+++Brown admits mistakes to Iraq War inquiry+++

Did someone say Militant Tendency?

Michael Gove's attack today on Labour comes at an interesting time both electorally and for the Labour Party. 

Labelled as the 'new Militant tendency', Unite have come into CCHQ's firing line for their links to Labour MPs and, specifically, Gordon - following the announcement of BA strikes. 


Having just written a chapter on Militant for my impending dissertation, I find  the Gove announcement interesting. 


Firstly, it seems to affirm that Gove is indeed in the 'A List' - a group of Tories who will be wheeled out across the country to demonstrate that the Tories have changed. Eric Pickles, the party's chairman, has been left out. 

Secondly, in invoking the idea of Militant tendency, with their entryist strategy and Trotskyite ideology, the Tories are attempting to highlight Labour own funding 'issues' - much the same as Labour has down with Lord Cashcroft. 


It does say a lot though that the most effective tactic the 'new' Tories seem to have is to attack Union funding... 


Nevertheless, it does raise interesting prospects for the post-election environment and it seems to suggest that the Unions have once again become a rattling stick for the Tories. 

+++Fifth Labour MP being investigated over expenses+++

More soon.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Civil servants told to imitate answer phones

Without doubt, this is my favourite story from yesterday's national Civil Service strikes.

Dog insurance a non starter

New plans for 'Pet Asbos' are a complete non-starter.  

In fact, aren't they completely lifted from an episode of The Thick of It. Series 1, Episode 2? 

What is going on with the Tories?

A few months ago, it was no secret, Labour's chances were shot. Gordon looked to be leading Labour to a Foot-esk electoral defeat. The Tories consistently enjoyed a lead into the 40s and on a whole host of issues - crime, terrorism, the economy, social reform, etc - Cameron's Conservatives led.

So what's gone wrong?

Economic worries. Cameron's spring 'we can't go on like this' campaign - with talk of cutting hard and fast - hardly won any favour with a shaken electorate. By contrast, Darling during the same period was able to articulate a pledge to reduce the deficit on a more 'relaxed' basis. 

Personalities must also factor. I wonder, in the years and months to come, whether Gordon's appearance on the Piers Morgan programme will ultimately be of some use. It certainly showed a more human side to the Prime Minister and alluded to the problems of office. 

The manifesto also poses problems. Having a 'draft' manifesto is perhaps one of the most novel ideas from Cameron's Conservatives to date. However, as Michael Gove's school reforms plans suggest, they open up the possible of attack much sooner - simply put: they either look shiny and dazzling or they sink into a quagmire of arguments. 

The Cashcroft affair deserves a mention. Ashcroft has further served to underline perceptions of Tory elitism - the old boys network - with campaigns being afforded huge amounts of cash (far more than the unions could ever muster). Today, indications suggest a rift within the Tories about Ashcroft with those to the moderate wing of the party infuriated by his timing. The fact he has launched fresh legal action against The Indy - further prolonging the saga - hasn't gone down too well. 

If Cameron is to move back into double figures he'll need to tighten up his ship - simply relying on the public to dislike Gordon will not win them an election. 

Election night counts back on?

Iain Dale, the Conservative blogger and soon to be prospective parliamentary candidate, highlights an important - and under reported - aspect of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill. 

It all follows concerns that many Returning Officers will wait until the Friday morning, rather than the traditional overnight count, to being their returns. 


The Guardian's January article challenged the overall impact of Returning Officers' decisions - claiming over half questioned would still oversee an overnight count - but this still raised the possibility of nearly half the counts being delayed. 


Dale challenges this still further. He notes that key sections of the bill have been removed, paving the way for overnight counts to continue. 

NEW CLAUSE 37 - Parliamentary elections: counting of votes

'(1) Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.

(2) In rule 44 (attendance at counting of votes) after paragraph (5) insert-

"(6) In making arrangements under this rule, the returning officer shall have regard to the duty imposed on him by rule 45(3A) below."

(3) In rule 45 (the count)-

(a) after paragraph (3) insert-

"(3A) The returning officer shall take reasonable steps to begin counting the votes given on the ballot papers as soon as practicable within the period of four hours starting with the close of the poll.";

(b) after paragraph (7) insert-

"(8) The Electoral Commission shall issue guidance to returning officers on the duty imposed by paragraph (3A) above."

(4) After rule 53 insert-

"Counting of votes: statement by returning officer

53ZA (1) In a contested election, if the counting of the votes given on the ballot papers did not begin within the period specified in rule 45(3A) above, the returning officer shall before the expiry of the period of 30 days starting with the day on which the poll closed-

(a) prepare and publish a statement giving the information specified in paragraph (2) below, and

(b) deliver it to the Electoral Commission.

(2) The statement must-

(a) specify the time at which the counting of the votes given on the ballot papers began,

(b) describe the steps taken under rule 45(3A) above, and

(c) explain why the counting of the votes given on the ballot papers did not start within the period specified in rule 45(3A) above.

(3) Where a statement is delivered to the Electoral Commission under paragraph (1)(b) above, the Commission shall specify in any election report they produce that a statement has been delivered to them under that paragraph in respect of the constituency to which the statement relates.

(4) In paragraph (3) above "election report" means a report under section 5(1) or (2A) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 in relation to the parliamentary election in question."'.- (Mr. Wills.)

Considering the increasing possibility of a hung parliament, it seems ever more important that counts declare as soon as possible - avoiding any delays in the coalition building process.