# UK Snap Election: 8 June 2017 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [April 18, 2017, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690 "2017-04-18T10:08:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 33
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/643 "2017-05-30T14:40:17Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > The key thing, as with the laments last year in the US, is the national or even regional totals simply don’t matter for the election. Simply. Don’t. Matter. > > What matters is the total in each of the UK’s ~650 separate constituencies. The national total, or it’s change over time, provides very little insight. But folks, both pros and amatuers like us, love to read too much into those national figures. I’d agree the polls don’t matter too much in terms of the ultimate outcome but they matter very much both in terms of assessing ongoing sentiment, and also in creating the mood around a campaign - never mind what a surge does to activists and supporters, it’s the ‘don’t knows’ and wobblers it helps firm up that really help. This made me laugh; stick this up your poll predictions \>\> > [@](#): > > Survation are estimating 82% of 18-24 year olds are "certain to vote ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/644 "2017-05-30T16:00:32Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > [Rant] > Bugger the politicians; can we fire the Civil Service? I’ve just wasted a morning and more waiting for them to be completely useless. And because the milk went off overnight and I couldn’t stray from my PC and phone, it’s been a morning and more WITHOUT TEA. > [/Rant] There was a point to this rant. Getting multiple departments to co-operate - in my case HMRC and DWP - is immensely difficult. But it shouldn’t be. I want a government that will control the civil service, not vice versa. As you may gather, the Tories have failed in this regard. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/645 "2017-05-30T17:13:02Z")
I’ve started to stock up for Election Night. Crisps, dips, chocolate biscuits, lemonade, a bottle of Prosecco, and I’m treating myself to some cider - I’ve petty much given up cider as it has so much sugar in it. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/646 "2017-05-30T18:05:30Z")
Okay, I started to watch the debate and I’m clearly not in the mood (see rant above) because I switched off from disgust during Corbyn’s question on the IRA. He waffled the question on IS and tried to deceive the audience on the IRA and didn’t answer either question, waffling about process. The man’s a babe in the woods and unfit for leadership. I’ll give it another go tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll be in a better mood. ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/647 "2017-05-30T19:02:42Z")
I’m actually helping with the count in my constituency on election night. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/648 "2017-05-30T20:04:44Z")
> [@Malden\_Capell](#): > > I’m actually helping with the count in my constituency on election night. Are you actually doing the count or observing? Or are you the Returning Officer? Will you be incommunicado WRT other constituencies until after your count is complete? ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/649 "2017-05-30T21:01:41Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Are you actually doing the count or observing? Or are you the Returning Officer? Will you be incommunicado WRT other constituencies until after your count is complete? I’ll be a Count Assistant, so counting the actual votes. I don’t think I’ll be responsible for any communication outside. Shit, I need to actually send back the acceptance form… ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/650 "2017-05-30T21:20:49Z")
> [@Malden\_Capell](#): > > I’ll be a Count Assistant, so counting the actual votes. That’s a thankless job, so have a “Thank you” in advance. ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/651 "2017-05-30T21:44:47Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > That’s a thankless job, so have a “Thank you” in advance. Hah! Thanks for the thanks 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/652 "2017-05-30T22:26:12Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > That’s a thankless job, so have a “Thank you” in advance. **Quartz** , if you fancy a go at helping with an election the local councils usually advertise a good few months in advance of a timetabled election\*. They always need folk to help out at polling stations, and it’s an interesting experience, and you get paid. Once they have your details on file, if my council is anything to go by, they’ll contact you in advance to see if you might be available for every election ever. - This snap GE has caused some local difficulties in staffing, so soon after the local elections, particularly for the more rural polling stations ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/653 "2017-05-30T22:54:09Z")
So YouGov, for The Times (paywall) are modelling … wait for it, we all knew it was coming … a possible/probable hung Parliament: [https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/latest-general-election-poll-predicts-conservatives-will-lose-seats-02zfwl8lc](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/latest-general-election-poll-predicts-conservatives-will-lose-seats-02zfwl8lc) I have no idea how nuanced this is (_not very_ might be my guess); YouGov have certainly found ways to keep themselves at the centre of the election discussion … If you can’t see it: Tories: 310 Labour: 257 SNP: 50 NI: 18 LD: 10 Others: 5 ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/654 "2017-05-30T23:05:54Z")
Graphic of the above: [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBGpKdrW0AA1YYi.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBGpKdrW0AA1YYi.jpg) I’d love to be a fly on the wall at Conservative Central Office … ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/655 "2017-05-30T23:29:56Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > Graphic of the above: [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBGpKdrW0AA1YYi.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBGpKdrW0AA1YYi.jpg) I can’t think where Labour are going to win those seats, to be honest. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/656 "2017-05-31T02:48:33Z")
When was this latest poll done? [I would have predicted an increase in support for the Tories as a result of the Manchester bombing.] ---
**Author:** ![UDS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecae2f/32.png) [@UDS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UDS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/657 "2017-05-31T04:15:36Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > When was this latest poll done? [I would have predicted an increase in support for the Tories as a result of the Manchester bombing.] You would have predicted wrongly, it seems. Polls taken post-Manchester show Tory support continuing to decline at the rate it was declining in the days immediately before Manchester. Labour support may have stopped climbing, or slowed its climb, with the Lib Dems and the Greens being the beneficiaries. But there are all very minor changes, well within the margin of error, so I wouldn’t read too much into them. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/658 "2017-05-31T07:05:49Z")
Indeed, while the Tories are generally thought to be ‘tougher’ on issues like terrorism, Theresa May cut 20,000 police jobs while Home Secretary - included armed police. Also, Corbyn’s argument that the UK’s foreign wars have contributed to terrorism resonates with many. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/659 "2017-05-31T14:03:45Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > Also, is this completely mad or is it me: > > TV Debate: Amber Rudd to represent Tories in BBC general election debate > > [Home secretary to take part in programme with party leaders after Theresa May refuses to face cameras](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/28/amber-rudd-to-stand-in-for-theresa-may-in-televised-leaders-debate) > > Surely Corbyn has to go on. Could this be the moment … BOOM! Nailed it - Corbyn announces he will attend tonight - May accused of running scared, etc, etc ‘strong and stable’ my arse. Reluctant to go too far with this but my instinct is it’s an epically bad call by the Tory team, perhaps even of historical proportions. If it wasn’t hung before it ought to be now. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/660 "2017-05-31T14:23:08Z")
Live blog as the whole day unfolds: > **[Election debate: reaction and analysis after Jeremy Corbyn and party leaders...](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2017/may/31/general-election-2017-may-corbyn-bbc-debate-campaign-personal-politics-live)** > > All the day’s politics news as Tories turn fire on Labour leader over Brexit and immigration, and he calls for focus on public services ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/661 "2017-05-31T14:44:33Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > BOOM! Nailed it - Corbyn announces he will attend tonight - May accused of running scared, etc, etc ‘strong and stable’ my arse. > > Reluctant to go too far with this but my instinct is it’s an epically bad call by the Tory team, perhaps even of historical proportions. If it wasn’t hung before it ought to be now. I’m surprised that the normally pro-Tory “Go-get-em-Theresa” comments section of the BBC’s news website has a bunch of comments along the lines of “How can you negotiate with the EU if you can’t even handle a TV debate?”. Surprised and pleased. I hope this is the major misstep that results in a hung Parliament. Then the fun will really begin. ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690/662 "2017-05-31T15:03:14Z")
Unlikely, but how weird and ironic would it be if the Tories majority is sustained only by the seats they get in Scotland! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690.md?page=32) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-election-8-june-2017/784690.md?page=34)