Via ABC News: Blair Projected Winner in British Election
Tony Blair’s Labour Party won an unprecedented third term in office but with a sharply reduced majority in Parliament that could set the stage for Blair to be replaced by a party rival, according to exit poll projections broadcast as vote counting began in Britain’s national election Thursday.With a 66-seat majority Blair could face difficulties controlling a faction of his party deeply disillusioned with his leadership, especially over the war in Iraq, and ready for a new prime minister such as Treasury chief Gordon Brown.
The BBC projected that Labour would win with 37 percent of the popular vote, the lowest winning share ever. The Conservatives, showing their first signs of life since losing power eight years ago, were projected to take 33 percent.
Quite interesting.
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“The Conservatives, showing their first signs of life since losing power eight years ago, were projected to take 33 percent.”
The 33% is exactly what the Conseratives got last time. The difference looks to be the Liberals are scoring better than last at the expense of Labour. This will give Conservatives more seats in Parliment since most seats are selected with the First Past the Post voting, but it’s still worrisome for a formerly majority party to be hitting a ceiling at 33%.
Saying that maintaining 33% is a sign of life is the most optimistic play on words since Joe Lieberman claimed a virtual 3 way tie for 3rd place after finishing 5th in New Hampshire.
Comment by Buckland — Thursday, May 5, 2024 @ 8:49 pm
So, “Joe-mentum” has skipped to the other side of the pond?
The really remarkable number is that Labour will retain their majority status with 37% of the vote. It certainly will help illustrate the majoritarian nature of the British system when I teach Comparative Goverment this summer.
Comment by Steven Taylor — Friday, May 6, 2024 @ 6:33 am