And what %age of the total national electorate voted Conservative ?
EDIT : according to the Beeb, 11,316,429 out of 46,425,386, so that's just over 24%.
That's democracy folks.
Not yet. The Mrs is a teacher, so I'm going to take a loooong summer break for once, and look for something starting in September. Luckily I won't need to go straight to JSA.
1) Same old, same old. Political influence will be bought and sold.
2) Tory backbenchers will try to strongarm the front bench.
3) As DC has said he will not serve a third term he won't finish this one. New Tory leader in 3 years, whether it's Boris is open to debate.
4) Labour will regroup, but won't be electable next time around unless the CONs make an almighty cockup.
5) EU referendum is linked to renogiated membership, but I'm not sure how much can actually be negotiated unless we are believed to be ready to pull up the drawbridge.
So let's have a separate elected English assembly, none of this half-hearted English MPs for English issues cr@p.
My personal 'soundbite' view of the result:
Ed was proved to be the millstone many thought;
the SNP will have no voice at Westminster, although they'll shout long and hard;
I still don't trust Gideon or IDS, ( though I accept many do - that's democracy );
I think the 'beware the SNP under the bed' meme was the most effective message of the campaign;
the biggest problem for a small Conservative majority will be the disproportionate influence of the right wing back benchers;
Best question of the night's coverage was Paxman to Boris on E4 'How long before you stab Cameron in the back ?';
At least I did my bit - I voted Labour and my constituency was a Labour gain from the Conservatives.
Pretty much. There have been plenty of links already on the Forum to reports, blogs, etc with some very nasty stories, and supported by evidence from former Job Centre staff.
And to pay for it we are now reducing benefits costs by 'sanctioning' claiments for being ill and missing appointments, whilst the bankers still get their bonuses.
It doesn't ! I'm a staunch republican, and as far as I'm concerned they are all a waste of space. The only thing that the Queen achieves is to keep her idiot son off the throne.