About one in ten of first preference votes are in, and Boris Johnson has a reasonable lead in most London constituencies.
Much too early to be sure, but apart from the Ken and Boris struggle, look out for the BNP candidate Richard Barnbrook. He's showing strongly.
Written by Joey Jones, 02 May 2008
well done to the B.N.P.
Posted by: martell 5 May 2008 16:15:42
I think it is so funny that a Ken win is a win for Labour - a) this is the same man they tried to drum out and b) he is being severely challenged by none other than Boris. Nice as Boris is (and he is a kind man from an environmentalist family) you cannot really take him too seriously - yet he has pushed Ken hard for the mayor race. Surely that says something for the state of Labour.
Posted by: Paul, Thatcham 2 May 2008 17:04:24
Madnurse;
Re your post 13.01 today.I would like to say "spot on",or "you have hit the nail on the head" but it irritates the hell out of me when Mike Simpson and his cronies use the expression ad nauseum, so I will say that I agree with and endorse every word you said in that post.
Up here on South Tyneside, the left ventricle of a Labour heartland, that is exactly what is beginning to happen. The word Tory is a four letter word to most of the electorate, but to a number of people with whom I have spoken Conservatism offers no real alternative.
South Tyneside is the home of the oldest Muslim community in Britain (late 1800s)which by the '40s had become totally integrated. A surge in immigrant numbers over the last few years accompanied by all the usual P.C.nonsense and a perception of disproportionate funding and privilege to the minority ethnic population has given rise to resentment within the community and the BNP. They have yet to take a council seat and their share of the vote may be small, but they have been generally well received by the local populace and unless the local political bigwigs get their act together the BNPs' day may not be too far off.
Posted by: Patricia 2 May 2008 17:00:44
14-50
I just watched the interview on Sky News with the Home Office minister Mr McNulty.
I must award him the prize of Ostrich of The Year. His head was completely buried in the sand. Despite the out come of yesterday's polls, his arrogance showed no limit. He has learned nothing and ultimately, it will be this arrogance and Nanny Knows best attitude that will spell the end of Mr Brown and his useless government.
I think this time, Labour will be left in the political wastelands for even longer than they were last time.
Most people on Boulton and Co's blog are saying much the same thing and still the government are blaming everyone but themselves.
Posted by: Madnurse 2 May 2008 14:57:04
As you may spot from my name, my heritage isn't from these parts; I am, however, born and raised a Briton and my wife's London heritage has been traced back to the early 1700s.
I voted Barnbrook / Boris in the mayoral election, and Conservative for both London Assembly ballots. Why?
Because I'm fed up with political correctness and this mind-boggling fight for the centre ground that destroys democracy, responsibility and - ultimately - common sense.
My vote for Barnbrook was a cry to the major parties to get real and get sensible. My second vote is the only one that will count this time around - and that's why I voted for Boris Johnson.
One last thought - Government: We expect you to do the listening BEFORE you act, not as a crocodilian act of contrition afterwards. The time to listen is EVERY SINGLE DAY, not just the morning after an election count.
Posted by: Hany Mustapha, Kingston upon Thames 2 May 2008 14:39:51
Joey,
You do have to wonder whether, if Ken loses, the close bond between him and Gordon will be weakened!!
Mind you, if he wins, he risks having several ribs broken when the P.M. gives him the biggest hug he has ever had! I don't think a kiss will be forthcoming, as Mr. Brown usually saves those for the First Lady of France!
Posted by: Merv. Beszant, Dubai 2 May 2008 14:25:45
I wonder if we will see Londoners reflecting what has happened in some places up t'north.
Sky and even the BBC, are reporting that in many normally safe Labour seats, the BNP are coming second.
Now I wonder if, given that I have heard many people from up t'north state they will never vote Conservative no matter how bad they think Labour are doing, have decided to vote BNP as an alternative that is to the right of Labour.
It would be a frightening thought if the BNP is seen as the "other" alternative to Labour in the north of the country and not the Conservatives.
The only good thing that may come out of a strong showing for the BNP, would be that perhaps the main parties may get the kick they need to offer policies that are nearer to their traditional core beliefs and thus give voters a real choice, rather than the one size fits all centre ground policies both the main parties appear to have adopted.
Posted by: Madnurse 2 May 2008 13:01:12
Dear Liz of Suffolk - how can a possible GLA election win for the BNP be described as "the back door" - particularly on a turnout of 45%?
Posted by: andrew sim 2 May 2008 13:01:08
Joey,
I think the City Hall building
reminds me of the type of headgear you need to wear if you intend walking through London after dark!
Posted by: Merv. Beszant, Dubai 2 May 2008 12:55:27
The LDA are in a crisis meeting about how to work with Boris
Posted by: Jokey Wilson 2 May 2008 12:22:19
Its [Another World-Dj Shog]
Posted by: Khalid 2 May 2008 12:20:07
"the BNP candidate Richard Barnbrook. He's showing strongly".
Of course they are!
I keep on saying it! As racist
as it sounds, but Labour havn't looked after the white working class & are paying the price!
Labour! What have you done? Sent people to the BNP! ROFL!
Anyhow! Great news about Boris so far ;-)
Posted by: T. England 2 May 2008 12:16:37
Apparently PaddyPower, the online bookmakers, are already paying out on bets made for Boris to win.
Posted by: JC, Deep South 2 May 2008 12:15:11
Oh dear - What a coup it would be if the BNP snuck in by the back door.......
Posted by: Liz, Suffolk 2 May 2008 12:06:01
You keep on talking about the mayoral race and City Hall. What City is it a Hall of? Or is this just another example of the americanisation of UK media?
Posted by: Chris Hall Manchester 2 May 2008 11:58:59