[Archived] The General Election 2015

[ABBEY]

Creating more jobs ? Only if you happy with low paid, part time or zero hour contracts. Where is the increase in manufacturing they promised, where are the real jobs that would help build a solid long term economy ? We have another 5 years of the rich getting richer and the low paid and public sector paying for it all.

First time in message board history I agree with you

Win by percentage of vote, yes they were the biggest party but more voted against them that for them, and yet they will push through laws etc that more than half the population disagree with. It's always been the same with first past the post elections but doesn't make it right.

Make that two

[dave birch]

I'm amazed that 30% didn't vote.

Whilst you'd never expect 100% at least 80-85% would be the expected.

The tories don't mind though, as those that can't be arsed are usually the ones that support the left leaning parties.

[yoda]

Australia population 24m, New Zealand population 4.5m. USA (with a GDP of 17 trillion dollars) population 319m.

EU Zone population 505m.

Distance to EU 21 miles

USA and beyond 3300 miles +

UK GDP 2.7 trillion dollars

Can you explain the economic arguments for trade with either an economy 6 times larger than the UK and over 3000 miles away or alternatively the benefit of trade with a country 9500 miles away with a population one twentieth of the market across the channel

Transport costs between USA and parts of Europe are cheaper, costs of goods on the sub continent are far cheaper than Europe

No language barriers.

I'm amazed that 30% didn't vote.

Whilst you'd never expect 100% at least 80-85% would be the expected.

The tories don't mind though, as those that can't be arsed are usually the ones that support the left leaning parties.

Don't think that is correct in the UK

[RibbleValleyRover]

It's going to be interesting to see who Labour decide to go with next as leader and what type of leader they are looking for, one of the big Labour beasts but has links to Brown or Blair or pick someone new that has no association with previous governments. I think you will see one almighty struggle between the Trade Unions wanting once again to install a left wing candidate and the Blairite's wanting to move the party once again to the center.

Whatever you think of Blair he was a masterful politician, he knew that the election has to be won on the center ground and so he pulled his party to the center. Blair made a 'Tory lite' version of Labour, one that appealed to the middle classes and especially entrepreneurs and small businesses but still appealed to its core.

You can't say that about Miliband who made the party lurch to the left and expected the public to follow him. He was so anti business during his tenure especially towards small business wealth creators and he didn't appeal to those that work hard and want to achieve the best they can for their families. Someone put it to me during the election campaigns that Miliband's vision was going back to a 1970's style Labour and I think he was right.

If they want to win another election they have to get back to Blairism, if they want to feel like keeping to the old Labour values then they will remain in opposition.

[Baz]

It's going to be interesting to see who Labour decide to go with next as leader and what type of leader they are looking for, one of the big Labour beasts but has links to Brown or Blair or pick someone new that has no association with previous governments. I think you will see one almighty struggle between the Trade Unions wanting once again to install a left wing candidate and the Blairite's wanting to move the party once again to the center.

Whatever you think of Blair he was a masterful politician, he knew that the election has to be won on the center ground and so he pulled his party to the center. Blair made a 'Tory lite' version of Labour, one that appealed to the middle classes and especially entrepreneurs and small businesses but still appealed to its core.

You can't say that about Miliband who made the party lurch to the left and expected the public to follow him. He was so anti business during his tenure especially towards small business wealth creators and he didn't appeal to those that work hard and want to achieve the best they can for their families. Someone put it to me during the election campaigns that Miliband's vision was going back to a 1970's style Labour and I think he was right.

If they want to win another election they have to get back to Blairism, if they want to feel like keeping to the old Labour values then they will remain in opposition.

The next leader will be very interesting, keep left of centre and theyll be relying on a tory implosion. The front runner surely is Andy Burnham, but I can't see the south voting for him. Yvette Cooper - no thanks, David Millibands time has come and gone. Douglas Alexander would have been ok, but no longer has a seat and the press wouldn't allow that to pass. Dan Jarvis is the dark-horse ex-military and probably more marketable than most others on the list.

The LibDems surely have to go for Rovers fan Tim Farron.

[RibbleValleyRover]

The next leader will be very interesting, keep left of centre and theyll be relying on a tory implosion. The front runner surely is Andy Burnham, but I can't see the south voting for him. Yvette Cooper - no thanks, David Millibands time has come and gone. Douglas Alexander would have been ok, but no longer has a seat and the press wouldn't allow that to pass. Dan Jarvis is the dark-horse ex-military and probably more marketable than most others on the list.

The LibDems surely have to go for Rovers fan Tim Farron.

Fairly or unfairly (I don't know all the details) but Burnham has been associated with the Mid-Staffs hospital scandal. I know Andrew Neil on one of the health debates went after Burnham on it.

Jarvis is an interesting one, he seems to be being touted purely because of his background as a soldier. I don't think anyone really knows much about him or where he stands on various issues, but maybe that would work in his favor?

I think Cooper might get it and it would be a major mistake, she is popular in her party but how would that translate in terms of the general public. Her challenger could be someone like Umuna. I can tell you now as a Conservative I would absolutely love the prospect of Labour choosing him as leader. One of the most intellectually lightweight politicians I have ever seen.

[Gav]

I like Andy Burnham but he's a bit to possaionate for me and I know that sounds a strange reason not have him but he gets carried away in debates because of it and gaffed at the Labour Party conference.

Chucka Umunna has to be in with a shout, speaks well, cool under pressure and talks sense.

Personally I'd have Alan Johnson, no nonsense dyed in the wool labour man, but I doubt he'd be considered due to his age.

[Jock]

I like Andy Burnham but he's a bit to possaionate for me and I know that sounds a strange reason not have him but he gets carried away in debates because of it and gaffed at the Labour Party conference.

Chucka Umunna has to be in with a shout, speaks well, cool under pressure and talks sense.

Personally I'd have Alan Johnson, no nonsense dyed in the wool labour man, but I doubt he'd be considered due to his age.

Didn't Andy start the privatisation of the NHS?

[yoda]

OK

Does any one know if Russel Brand is still on the planet ?

(or has he locked himself in his £2 million apartment)

[thenodrog]

OK

Does any one know if Russel Brand is still on the planet ?

(or has he locked himself in his £2 million apartment)

Does anyone care? How that numpty gets air time to comment on political matters is beyond me. How tf did he ever get to appear on Question Time? The only theory that I can propose is that he's screwing someone at the beeb..... or vice versa.

[yoda]

Does anyone care? How that numpty gets air time to comment on political matters is beyond me. How tf did he ever get to appear on Question Time? The only theory that I can propose is that he's screwing someone at the beeb..... or vice versa.

Sick bag anyone,

Watched the SNP photo shoot earlier and they looked a right motley crew.

Half of those will be dazzled in the headlights in Westminster.

The rest will be up against the Tory party in full attack mode, the Westminster system and more importantly the Establishment. (not a good idea to threaten the Union with those ghostly figures in the shadows)

It's going to get messy

[Gav]

Didn't Andy start the privatisation of the NHS?

Not sure Jock, Alan Milburn was health secretary and I think he played a part but it's irrelevant really, they need the best man/woman for the job and Andy Burnham is certainly a candidate.

Sick bag anyone,

Watched the SNP photo shoot earlier and they looked a right motley crew.

Half of those will be dazzled in the headlights in Westminster.

The rest will be up against the Tory party in full attack mode, the Westminster system and more importantly the Establishment. (not a good idea to threaten the Union with those ghostly figures in the shadows)

It's going to get messy

First phone call Cameron made was to Nichola Sturgeon by all accounts, he'll be trying to woo them, make no mistake.

[yoda]

Not sure Jock, Alan Milburn was health secretary and I think he played a part but it's irrelevant really, they need the best man/woman for the job and Andy Burnham is certainly a candidate.

First phone call Cameron made was to Nichola Sturgeon by all accounts, he'll be trying to woo them, make no mistake.

Their demise is being planned more like,

If you kick the establishment run for cover

Make no mistake

[RibbleValleyRover]

Cameron will have to offer them something, probably Devo Max and Full fiscal autonomy. Even then they are likely to moan but I hope Cameron stands his ground, he has the numbers to do so.

Angela Eagle is considering running? Please do it Labour!

[SouthAussieRover]

Any chance of Cameron pre-empting the SMP..by way of giving the Scots another referendum vote?

[Sandiway Blue]

Didn't Andy start the privatisation of the NHS?

Shhh don't you know that it's the fault of the Tories....?

[Gav]

Shhh don't you know that it's the fault of the Tories....?

They privatised everything else, deregulated the banks, ouch!

[joey_big_nose]

I like Andy Burnham but he's a bit to possaionate for me and I know that sounds a strange reason not have him but he gets carried away in debates because of it and gaffed at the Labour Party conference.

Chucka Umunna has to be in with a shout, speaks well, cool under pressure and talks sense.

Personally I'd have Alan Johnson, no nonsense dyed in the wool labour man, but I doubt he'd be considered due to his age.

Agree Johnson is the man. If they'd gone for him rather than Ed I think Labour could have won.

Can't see Umunna. Too young (36), too new to the party, too much of a suit like Milliband, Cameron and the Blairs. Needs a few years to get some experience. If I was him I would aim for the London Mayor. Hed walk it I think.

Burnham is interesting. If he can convincingly come across as pro business and pro economy then he has a shout. If he plays to the left he's a dead man. It will be interesting to see what happens.

As for the others I need to look into them more.

[Jock]

Problem with Labour is that the new leader has to be a leftie to get the gig. Once in Middle England rejects them.

[Al]

Not sure Jock, Alan Milburn was health secretary and I think he played a part but it's irrelevant really, they need the best man/woman for the job and Andy Burnham is certainly a candidate.

First phone call Cameron made was to Nichola Sturgeon by all accounts, he'll be trying to woo them, make no mistake.

What accounts are those GAV? It would be only professional courtesy to offer his congratulations would it not?

[thenodrog]

Sick bag anyone,

Watched the SNP photo shoot earlier and they looked a right motley crew.

Half of those will be dazzled in the headlights in Westminster.

The rest will be up against the Tory party in full attack mode, the Westminster system and more importantly the Establishment. (not a good idea to threaten the Union with those ghostly figures in the shadows)

It's going to get messy

Glencoe massacre Mk 2?

[thenodrog]

First phone call Cameron made was to Nichola Sturgeon by all accounts, he'll be trying to woo them, make no mistake.

By all accounts? There was only Mrs Cameron in the car, plus bg and a driver. So who said that? Nicola?

Anyway why on earth would he want to woo her? She has said many times how much she hates Cameron and his party and how much she was willing to help Labour defeat them. She is a sworn enemy so now that he has a majority there will be no wooing necessary, if he has had a conversation it will be to tell her how far she has to bend over whilst he gives her a right royal rogering...... or Scotland gets it!

Cameron will have to offer them something, probably Devo Max and Full fiscal autonomy. Even then they are likely to moan but I hope Cameron stands his ground, he has the numbers to do so.

Angela Eagle is considering running? Please do it Labour!

Moan? If that happens then there will be no Barnett Formula and oil revenue is a shadow of what it was when the SNP first hatched plans for devolution. I can only see the SNP having to tax the scottish citizens till they bleed. Bring it on!

[thenodrog]

Any chance of Cameron pre-empting the SMP..by way of giving the Scots another referendum vote?

Why? He can destroy them best by giving them enough rope to hang themselves by offering them Fiscal autonomy. The SNP will not be able to refuse it for fear of losing face and it'll cut effectively them off at the knees. 5m scots on relatively low wages will never survive.

Give them Independence proper and they could get so desperate that other countries with ulterior motives might step in to help them. We could have our own Bay of Pigs!

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Cameron will have to offer them something, probably Devo Max and Full fiscal autonomy. Even then they are likely to moan but I hope Cameron stands his ground, he has the numbers to do so.

Angela Eagle is considering running? Please do it Labour!

Why does he have to offer anything ? Hopefully all they will get is English MPs vote for English laws.

If anything he will have been ringing to thank them for helping him win the election (that and the press)

[thenodrog]

Shhh don't you know that it's the fault of the Tories....?

Anyway no it's not. It's the fault of Labour.... they opened the whole can of worms right after WW2.