# Who will win the British election? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 4, 2005, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380 "2005-05-04T15:51:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![sinical\_brit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/48db29/32.png) [@sinical\_brit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinical_brit)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/21 "2005-05-05T13:24:40Z")
Put me down for Labour 60 - 80 maj. Blair to stand down before xmas. LibDem to gain lots of seats. Hadnt heard Eno on 5Live, but i am certainly voting for a new opposition ! Bring on 3 party politics. Sin ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/22 "2005-05-05T14:45:53Z")
[http://www.viralgods.com/clips/wasntme/](http://www.viralgods.com/clips/wasntme/) Needs sound(earphones if in work) Very funny. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/23 "2005-05-05T15:00:38Z")
I’m just curious: Suppose it happens that Blair loses his race for his House of Commons seat, but Labour retains the majority. Can Blair remain as PM ? If not, who would be? ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/24 "2005-05-05T15:13:13Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Suppose it happens that Blair loses his race for his House of Commons seat, but Labour retains the majority. Can Blair remain as PM ? If not, who would be? This was asked in a recent thread, but I can’t find it. The largest party is ‘invited’ to form a government (i.e. invitied by the Queen), irrespective of whether their leader has won their own seat. The deputy leader (Prescott _shudder_) would become Prime Minister at that time. In reality, what would happen would be that a Labour MP in a very very safe Labour area would suddenly decide to resign their newly-re-won seat, and Blair would stand in the ensuing by-election. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/25 "2005-05-05T15:38:08Z")
Thank you GorillaMan. Since Blair won Sedgefield 64.9% to 20.9% in 2001, it’s just an academic point but one I was curious about. Your ballots are far more entertaining than American ones, I note that Blair will be competing against candidates from the “Blair Must Go” party and the “Monster Raving Loony” party. Just what does it take to get on the ballot? ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/26 "2005-05-05T15:38:30Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > This was asked in a recent thread, but I can’t find it. > > The largest party is ‘invited’ to form a government (i.e. invitied by the Queen), irrespective of whether their leader has won their own seat. The deputy leader (Prescott _shudder_) would become Prime Minister at that time. In reality, what would happen would be that a Labour MP in a very very safe Labour area would suddenly decide to resign their newly-re-won seat, and Blair would stand in the ensuing by-election. Or he could just take the bleedin’ hint. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/27 "2005-05-05T15:41:37Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > This was asked in a recent thread, but I can’t find it. > > The largest party is ‘invited’ to form a government (i.e. invitied by the Queen), irrespective of whether their leader has won their own seat. The deputy leader (Prescott _shudder_) would become Prime Minister at that time. Come on man! Don’t tell me you wouldn’t pay good money to see Prescott land a left hook on that ‘soft southern ponce’ Howard during Prime Minister’s Question Time? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/28 "2005-05-05T15:50:45Z")
> [@tagos](#): > > Come on man! Don’t tell me you wouldn’t pay good money to see Prescott land a left hook on that ‘soft southern ponce’ Howard during Prime Minister’s Question Time? 🙂 For the one or two non-British board members here, I’m sure there must be some, Prescott famously punched out a heckler during the last General Election. [Stitch that](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1554918.stm) WE might not rule the world anymore but ‘Our Deputy Leader can beat up your Deputy Leader any day.’ 😉 ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/29 "2005-05-05T15:53:28Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I note that Blair will be competing against candidates from the “Blair Must Go” party and the “Monster Raving Loony” party. Just what does it take to get on the ballot? Big PDF which tells you everything: [http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/files/dms/GEcandidatesguide\_16585-11536\_\_E\_\_N\_\_S\_\_W\_\_.pdf](http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/files/dms/GEcandidatesguide_16585-11536 __E__ N __S__ W__.pdf) Basically, within a week or so of the election being called, you have to be nominated and place your £500 deposit (the latter puts off frivolous nominations, and is refunded if you win more than a certain percentage, I think 5%, of the vote). The list of registered political parties is [here](http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/regulatory-issues/regpoliticalparties.cfm) (not a PDF) - including the Short Fat Solicitor’s Party, the Legalise Cannabis Alliance, the No Candidate Deserves My Vote! Party, etc. (the party has to be registered before the election is called to be able to have candidates representing it, and there’s a fee to register a party, again to prevent frivolity… :dubious: ) ---
**Author:** ![sinical\_brit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/48db29/32.png) [@sinical\_brit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinical_brit)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/30 "2005-05-05T17:56:45Z")
Just voted 30mins ago. One of the choices was the " Death, Dungeons & Taxes " party. Couldnt find any info on thier manifesto - so they didnt get my vote … Sin ---
**Author:** ![Avenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Avenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avenger)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/31 "2005-05-05T18:29:18Z")
> [@sinical brit](#): > > Just voted 30mins ago. One of the choices was the " Death, Dungeons & Taxes " party. Couldnt find any info on thier manifesto - so they didnt get my vote … > > Sin Who needs a manifesto? It’s all there in the name! ---
**Author:** ![guinnog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7993a0/32.png) [@guinnog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guinnog)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/32 "2005-05-05T18:31:56Z")
> [@sinical brit](#): > > Just voted 30mins ago. One of the choices was the " Death, Dungeons & Taxes " party. Couldnt find any info on thier manifesto - so they didnt get my vote … > > Sin > [@](#): > > The Prime Minister and Michael Howard may have all sorts of complicated plans to deal with the immigrant problem. Not so Damien Fleck, standing in the City of York under the banner of the Death Dungeons and Taxes Party. > > His manifesto, covering one side of a scroll, says that immigrants will be repelled with boiling oil and longbows at all ports and airports, according to the York Evening Press. > **[Day 21: The highs and lows of the election trail](http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/text/print.html?in_article_id=346237&in_page_id=1853)** > > Day 21: The highs and lows of the election trail ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/33 "2005-05-05T18:37:35Z")
The Dungeons Death and Taxes Party’s registered address is: The London Dungeon, 28/34 Tooley Street, … (seriously) ---
**Author:** ![sinical\_brit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/48db29/32.png) [@sinical\_brit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinical_brit)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/34 "2005-05-05T19:13:57Z")
Avenger “Who needs a manifesto? It’s all there in the name!” - but i didnt know if they were for them or against them ! Sin ---
**Author:** ![Avenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Avenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avenger)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/35 "2005-05-05T19:14:36Z")
I’m seeing American message boards reporting that Rush Limburgh has run a story reporting ‘early exit polls’ showing low turnout and the Tories heading for victory. I’ve no idea what these figures would be, no exit polls will be released until after 10pm when the polls close. What’s he on about Yanks? ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/36 "2005-05-05T19:22:25Z")
I suppose there’s nothing stopping foreign news organisations from running their own exit polls, and releasing the figures early in foreign media. But in that situation, they’re unlikely to have the resources in place, and the localised knowledge of demography and of voting habits, to run an accurate poll. ---
**Author:** ![Avenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Avenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avenger)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/37 "2005-05-05T19:26:16Z")
I can’t see anyone going to the bother of trying to do their own unofficial exit poll. It’s not inconceivable that someone in one of the official poll companies could leak early data to a media organisation that wouldn’t be constrained from broadcasting it though. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/38 "2005-05-05T19:32:12Z")
> [@Avenger](#): > > It’s not inconceivable that someone in one of the official poll companies could leak early data to a media organisation that wouldn’t be constrained from broadcasting it though. Hmmm. Possible, but I don’t see it as at all likely - not least because I suspect that would be an offence in itself. Have you a link to anywhere reporting this - I’m wondering if it’s people misunderstanding exactly what was being reported, i.e. that it’s not really exit polls at all? ---
**Author:** ![Avenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Avenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avenger)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/39 "2005-05-05T19:36:06Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > Hmmm. Possible, but I don’t see it as at all likely - not least because I suspect that would be an offence in itself. Have you a link to anywhere reporting this - I’m wondering if it’s people misunderstanding exactly what was being reported, i.e. that it’s not really exit polls at all? No link at all, just people saying that he said it on air. Nothing like a bit of third hand hearsay to spice up the evening though! ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2005, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380/40 "2005-05-05T19:44:02Z")
> [@Dead Badger](#): > > . . . and the futures markets for the electoral outcome are even more stolidly in favour of a Labour win. 😕 That the same thing as the bookies? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-win-the-british-election/302380.md?page=3)