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[Omikaru]

Voted. I want to vote green, but I live in a Tory/Labour marginal of less than 200 votes five years ago, and my anti-Tory sentiment is stronger than my support for the Greens, so I voted tactically.

The path to Downing Street is looking narrower and narrower for David Cameron, especially with a coalition of 50-60 Plaid, SNP, Green and SDLP MPs who will blockade any Tory government. I think regardless of whether Labour is the biggest party or not (and this doesn't matter one bit), all they have to do is offer electoral reform and even the LibDems will work with them (though Clegg will probably have to go). It's pretty much the grand prize for every party who isn't Labour or Tory.

My gut is telling me that we'll get a Labour/LibDem minority coalition who will challenge the smaller parties to vote down a Queen's Speech promising electoral reform in time for the 2020 election (but no sooner than that, if that's possible). That should keep things relatively stable.

And besides, I think Labour, LibDems and the smaller parties can find a lot of common ground to work together. And where Labour and the LDs disagree with the smaller parties (such as on Trident) they'll just have to work with the Tories to push their agenda. Not unheard of for a Labour government to do this (Iraq war).

On the flip side, I just can't see David Cameron squatting in Downing Street and getting past a Queen's Speech. Honestly, I don't even see it reaching that point. He's toast, no matter how hard the vile right wing press bleats.

 

[NYCmetsfan]

A handy link for both of you: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/07/election-2015-a-guide-to-results-night

Has places to watch in the US, and a guide to the 'interesting' constituencies.

Thanks! Always love election watching no matter where it is.

Even excited about the Spanish and Canadian elections later this year...

 

[deli2000]

Just voted for the very first time. Feels good. I actually only turned 18 yesterday so I'm incredibly lucky that the election took place today. Ended up voting Labour even though my constituency is a safe Tory seat.

What election coverage are you guys watching later?

 

[Jezbollah]

We need more Election wrestling gifs. Amazing.

Just voted for the very first time. Feels good. I actually only turned 18 yesterday so I'm incredibly lucky that the election took place today. Ended up voting Labour even though my constituency is a safe Tory seat.

What election coverage are you guys watching later?

Good on you (and any other first timers here).

Usually I lazy it and go with Sky but I'll probably do BBC this time around.

 

[DECK'ARD]

"Fuck safe seats and first past the post" should be an option too

I think tonight's result will do a good job of that.

It's going to be a complete mess.

 

[Arksy]

I just read a seemingly well researched and reasoned article as to why the SNP might back the Tories. The UK election seems to be one of the most interesting elections of the previous years.

 

[Deadman]

On that ISPA website it seems every MP has massive staffing costs every year until 14/15 when it becomes very small. Why is that?

 

[CCS]

I'm hoping someone can find one that breaks £250k - the top box on Deal or No Deal.

Edit:



Thanks for this! My thoughts looking at the declaration times:

Bristol West - 03:00 (deffo staying up for that one)

Sheffield Hallam - 04:30 (ooh, bit late but maaaaybe...)

Thanet South - 06:00 (nope)

Highest for 2013-14 is Jim Shannon.

Jim Shannon wins with... £234,887.92 in expenses.

 

[jamieson87]

Just leaving London after 4 days on holiday down here.

Not once did I see anyone canvassing. I only seen one political poster, a conservative one warning of the dangers of the SNP. I really did expect to see more "election fever" down here. Westminster only really seemed busy today with all the TV crews setting up.

I'm from Edinburgh, and in the days before the referendum, the city centre was buzzing with activity.

Should arrive back home tonight in time for the first exit polls, really excited to see how things fold out.

Postal voted for SNP FYI.

 

[CCS]

On that ISPA website it seems every MP has massive staffing costs every year until 14/15 when it becomes very small. Why is that?

Doesn't include most of the cost in calculation yet.

 

[War Peaceman]

Highest for 2013-14 is Jim Shannon.

Jim Shannon wins with... £234,887.92 in expenses.

I guess that makes sense, given the distance... still seems excessive, mind.

In this entire campaign I was never once canvassed or approached in person. I got more leaflets from save the nhs than any party...

 

[RedSparrows]

I was in a small German town during the autumn 2013 federal elections. Stalls and reps from each party in the main square most days. Was really cool.

Edit: 2013! Not 2011. ??

I was in Moscow in autumn 2011. /jetset

 

[CCS]

I guess that makes sense, given the distance... still seems excessive, mind.

In this entire campaign I was never once canvassed or approached in person. I got more leaflets from save the nhs than any party...

It's not distance though.

Staffing - £143,074.22
Office Costs- £36,145.64

 

[DECK'ARD]

What election coverage are you guys watching later?

An election night without the BBC's computer graphics is not an election night worth watching.

 

[mclem]

What time will there start to be election coverage and can you watch it from the US?

I can't help but wonder how foreigners feel when they discover the existence and acceptance of the Monster Raving Loony Party.

 

[RedSparrows]

I guess that makes sense, given the distance... still seems excessive, mind.

In this entire campaign I was never once canvassed or approached in person. I got more leaflets from save the nhs than any party...

I've had knocks on doors. Thankfully, being in a pretty safe Labour seat, only from lefty reps - Greens, Labour etc, so we could have a nice chinwag about how much we agree, and then I could coyly not tell them which way I was voting.

Fight the system.

 

[CyclopsRock]

£138k on staffing... I wonder how that breaks down? Like, how many staff is an MP likely to have, and are they all junior truffers just blowing whoever they need to on £16k to get up to junior SpAd level, or are they actual adults without braces who do research and whatnot?

 

[Carl]

Just voted for the very first time. Feels good. I actually only turned 18 yesterday so I'm incredibly lucky that the election took place today. Ended up voting Labour even though my constituency is a safe Tory seat.

What election coverage are you guys watching later?

Always watch BBC. Dimbleby makes it. Also, Jeremy Vine. Can't miss it.

My first vote was in 2010 and i've participated in every vote since.

 

[AGoodODST]

I just read a seemingly well researched and reasoned article as to why the SNP might back the Tories. The UK election seems to be one of the most interesting elections of the previous years.

There is 0% chance of that happening with the Scottish Elections next year.

 

[RedShift]

I just read a seemingly well researched and reasoned article as to why the SNP might back the Tories. The UK election seems to be one of the most interesting elections of the previous years.

While this would be hilarious, it won't happen.

The front page of the SNP manifesto was 'LET'S LOCK OUT THE TORIES' in big letters. If they did this they wouldn't just lose all their seats at Westminster next time around, they'd lose the Scottish Parliament next year as well.

 

[MrChom]

I suppose given everyone else's declaration I should say I've voted Labour. My home MP in Walsall North is fantastic. Old Labour, very good communication, and asks awkward questions if you look at ...they work for you...I think...dunno...some website listing all their activities.

5 years ago I voted Lib Dem.

I cannot in good conscience prop up a Conservative government.

There is nothing they can do post-Thatcher to convince me they are not the nasty party.

 

[brokenbeans]

Just voted (Telford and Wrekin) three elections overall.

Steady turn out by the looks of it.

 

[Omikaru]

I've had knocks on doors. Thankfully, being in a pretty safe Labour seat, only from lefty reps - Greens, Labour etc, so we could have a nice chinwag about how much we agree, and then I could coyly not tell them which way I was voting.

Fight the system.

I've had Labour and Tories leafletting and canvassing all around my area for the last month, Labour more than the Tories, mind (they have a stronger ground operation), though that might be because I told the Tory to piss off as he distracted me while I was working. Every day, a knock at the door or leaflet shoved through. Quite frankly I'm sick of both of them.

Not heard a peep from any of the other parties, however. No point in my seat, it's only gonna go one of two ways.

 

[Deadman]

Doesn't include most of the cost in calculation yet.

That makes sense. Thanks.

 

[CyclopsRock]

While this would be hilarious, it won't happen.

The front page of the SNP manifesto was 'LET'S LOCK OUT THE TORIES' in big letters. If they did this they wouldn't just lose all their seats at Westminster next time around, they'd lose the Scottish Parliament next year as well.

I've seen a suggestion (no idea if it's from the article suggested) wherein the Tories basically run a minority government and offer the SNP FFA knowing they can't reasonably turn it down.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

Highest for 2013-14 is Jim Shannon.

Jim Shannon wins with... £234,887.92 in expenses.

Noel would still call that a life-changing amount of money, I'm sure.

 

[Arksy]

While this would be hilarious, it won't happen.

The front page of the SNP manifesto was 'LET'S LOCK OUT THE TORIES' in big letters. If they did this they wouldn't just lose all their seats at Westminster next time around, they'd lose the Scottish Parliament next year as well.

Here's the article.

I'll admit I don't know British politics all that well anymore, but it still strikes me as well reasoned. I don't think they'd lose face if propping up the Tories actually allowed them to achieve their goal of devo-max...something that the Labour party probably wouldn't do because it'd be self-defeating for them.

 

[Goodlife]

I've seen a suggestion (no idea if it's from the article suggested) wherein the Tories basically run a minority government and offer the SNP FFA knowing they can't reasonably turn it down.

FFA?

 

[Kinky John]

Postal voted for SNP FYI.

 

[DECK'ARD]

FFA?

Full Fiscal Autonomy.

 

[War Peaceman]

It's not distance though.

Staffing - £143,074.22
Office Costs- £36,145.64

Hmmm. Well then. Baffling that this is allowed.

I've had knocks on doors. Thankfully, being in a pretty safe Labour seat, only from lefty reps - Greens, Labour etc, so we could have a nice chinwag about how much we agree, and then I could coyly not tell them which way I was voting.

Fight the system.

I live in a close seat and until 2 months was in a seat decided by less than 300 seats... they should be trying harder

 

[Deleted member 231381]

£138k on staffing... I wonder how that breaks down? Like, how many staff is an MP likely to have, and are they all junior truffers just blowing whoever they need to on £16k to get up to junior SpAd level, or are they actual adults without braces who do research and whatnot?

Usuallt about 3-4 staff, from my experience. Almost all will have a constituency secretary, a parliamentary researcher, and a general assistant.

 

[AGoodODST]

I've seen a suggestion (no idea if it's from the article suggested) wherein the Tories basically run a minority government and offer the SNP FFA knowing they can't reasonably turn it down.

Even then there is no way they would go for it. It would destroy them in one go. They'll play the long game and await the right opportunity while maintaining the support they've gained at Labours expense.

 

[Black Republican]

going through the last election thead, if anyones bored:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392085

damn wheres chinner? lol i miss him

 

[kmag]

I've seen a suggestion (no idea if it's from the article suggested) wherein the Tories basically run a minority government and offer the SNP FFA knowing they can't reasonably turn it down.

They would turn it down, they'd conjure some technicality to do so, or simply let Miliband make the same offer and accept that.

People don't realise how toxic the Tories are up here. Yes there's potentially 20-25% of the country who for vote them, the but other 75-80% would rather eat their own eyeballs.

The SNP would be finished as an Scottish wide electoral force if they ended up doing any deal with the Tories. Sturgeon couldn't carry all her MP's with her if she was minded to try, and from everything I've read or heard about Sturgeon she wouldn't try. It would finish the SNP outside the North East of the Country.

 

[JordanKZ]

I voted a couple of hours ago here in Shetland Isles. The chances of us not getting Lib Dem again are basically impossible. Shetland and Orkney are a Lib Dem stronghold with an MP who tends to work pretty hard for our cause.

I'm a Labour voter elsewhere (i.e: back home in Halifax), but Alistair Carmichael is hard not to like.

 

[Masquerader]

... Eh, you can't really blame anybody in Scotland for doing that! SNP seems better for Scottish people than almost all other parties, really. :c

 

[PJV3]

Even then there is no way they would go for it. It would destroy them in one go.

I don't think it would do the tories good either, after the campaign they ran.

 

[CCS]

Hmmm. Well then. Baffling that this is allowed.



I live in a close seat and until 2 months was in a seat decided by less than 300 seats... they should be trying harder

On closer inspection, his office running costs went £8,500 over budget, having already agreed a £11,500 rise in budget over normal.

£20,000 more on office costs than is normally allowed. Hmmmm...

 

[Goodlife]

They would turn it down, they'd conjure some technicality to do so, or simply let Miliband make the same offer and accept that.

People don't realise how toxic the Tories are up here. Yes there's potentially 20-25% of the country who for vote them, the but other 75-80% would rather eat their own eyeballs.

The SNP would be finished as an Scottish wide electoral force if they ended up doing any deal with the Tories. Sturgeon couldn't carry all her MP's with her if she was minded to try, and from everything I've read or heard about Sturgeon she wouldn't try. It would finish the SNP outside the North East of the Country.

Exactly.

SNP need to think about the Scottish Parliament election (is that next year?)
It's not like they can make the deal with the Tories and hope they can sit it out for 5 years and hope people will forget.

 

[D4Danger]

SNP making a deal with the Tories? lol

but imagine how fun it would be to watch that mess

 

[Mr Git]

Watching from the sidelines in Australia, I'm going to say this knowing I risk the ire of about 80% of people here. Go Cameron!

Get out, Tony.

Spoiler

 

[MrRoflWaffles]

I've had Labour and Tories leafletting and canvassing all around my area for the last month, Labour more than the Tories, mind (they have a stronger ground operation), though that might be because I told the Tory to piss off as he distracted me while I was working. Every day, a knock at the door or leaflet shoved through. Quite frankly I'm sick of both of them.

Not heard a peep from any of the other parties, however. No point in my seat, it's only gonna go one of two ways.

My local seat is usually safely Labour, but I've had leaflets from the Greens, Labour, Lib Dems, Tories, and UKIP all through the door. I honestly feel like if I was to remove the colours and pictures from each leaflet, you'd hardly be able to tell them apart.
All talking with the same rhetoric, fighting for a better Britian, etc. Quite amusing really.

Anyhow, just got back from the polling station. First time voting, here's to hoping the next 5 years are better than the last 5.

 

[Carl]

In this entire campaign I was never once canvassed or approached in person. I got more leaflets from save the nhs than any party...

Being in a UKIP target seat, we've had piles upon piles of leaflets and had the guy that's standing for UKIP at the door. Had plenty of leaflets for other parties but that's the only person that's actually come to the door.

 

[MrChom]

People don't realise how toxic the Tories are up here. Yes there's potentially 20-25% of the country who for vote them, the but other 75-80% would rather eat their own eyeballs.

This goes for North of the border, west of the Welsh border, and almost any high density conurbation (Midlands/Manchester/Liverpool/Newcastle/Poorer areas of London)

Hmm....curious....it's almost as if these areas were simultaneously hit with some sort of nigh on apocalypse around about 1979 and have to to finish hating what slapped them with it.....

 

[MrPing1000]

Went and voted in my quiet village in outter Belfast. Zero chance of Alliance winning again, due to FLEGGGGGGGS, but still. Dude running for DUP was in the year above me in school, he looked like a politician back then too. He's super religious not surprisingly.

 

[mclem]

My seat is usually safely Labour, but I've had leaflets from the Greens, Labour, Lib Dems, Tories, and UKIP all through the door. I honestly feel like if I was to remove the colours and pictures from each leaflet, you'd hardly be able to tell them apart.
All talking with the same rhetoric, fighting for a better Britian, etc. Quite amusing really.

Since there's a few Oxford Easters here: at least we also have Artwell. It's often the independents who keep things interesting!

 

[Mr. Sam]

Man, election day AND free Pad Thai from a new place that just opened. What a time to be alive.

That's not enough! We demand more asbestos! More asbestos! More asbestos!

 

[nib95]

Watching from the sidelines in Australia, I'm going to say this knowing I risk the ire of about 80% of people here. Go Cameron!

Not before you guys take Murdoch back lol.

 

[Kotetsu534]

Exactly.

SNP need to think about the Scottish Parliament election (is that next year?)
It's not like they can make the deal with the Tories and hope they can sit it out for 5 years and hope people will forget.

It is next year. As it's already been delayed one year to account for this election it will have to go ahead even if the government formed after today's election falls apart around that time.