Comments on British Elections?

[Grimaldi]

Browsing through various news sites, I've seen a few articles talking about the recent elections in Britain. I'm curious to hear what any Brits that post here think about the situation. Is it a big deal, will there be any major changes in the near future, is it an isolated incident or an indicator of a change in the British public's political views, etc?

[pigeonmeister]

I've been in the US for a few weeks so have not been able to follow as closely or obviously vote.

These are local elections (choosing councillors) and their signficance lies much more as a litmus test of the Labour government's popularity and prospects in the next general election. Many of the big cities- including mine- will remain with no overall control and our lives will change very little.

In short, these results are nothing short of disasterous for Brown. Worst local election results in 40 years and a mirror image of the Tories' performance in 1995- two years before they lost (in epic proportions) to Blair's New Labour.

There are now probably over 100 Labour mps thinking they are seriously going to struggle keeping their seats and there will be lots of murmurings about replacing Brown- who is appearing more and more anachronistic.

It's the war, cost of living, tax mistakes, lack of housing, crime and general fatigue with Labour after 11 years, combined with a rejuvinated Conservative party who, in Cameron, have a leader with genuine appeal and electability.

Without doubt- the most significant result is Boris Johnson as London mayor. It is a hugely powerful role and for those who follow British politics and or entertainment industry (have I got news for you etc..), Boris has been a figure of intense buffonery for years. He's an eccentric former Etonian bona fide toff who has surprised everyone by running a gaff free campaign that has put reducing anti-social crime at top bill. He has also benefitted from the same desire to punish labour. Which is ironic, because Livingston was hugely disliked by New Labour.

Guaranteed to be a hillarious next 4 years with him in charge...google some of his soundbites or youtube his 'I sneeezed but did not inhale' cocaine quotes from 'Have I got news for you'!!

[Gav]

... fatigue with Labour

It's not the Labour party that's in power...

[pigeonmeister]

It's arguably not the Conservatives who will probably win the next election either...

[jeff]

Red Ken out, and Boris in? The Spectator crew must be besides themselves with joy. Floppy-haired Boris Johnson will at least be interesting. Clearly an intelligent man, gaffes and silliness aside he has occasionaly shown a serious side which he'll now have to stick to. Running a city (to the extent that the Mayor is legally empowered) is different from being an MP or an editor. Should be interesting.

On the other side of the equation, I'm glad to see Livingstone out. Fairly able in the context of London itself, broader issues he has a world view and personality I find repugnant. Good riddance.

Now the question will be whether the Cameroons will be able to convert this to momentum for retaking power overall. Boris might be a good litmus test for whether a toff can be acceptable to the public, which will help David Cameron. What will Gordon Brown do to regain momentum? Is the Great Clunking Fist (something like Sauron's Eye, innit?) at work right now in 10 Downing St brooding over the comeback strategy?

Strictly an observer, which makes it a topic for amusement as a pleasant change.