My post (below) two days ago was obviously a bit premature. It appears as if a Lab-LibDem agreement might be possible. It seems pretty clear that LibDem MPs, understandably frightened by the reaction from their voters to a deal with the Tories, baulked at what was being offered to them by their leaders and negotiators.
Not surprisingly, we're now seeing an outraged response from the metropolitan media who have been waiting to usher in to power David Cameron and his entourage. But the fact is that just as the electorate did not deliver a mandate to Labour, nor did it do so to the Tories - and if 60% of the electorate broadly speaking would define themselves on the 'centre-left' (although I know that terms like this drastically over-simplify the complex political make up of the country), then it is right that should be reflected in the government that is formed. That doesn't mean that the 36% who voted Tory should be ignored - their views and votes and MPs should be heard in Parliament as well - but nor does it give them a right to take power alone also.
Finally, I want to put on record my great respect and admiration for Gordon Brown. I don't think there is any politician in this country who has had to face such a campaign of vilification as he has. I have no idea what he intends to do in the future - but I hope and am sure that his immense talents, and in particular his commitment to international justice and cooperation, will be applied in another role.
PS Here's a link showing the full results in Edinburgh North & Leith, and my comments.
7 comments:
It is so misleading for centrist and left of centre politicians now to be referring to 60% of the electorate broadly defining themselves on the 'centre-left'. That is an invention of the moment. People voted for three distinct parties; they were not deciding between the Tories and an anonymous centre-left bloc. This unseemly manoeuvring toward a Lib/Lab coalition is being justified by a false premise.
Some great points there. Especially the point on a majority of centre-left voters is something I continuously have been trying to point out in discussions. The media seem to have decided that playing by the parliamentary rule book is somehow undemocratic. If two parties that are ideologically very similar can strike a deal and thereby form a majority then this is the essence of democracy, not unfair, undemocratic as the media and conservatives will have you believe.
I heartily endorse your views, Mark, as tactical voting is so horrendously difficult with the information available: some form of PR must surely come in now, perhaps using the Senate/Lords as the balancing part, rather than top-up list members without consitituencies.
I personally think we could make a highly principled and practical deal with the LibDems, with the courage to face up to fair cuts and fair taxes as well as reform the antique voting system. I have been shocked to hear old bruisers in the Labour Party maligning the LibDems on the radio. I know Labour benefitted from FPTP, but think that is not a good enough reason for keeping it, is it? It may be longstanding, and dates from the days before women and men without any property had a vote - but we have moved on.
If it doesn't happen, I am sure we can live with a Con-Lib/Dem regime, or even a Con minority regime, although both are likely to lead to another election soon. We seem to live in exciting times, don't we?
Zander
The British public have had it implied to them in the media for over 2 years that the tories are the way forward and even then they muster just 36% of the vote - speaks of an underlying distaste to me. The LDs going into cahoots is a victory for individual advancement and political numbers game over policy matches - remains to be seen whether this adds up to a stable government. Still glad in a way that Labour have held their ground and Gordon Brown has been so dignified in his actions. History should remember him very well despite the media vilification which has duped many people into feeling bad things about him. I want to see us strong out of what is a difficult economic period but I do believe austerity could spell government unpopularity. The Con/LD coalition could fracture under pressure and Labour could capitalise with a return to government - before too long I hope - I believe this is ultimately in the country's best interests.
Aidan
First off, congratulations on your re-election Mark; I honestly thought North and Leith would fall to the Lib Dems this time, along with South - an impressive display of Labour's resilience in Scotland (and who'd have predicted South as a Labour hold?)!
As an aside, interesting that you suggested the 36% who voted Tory had "no right to take power alone" - remind me what percentage (or number) supported Labour in 2005!
Second - well, we have our progressive coalition now, and one formed between two parties which between them represent well over half of the voters and who were prepared to make sacrifices to work together. Obviously time will tell how the coalition holds up, but the early announcements coming out sound good.
Indeed, Euan, time will tell! But for those not prepared to wait, here is www.iusedtovotelibdem.com
And yes, I know 36% was the same vote as Labour got in 2005 - that's why I mentioned it! Minority rule by anyone is not democratic in my view.
Given that the content of that website is a bit of a joke considering Labour's failures over the last thirteen years in power (changing the voting system is a priority, really?), I'll contribute another joke which may at least raise a wry smile from you -
"Already a Scottish family is homeless and unemployed. That's a Tory government for you!"
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