The General Election Thread

[mcfc1632]

Hmmm. They seem to include Labour and the SNP but Ed was very firm there would be no coalition with them.

If, as seems likely the SNP dominate in Scotland and neither the tories nor Labour can form a majority or working coalition without their ssupport, Labour would be insane to enter into a formal coalition with them.
The SNP could not bring down a Labour government as to do so would lead to another election and the possibility of a tory government would return many parts of Scotland to Labour.
The SNP could support Labour on a case by case basis but not support a motion of no confidence

I agree. I fully expect a Labour minority government.

And that it will last about 6-12 months.

I do not understand that - although might be glad if it was true.

Once a minority Labour government is in and the Queens Speech is passed with SNP support I believe that the fixed term regulation means that it will last for 5 years unless there is a vote of no-confidence which cannot happen as there will not be a majority for it.

I just see 5 years of paralysis with no way out

 

[urmston]

If, as seems likely the SNP dominate in Scotland and neither the tories nor Labour can form a majority or working coalition without their ssupport, Labour would be insane to enter into a formal coalition with them.
The SNP could not bring down a Labour government as to do so would lead to another election and the possibility of a tory government would return many parts of Scotland to Labour.
The SNP could support Labour on a case by case basis but not support a motion of no confidence

I agree. I fully expect a Labour minority government.

And that it will last about 6-12 months.

I do not understand that - although might be glad if it was true.

Once a minority Labour government is in and the Queens Speech is passed with SNP support I believe that the fixed term regulation means that it will last for 5 years unless there is a vote of no-confidence which cannot happen as there will not be a majority for it.

I just see 5 years of paralysis with no way out

Unfortunately there would be no paralysis on taxes rises, including council tax and the TV licence.

They'd rocket, and most people in the private sector would not get any pay rises to offset them.

 

[117 M34]

Looking at the betting odds to get a better idea of the likely outcome and looks certain that tories will get more seats than labour. However, labour are favourites to be in power with a minority government.
Why can't the tories be in power with a (bigger) minority government?
Is it something to do with who will support them?

 

[law74]

I agree. I fully expect a Labour minority government.

And that it will last about 6-12 months.

I do not understand that - although might be glad if it was true.

Once a minority Labour government is in and the Queens Speech is passed with SNP support I believe that the fixed term regulation means that it will last for 5 years unless there is a vote of no-confidence which cannot happen as there will not be a majority for it.

I just see 5 years of paralysis with no way out

Unfortunately there would be no paralysis on taxes rises, including council tax and the TV licence.

They'd rocket, and most people in the private sector would not get any pay rises to offset them.

On the contrary I feel there would be tax (direct and indirect) tax cuts for the majority paid for by ensuring the minority can no longer "opt out" of contributing into the society they rely on for their profits, and as the NMW rises so too will the ability of those towards the lower end of the food chain to spend this extra money on the local high street

 

[Damocles]

Looking at the betting odds to get a better idea of the likely outcome and looks certain that tories will get more seats than labour. However, labour are favourites to be in power with a minority government.
Why can't the tories be in power with a (bigger) minority government?
Is it something to do with who will support them?

A vote of no confidence will be the first item on the agenda which if passed would force another election.

A minority Government couldn't defeat the vote as they are a minority

 

[Donkey Boy]

There are 2 types of Tory voters

a) the very wealthy
b) the woefully misinformed

Group a) is largely responsible for the existence of b).

There are two types of Labour voter.

a) The poorly paid or unemployed who want the state to give them more of other people's money.
b) Public employees who want the state to give them more of other people's money.

No, sorry, there is one type of Labour voter.

a) People who want the state to give them more of other people's money.

I'm a Labour voter.

I'm a 29 year old father of 3, I've worked and paid my taxes since I was 16. My wife is a stay at home Mum and I bought our first house when I was 22. Between us we have never been in a position where we've needed support off the state (thankfully).

Which of your categories would I fall into you ignorant prick.

I've had the misfortune of stumbling across a number of your posts on the General Election & Palestine threads. Either you are brain dead or you're just a WUM. Either way you need help or an education, or, most likely, both......

 

[cibaman]

If, as seems likely the SNP dominate in Scotland and neither the tories nor Labour can form a majority or working coalition without their ssupport, Labour would be insane to enter into a formal coalition with them.
The SNP could not bring down a Labour government as to do so would lead to another election and the possibility of a tory government would return many parts of Scotland to Labour.
The SNP could support Labour on a case by case basis but not support a motion of no confidence

I agree. I fully expect a Labour minority government.

And that it will last about 6-12 months.

I do not understand that - although might be glad if it was true.

Once a minority Labour government is in and the Queens Speech is passed with SNP support I believe that the fixed term regulation means that it will last for 5 years unless there is a vote of no-confidence which cannot happen as there will not be a majority for it.

I just see 5 years of paralysis with no way out

If both the Tories and Labour have a go at forming a government and have their Queen's speech's voted down there will be a second election. One party will table a motion for an early election the opposition party would be bound to support it,

If Labour form a minority government and the SNP continually frustrate them, they will table a motion for an early election which the Tories will have to support.

Apparently in other countries which have fixed term parliaments its not unknown for governments to table a motion of no confidence in itself and then abstain to make sure the vote is past. Seems weird but apparently is accepted as just being a procedural thing.

 

[SWP's back]

If, as seems likely the SNP dominate in Scotland and neither the tories nor Labour can form a majority or working coalition without their ssupport, Labour would be insane to enter into a formal coalition with them.
The SNP could not bring down a Labour government as to do so would lead to another election and the possibility of a tory government would return many parts of Scotland to Labour.
The SNP could support Labour on a case by case basis but not support a motion of no confidence

I agree. I fully expect a Labour minority government.

And that it will last about 6-12 months.

Why do you feel it will only last a few months?
Do you think the SNP will back or tory led vote of no confidence or that Labour will be doing so well that they are confident enough to go back to the people to get a majority in their own right?

As for the troll, just hope his private medical care team were all educated and trained privately after all I would hate someone that had the stench of being in receipt of public services having to treat him (or her)

I think the SNP will play ball for as long as Labour are docile and for as long as they feel a new referendum on the Union is on the table.

I could always be wrong though.

 

[BigJoe#1]

Looking at the betting odds to get a better idea of the likely outcome and looks certain that tories will get more seats than labour. However, labour are favourites to be in power with a minority government.
Why can't the tories be in power with a (bigger) minority government?
Is it something to do with who will support them?

Your last sentence holds the key to the bigger question.

They will get certain parties to support them such as the DUP but they will be too small to overturn the forecast gap between the number of Tory seats and a majority. If the LibDems hold a large number of seats they could tip the balance, though again that is unlikely as some of the seats they lose will be to the Tories (though not many I hope).

Therefore if Ed Milliband could could find it within himself to form a coalition with the SNP he will be closest to getting a Commons Majority... especially if other smaller parties lime the Green Party and Plaid Cymru back them.

I cannot foresee any circumstance in which David Cameron could lead a minority Government as the opposition against the Tories is overwhelming.... as we say "it's going to get messy"

 

[cibaman]

I agree. I fully expect a Labour minority government.

And that it will last about 6-12 months.

Why do you feel it will only last a few months?
Do you think the SNP will back or tory led vote of no confidence or that Labour will be doing so well that they are confident enough to go back to the people to get a majority in their own right?

As for the troll, just hope his private medical care team were all educated and trained privately after all I would hate someone that had the stench of being in receipt of public services having to treat him (or her)

I think the SNP will play ball for as long as Labour are docile and for as long as they feel a new referendum on the Union is on the table.

I could always be wrong though.

Assuming the result is as the latest polls predict, the problem for both Labour and the Tories is they must know that any attempts to form a government might not be successful. There must be a decent chance of a second election later in the year. And their chances of a different, more favourable result in the autumn will largely be determined by how they behave during the next few weeks/months.

The Tories cannot risk being seen to be clinging desparately to power when its obvious they cannot form a government. Squatting in Downing Street, as they accused Brown,

Labour absolutely cannot be seen to be trying to obtain the support of the SNP.

Its a recipe for stalemate,

 

[argyle]

These are the possible coalition scenarios based on the latest Financial Times projections......

Hmmm. They seem to include Labour and the SNP but Ed was very firm there would be no coalition with them.

Cameron before elected said he wouldn't reorganise the NHS or raise VAT.....

 

[cibaman]

Nobody has bothered to call this time, had leaflets from Labour and Lib Dem for MP's and Labour for the council election.

Last time Meacher knocked on (they were in a group of four working up the street), kept him on the doorstep for 45 mins, all the other knockers had gone out of sight, his wife came looking for him to rescue him......not called again...shame ;)

I've had two leaflets from the Greens

 

[BigJoe#1]

Why do you feel it will only last a few months?
Do you think the SNP will back or tory led vote of no confidence or that Labour will be doing so well that they are confident enough to go back to the people to get a majority in their own right?

As for the troll, just hope his private medical care team were all educated and trained privately after all I would hate someone that had the stench of being in receipt of public services having to treat him (or her)

I think the SNP will play ball for as long as Labour are docile and for as long as they feel a new referendum on the Union is on the table.

I could always be wrong though.

Assuming the result is as the latest polls predict, the problem for both Labour and the Tories is they must know that any attempts to form a government might not be successful. There must be a decent chance of a second election later in the year. And their chances of a different, more favourable result in the autumn will largely be determined by how they behave during the next few weeks/months.

The Tories cannot risk being seen to be clinging desparately to power when its obvious they cannot form a government. Squatting in Downing Street, as they accused Brown,

Labour absolutely cannot be seen to be trying to obtain the support of the SNP.

Its a recipe for stalemate,

As I stated in a previous (unanswered) question, I don't think either party really wants to win this election (though that could never be admitted or even hinted at) both would much prefer to be in opposition and sling muck.

 

[BigJoe#1]

These are the possible coalition scenarios based on the latest Financial Times projections......

Hmmm. They seem to include Labour and the SNP but Ed was very firm there would be no coalition with them.

Cameron before elected said he wouldn't reorganise the NHS or raise VAT.....

He also said he would lower net migration to the tens of thousands and balance the books by 2015... Oh and Clegg wouldn't raise student fees....

 

[cibaman]

I think the SNP will play ball for as long as Labour are docile and for as long as they feel a new referendum on the Union is on the table.

I could always be wrong though.

Assuming the result is as the latest polls predict, the problem for both Labour and the Tories is they must know that any attempts to form a government might not be successful. There must be a decent chance of a second election later in the year. And their chances of a different, more favourable result in the autumn will largely be determined by how they behave during the next few weeks/months.

The Tories cannot risk being seen to be clinging desparately to power when its obvious they cannot form a government. Squatting in Downing Street, as they accused Brown,

Labour absolutely cannot be seen to be trying to obtain the support of the SNP.

Its a recipe for stalemate,

As I stated in a previous (unanswered) question, I don't think either party really wants to win this election (though that could never be admitted or even hinted at) both would much prefer to be in opposition and sling muck.

Cameron and Milliband want to win the election. If they don't, they're out of a job. Clegg wants to retain his seat and his position in a coalition for the same reason.

Others in the parties are probably much less committed to government at any price. Especially potential party leaders.

I

 

[kas_tippler]

Don't think I could ever vote for a party trying to evict homeless people. What makes it worse it was on the first of May! Heartless Labour!
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-homeless-protest-camp-ordered-9168351" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... ed-9168351</a>

 

[SWP's back]

These are the possible coalition scenarios based on the latest Financial Times projections......

Hmmm. They seem to include Labour and the SNP but Ed was very firm there would be no coalition with them.

Cameron before elected said he wouldn't reorganise the NHS or raise VAT.....

Ed had been unequivocal and you know it. He has no wriggle room.

 

[whp.blue]

There are 2 types of Tory voters

a) the very wealthy
b) the woefully misinformed

Group a) is largely responsible for the existence of b).

I'm just glad I fall into a) category

I could actually be both

 

[The perfect fumble]

Hmmm. They seem to include Labour and the SNP but Ed was very firm there would be no coalition with them.

Cameron before elected said he wouldn't reorganise the NHS or raise VAT.....

Ed had been unequivocal and you know it. He has no wriggle room.

Yes he does....

Nicola Sturgeon’s cast iron guarantee that SNP will never put Tories into office....

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/f...n-guarantee-snp-will-never-put-tories-office/

Notice the word Never

It's the SNP who has no wriggle room.

 

[BigJoe#1]

Assuming the result is as the latest polls predict, the problem for both Labour and the Tories is they must know that any attempts to form a government might not be successful. There must be a decent chance of a second election later in the year. And their chances of a different, more favourable result in the autumn will largely be determined by how they behave during the next few weeks/months.

The Tories cannot risk being seen to be clinging desparately to power when its obvious they cannot form a government. Squatting in Downing Street, as they accused Brown,

Labour absolutely cannot be seen to be trying to obtain the support of the SNP.

Its a recipe for stalemate,

As I stated in a previous (unanswered) question, I don't think either party really wants to win this election (though that could never be admitted or even hinted at) both would much prefer to be in opposition and sling muck.

Cameron and Milliband want to win the election. If they don't, they're out of a job. Clegg wants to retain his seat and his position in a coalition for the same reason.

Others in the parties are probably much less committed to government at any price. Especially potential party leaders.

I

I agree those two do want to win but the Party's would prefer not to, it's going to be a hard slog for whoever does eventually form the next Government. The best solution would be for Labour to go into coalition with SDP and work together as did the Tories and LibDems (a much less likely partnership I might suggest).

As for Clegg and Alexander... let's hope they're booted out!