Phil Hope Labour 20,913
Andrew Griffith Conservative 19,396
David Radcliffe Liberal Democrat 6,184
Ian Gillman UK Independence Party 1,278
Steven Carey Socialist Labour Party 499
John Morris Independent 257
Majority 1,517 3.1
Turnout 48,527
Hope was a trougher and even had his photo in the Telegraph on the top 12 trougher page.
So I expect the Labour protest vote to go LibDem maybe even BNP.
I have a feeling we will have a Conservative MP tommorow but I also hope UKIP pick up a few more.
We have a BNP candidate this year and Corby has a large white working class majority.
That may prove interesting.
However my sole interest is getting Liebour out.
Anyway I can
Hi! I am Henri from Indonesia, our government now start make some ban on smoking, the latest is plan for apply act that will classified tobacco as additive and other regulation that will "kill" tobacco factory. I hope and pray candidate from Anti smoking ban become winner!.Regards
I hope Simon will convey the best wishes for a speedy recovery to Nigel from all his friends at Forest. I hope he will be back in fine fettle for the next Forest get together - his presence always makes for some lively chat!
I am about to have my first drink and am putting out lots of ashtrays. Anyone who tries to smoke in the garden is going to be sent straight home! Do you think you are going to last the course, Simon?
Hi Simon,
I wish Nigel a speedy recovery, he is a very lucky man.
I hope he is elected tonight.
Looking forward to a change tommorow.
which fat theif and liar whos speeches are hot ait from the devils bottom should i vote for?
none of them
do i want to vote for some fat useless criminals whos speeches are hot air from the devils bottom?no i dont.
Oh dear, what time can we expect a result from Nigel Farage's constituency? I am very upset Clare Fox has gone to bed already and do not think I can stay up too much longer - I am getting too cross. Having given up smoking over 2 years ago I am now smoking furiously and happily in my own home!