Verification begins

The verification stage of the count at Copeland started at 9.00 am this morning.

This is expected to be finished by about 11 am, after which there will be a short break and then the actual counting of the votes will begin.

We were told to expect a result by about 1pm, but given the high turnout and the possibility that a close result might include recounts, I would not be too surprised if this slips a bit.

Nationally it is clear that the Conservatives have made record gains and that Labour have had one of their worst nights in history in terms of losses.

The Conservatives have a net gain of 90 seats so far, which is an unprecedented increase for the party in any election since 1931, while Labour have lost more seats than in any election since 1931.

To put the gain of 90 sats (so far) into context

* In 1979, the Conservative party gained 63 seats and formed the new Government.

* In 1970, the Conservative party gained 77 seats and formed the new Government.

* In 1951, the Conservative party gained 24 seats and formed the new Government.

David Cameron's Conservatives are the winners of this election having polled more votes and won more seats that any other party, and gained more seats than in any election for seventy-nine years.

In the best interests of the country the most sensible thing to happen now would be for David Cameron to be given the opportunity to form a government.

It looks unlikely that a Lib/Lab coalition would have an overall majority, and any such deal to keep Gordon Brown in power by the back door is not going to solve this country's problems.

Comments

Adrian D-J said…
Best of luck today Chris. Just make sure someone is looking at every single vote. Remember how important that was with Ray Cole in 2005.

My gut feel is that you have clinched this but it's going to be close. Congratulations on running such a positive campaign and working so hard to ensure that Copeland gets the representation it deserves and isn't getting from the incumbant MP.

Best of luck and fingers crossed.
10:37 am
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