Exactly, they said they would have preferred something else. That sealed the No vote in an instant. Milliband did back the yes vote, but Labour MPs were allowed to campaign as they saw fit and more Labour MPs supported the No campaign than the Yes. It was held on the same day as local elections, including Scottish Parliamentary and Welsh Assembly elections, stopping SNP and Plaid Cymru actively campaigning for a Yes vote. It was a waste of time, Cameron got what he wanted, and Clegg sold his principles down the river.
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How did UKIP do?
- Thread starter Garage_Doors
- Start date
Exactly, they said they would have preferred something else. That sealed the No vote in an instant. Milliband did back the yes vote, but Labour MPs were allowed to campaign as they saw fit and more Labour MPs supported the No campaign than the Yes. It was held on the same day as local elections, including Scottish Parliamentary and Welsh Assembly elections, stopping SNP and Plaid Cymru actively campaigning for a Yes vote. It was a waste of time, Cameron got what he wanted, and Clegg sold his principles down the river.
Buzzer
Languidly Clinical
- Oct 1, 2006
- 26,121
Some elections throw up anomalies but I do think UKIP voters doth protest too much. I don't think that many people voted UKIP because of their stance on the NHS or their transport policies, they are a single issue party and the Tories have guaranteed them their referendum. Once that is out the way then the job is done, the people have spoken and UKIP have achieved exactly what they want through this FPTP system. Not bad for a party that only really came on the scene in the last 10 years.
You say about 1/3 not voting Tory or Labour ever, I think it's more likely something like 10% or 15% at most. Take the recent election - those not voting Labour or Tory are mainly UKIP or Lib Dem. Lib Dem were part of the last government and very much enfranchised, UKIP voters are ex Labour/Tory or Lib voters and all 3 parties have been in power very recently, therefore very much enfranchised until recently. That leaves 10-15% at most - mainly Greens and are they ever going to be enfranchised in key areas such as the economy or transport? Their views in these areas are hard left and simply incompatible with coalitions with centre left and right parties. Their views are not ever going to see the light of day and it's worth noting that the areas of key concern to them where they are very effective - for instance highlighting the issue of fracking, they don't need to be part of a coalition government or have big representation in parliament to get their message across. They've one MP but the whole country knows about fracking through other democratic action outside the elections. British democracy is in very rude health.
As regards pledging allegiance to the Queen - jeez, it's nothing more than a silly British tradition that adds to the rich tapestry of Parliamentary life. There's dozens of archaic and ridiculous things that MPs have to do.
GT49er
Well-known member
Two brilliantly astute posts that don't let the facts get in the way ........
- Jul 10, 2003
- 26,069
I watched the space and Nige said he would resign, take a little holiday and be back in the Autumn - Man of his word
GT49er
Well-known member
I've always been very wary of electoral reforms and changes to the constitution, mainly because I feel it is always being put forward to benefit the party that is putting it forward - like the tories with their boundary changes, for example.
The House of Lords has many critics - and lord knows it has many faults - but in spite of all that, I think it has served the country well over the years, and I haven't been in favour of replacing it with another elected body - but maybe now that time has come, the time for an upper house, elected by PR.
vegster
Sanity Clause
- May 5, 2008
- 27,928
Sorry, but this very big fact DID get in the way.
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/media/...-‘makes-mockery’-new-election-poster-20150408
Creaky
Well-known member
The Lib Dems campaigned for the alternative voting system on the basis that it was a 'fairer' system than FPTP and most importantly as a step towards an even fairer system, (in their view), the STV, being introduced.
The only one of the big party leaders who campaigned against the change of system was David Cameron and the latest election shows that as far as his party was concerned he was right to do so.
When only one third of the forty odd percent who bothered to turn out voted for change it seems very strange that there are so many people who are now saying that the FPTP is unfair or undemocratic.
GT49er
Well-known member
He was elected on a mandate not to vote - so he was merely keeping his election promises.
Green Cross Code Man
Wunt be druv
People displaying apathetic tendencies are not any indicator of 'fairness' or 'unfairness'.
Yep. Shame for all those that started endless anti UKIP threads, i stated probably one or two seats, but the concentration on UKIP, the endless polls and posters quite sure that the race was neck and neck, or even 7 points ahead if you live in another country.....and the sheeple jumped on the Tubthumping bandwagon, so concerned were they about UKIP's input..........meanwhile the quiet voters were not letting on.
So now Nige has stood down maybe a look at why Labour failed so dismally, probably because of many things pointed out but ridiculed and shouted down.
If some posters are worried about their weekly anti UKIP threads, the diss Nige brigade.....well already a couple of campaigns have been set up to keep Nige as leader.
So hopefully many will be able to take their eye off the ball and play the man again.
Lest We Forget.
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vegster
Sanity Clause
- May 5, 2008
- 27,928
So when he says he wants to defend the rights of British fishermen, and he ends up on the Fisheries Committee, the best thing he can contribute is to just be in the building ? He would have gone up in many peoples estimation if he either attended and put his case or not attended and didn't claim his salary, you can't have it both ways.
Ferring Marine
New member
- Mar 28, 2014
- 244
Obviously not Sturgeon or Salmond
sir albion
New member
Massive surge in votes and basically beaten by the system and an ancient system...Really disappointed UKIP didn't get more seats
1 vote for every 8 people was a huge success regardless
This is the seventh general election that I have voted in. Where there has been an option, voting reform has been at the top or near the top of my voting priorities.
Just about the only entertainment that I have derived this time has been the whinging about this antiquated system from UKIP (most of them will of course have benefited from it in the past being former tories)
Just about the only entertainment that I have derived this time has been the whinging about this antiquated system from UKIP (most of them will of course have benefited from it in the past being former tories)
Pretty pink fairy
Banned
- Jan 30, 2008
- 31,981
yeah resign as leader you din as arnie said "I'll be back "I watched the space and Nige said he would resign, take a little holiday and be back in the Autumn - Man of his word
regards
DR
portslade seagull
Well-known member
3.7m votes is a good base to build from,Ukip bashers must be aghast
Pretty pink fairy
Banned
- Jan 30, 2008
- 31,981
Yep , positives need to be taken and move on to the next electionMassive surge in votes and basically beaten by the system and an ancient system...Really disappointed UKIP didn't get more seats
1 vote for every 8 people was a huge success regardless
regards
DR
Pretty pink fairy
Banned
- Jan 30, 2008
- 31,981
3.88 million can't be wrong , up 9.5% on 2010 torys and labour vote much the same % wiseMassive surge in votes and basically beaten by the system and an ancient system...Really disappointed UKIP didn't get more seats
1 vote for every 8 people was a huge success regardless
regards
DR