2010 general election results - key facts
Key facts for election anoraks
· Conservatives have made more gains than at any election since 1931. We have made a net gain of 97 seats. Previously, the most seats gained by the Conservatives in a single election since 1931 was 87 – in the 1950 general election.
· Conservatives record their second biggest swing from Labour since 1931. The Conservative Party has received a swing from Labour of 5.1 per cent, second only to that achieved by Margaret Thatcher in 1979 (5.3 per cent).
· Labour have now lost more seats than at any General Election since 1931. Labour have made a net loss of 91 seats. Previously, the most seats lost by the Labour Party in a single election since 1931 was 78 – in the 1950 general election.
· Conservatives exceed Labour’s 2005 number of votes. We have won more votes than Labour did when they won in 2005 – 10.7 million vs. 9.5 million.
· Conservatives have made more gains than at any election since 1931. We have made a net gain of 97 seats. Previously, the most seats gained by the Conservatives in a single election since 1931 was 87 – in the 1950 general election.
· Conservatives record their second biggest swing from Labour since 1931. The Conservative Party has received a swing from Labour of 5.1 per cent, second only to that achieved by Margaret Thatcher in 1979 (5.3 per cent).
· Labour have now lost more seats than at any General Election since 1931. Labour have made a net loss of 91 seats. Previously, the most seats lost by the Labour Party in a single election since 1931 was 78 – in the 1950 general election.
· Conservatives exceed Labour’s 2005 number of votes. We have won more votes than Labour did when they won in 2005 – 10.7 million vs. 9.5 million.
Comments
However you have missed the number one ‘key fact’ from your list above. Labour’s Jamie Reed won by a comfortable, albeit reduced, margin in Copeland, despite the Keswick factor and the national swing.
You are a man who has shown you know what you are about, and you have much to offer as a councillor, but surely now after two failed attempts to win in Copeland, and all the money, Ashcroft or otherwise, that was spent on posters etc round here, you must accept that you aren’t ever going to be our MP?
GMB Member and Copeland resident.
But as for your comments about the possible future election results, not only do I disagree, but I think that to suggest that either Labour or the Conservatives will always win in a particular area is one of the most damaging arguments which can possibly be put forward.
(And yes, I would say exactly the same thing if I was living in a seat which the Conservatives always won.)
Firstly, the belief that they cannot lose makes sitting MPs and Councillors arrogant and complacent. For example although I still think most MPs and councillors are fundamentally decent and honest individuals, the temptation to misuse their expenses or misbehave in other ways is much greater if a politician believes he or she has no danger of losing his or her seat.
Secondly, the belief that any idiot could win an election of their rosette is the right colour turns many residents completely off from politics and makes them think their vote doesn't count.
Both Jamie Reed and I dramatically increased our vote this time. That was partly because the perception was that the election would be close. And it was closer than last time, if not quite as close as we expected.
Frankly, it would be an absolute tragedy for Copeland if the area sank back into "This area would elect a donkey if it had the right colour rosette" complacency.
I have been very careful to avoid accusing any individual or party of responsibility for this. If we had proof of who was behind it, we would not have needed to offer a £200 reward for information leaing to the conviction of the culprits.
But whoever did do it deserves to be punished. And I would repeat my call for anyone who knows anything about it, to tell the police.