UK Politics Thread

If you actually multiply the percentage of the electorate that voted for the last Governments, it is pretty grim reading:

2010: 58.1% for the Coalition, 65.1% turnout, 38.5% vote for the Government.
2005: 35.2% for Labour, 61.4% turnout, 21.6% vote for the Government.
2001: 40.7% for Labour, 59.4% turnout, 24.2% vote for the Government.
1997: 43.2% for Labour, 71.3% turnout, 30.8% vote for the Government.
1992: 41.9% for Conservatives, 77.7% turnout, 32.6% vote for the Government.
1987: 42.2% for Conservatives, 75.3% turnout, 31.8% vote for the Government.

Ireland by comparison:
2011: 55.5% for the Coalition, 70% turnout, 38.9% vote for the Government.
2007: 49.0% for the Coalition, 67% turnout, 32.8% vote for the Government.
2002: 45.5% for the Coalition, 62.6% turnout, 28.5% vote for the Government.

1997's election here ended up with independents supporting the Government so it is pretty difficult to calculate. Anyway, it all makes for grim reading. Governments are formed if they can get about a third of electorate to vote for them, here or there.

Scotland is in a different place GG so I think it could be quite high there.

Was just reading about the money spent on advertising the last UK general election. It worked out at just under 4 quid for every vote cast

Hoosay wrote: And you have clowns like Boris Johnson arguing that unions should not be allowed to vote for strike action unless more than 50% of the eligible members vote, the same argument could be made that about governments, or mayors.

I think it is paramount it is applied to governments, councils and mayors. Democracy is a lovely idea in theory......

RMT

and i agree that should apply to votes such as the London mayor! Which i believe he won with about 30% turnout...

colemanY2K wrote: Galoglas wrote: pre Madonna wrote: And then factor in turnout, 36% at the last locals, 65% at the last general. I would predict between 55% and 60% this time. Hardly a case for democracy! I reckon in Scotland it will be nearer the 80% mark. There is a real kicking to be handed out and folk seem up for it. if it gets to 80% in Scotland I'd like be amazed The turnout was incredible for the referendum but for the general election I cannot seeing it reach 80%. However if it does then I expect the snp to get 50+ seats. The lower the turnout the more damage it'll do to the snp and that's because the traditional parties base/hardcore support will vote.

Snp are a traditional party now

How can you possibly not like Boris Johnson after this

Edited by coyne - 18 Mar 2015 at 8:35pm

pre Madonna wrote: Because he is the ultimate old school tory ****, wrapped up in some sort of buffoon like comic facade. Bit like Jeremy Clarkson

Anyone see this pic of Danny 'Beaker' Alexander earlier ? Thought it was a photoshop at first