Election 2010
Welcome to Urban Forum's Election Watch.
During the 2010 General Election we'll try to keep you up to speed with events – providing you with up-to-date news from the campaign, regularly blogging our thoughts, and providing links to some of the helpful sites that will help you understand the issues.
Click here for Latest News , Blogs, The Parties, Useful links and a wry eye.
LATEST NEWS May 17: Here's the results of our poll , taken before the election, that asked 'which party offers the best for the community sector'.
May 14: As news continues to filter in of the new government appointments, it is believed Nick Hurd is to become Charities Minister in a renamed Office of Civil Society (a change from 'Third Sector"). And Urban Forum has produced a Briefing on the coalition agreement , which boils down the full agreement for easy digestion. Also continuing our short series of untold stories from Election night, we've a blog on the collapse of the far right vote . Enjoy!
May 13: We will be wrapping up this Election Watch service shortly, so thanks to all who have visited and we hope we have kept you mildly entertained? If we have, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , as it would be great to hear some feedback.
May 13: Here's the new 'Liberal Conservative' government's priorities. Meanwhile, here's the new Cabinet in full.
May 12: Eric Pickles becomes Communities Secretary. Apparently it was widely tipped in Westminster circles.
May 12: Two new blogs tell the untold story of the local elections - and provide some tips for community groups in making friends and influencing people post election.
May 12: Leader of the Green Party and new MP, Caroline Lucas, has just tweeted: "briefing for new members. Was shown where to hang up coat...and sword. I kid you not - pink ribbon provided."
May 12: Extraordinary joint press conference in garden of Downing Street with David Cameron and Nick Clegg. Note first mention of 'The Big Society' since coalition took power - peopled by 'big citizens' apparently.
May 12: Lib Dem deputy leader, Vince Cable, is the new Business Secretary.
May 12: Liberal Conspiracy blog has published what it says is the agreement reached between the Conservatives and Lib Dems. Have a look and see what you think.
May 12: It's a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition! No news yet on The Big Society. What have the two parties agreed? We're watching!
May 12: It's a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition! Vince Cable has been given job in the new government covering 'business and banking'. Good news for better banking? UPDATE: There will be a new ministerial committee set up to decide on banking policy
May 12: It's a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition! Who would have thought it. Details are emerging as the hours pass – Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister to Cameron as Prime Minister (who apparently was nicknamed 'prime minister' at school!), and five seats for Lib Dems in the Cabinet. Some are saying there will be 20 ministerial positions overalll for the Lib Dems.
There will be legislation, we are told, for fixed term parliaments of five years. This would represent a fundemental constitutional change, which has the power to transform politics, as well as protecting this coalition, rather than endless speculation about a snap election in six months time.
The Lib Dems appeared to have gained a referendum on the Alternative Vote system, moves towards implementing the LD pledge on raising the threshold on income tax to £10,000, and gains on education. It is also rumoured that the planned inheritance tax changes will be 'parked'. In return the Lib Dems will suspend opposition to Trident and back the Tory plans for spending cuts and a reversal in the planned National Insurance rise.
So as the Conservatives and Lib Dems come blinking into the light of the UK's first coalition government for 70 years, is it only me that thinks that now ex Labour ministers look slightly relieved?
May 11: Same old, same old. Lib Dems talking to everyone in advance of . . . well, nobody knows. Will there be a resolution today? The suspense is unbearable . . . but slowly wearing off.
May 10: Gordon Brown announces his intention to resign as Labour leader . . . after he leads talks with the Lib Dems, who have asked for 'formal discussions' with the Labour party, whilst continuing to talk to the Conservatives. Cabinet ministers arriving at Downing St. Politics on the fly.
May 10th: . . . and still no government. It's a bit like the day after the party when you realise that you all feel a bit hungover but are intrigued by stories of unlikely trysts! I think I better leave that analogy there. Anyway, you know what I mean. So back to watching and waiting. They look a little frantic on the news channels.
While we wait, just time to tell you that Lena Horne, famous for her silky voice and for breaking down racial barriers has died, aged 92. There's a metaphor in this, her most famous song, somewhere.
It's a hung parliament! So the parties have all made their pitches. Labour offers the Lib Dems an immediate referendum on the voting system, the Conservatives offer an All-Party Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry on the subject. Both the biggest parties are silent on whether they are offering full coalition and/or cabinet places to the Lib Dems. Let the horse trading begin!
It's a hung parliament! Downing St responds that Labour has the constitutional right to speak to the Lib Dems first, but only when all the results are in. Cameron to make a statement this afternoon. It's all getting a bit frantic. David Steel still urging sleep! Make a sensible deal tomorrow. Is anybody listening?
It's a hung parliament! Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, says he hasn't changed his view that the party with the most seats and most votes should have the chance to try and form a government "reaching out to other parties". Interesting. What will the Tories offer on electoral reform? Has the kingmaker decided?
It's a hung parliament! Statement from Gordon Brown that he has asked Cabinet Office to help parties in discussions (about forming a government). Former Liberal leader, David Steel, says that this process will "take days, not hours" and that people should "be relaxed" about that.
It's a hung parliament! Its official - after a long night, and with 36 seats still to declare at the time of writing - it's deal time. Of course those 36 seats are crucial to those discussions as the correct maths cannot be done with out them. Looking at our sector, Third Sector minister, Angela Smith, is probably the biggest casualty of the night , although boundary changes have contributed to the result. More later . . .
One day to go: Not sure we can say anything tomorrow so enjoy the day and don't forget to vote. The latest polls are still showing the result as uncertain , which guarantees excitement during the night on Thursday, if nothing else! Let's give the final word to Twitter, where stats show users still agree with Nick . Will they vote tomorrow? Will they tweet about it from the booth? So many questions. See you friday morning.
One day to go: . . . and in a strange twist of fate the volcano is back, neatly top and tailing the election campaign. Newsreaders still frightened by the name - here it is phonetically. Ay-ya-fyatla-yuhktl. Surely that's not beyond them?
One day to go: Well, here we are with just one day to go to polling day and everything still uncertain! I think we're all a little tired now, but not David Cameron . Is it just coincidence that this appears on the BBC website at the same time? Peculiar. Anyway, there's still a lot of voters still to make up there minds apparently so we aim to help. You may have noticed that Toby Blume's blogs have been less in the last couple of days. Well, there's a good reason - he's just become a father for the third time. Congratulations from all here. But we had the foresight to save one last blog. It's called Election Manifestos in 60 seconds and looks at the kind of things we are all interested in in, er, one minute. So if you need one last mug up before voting here you go.
May 4th: After the Bank Holiday, it's pretty much as it was. Polls still suggest that we're heading for a hung parliament . Meanwhile two Labour Ministers suggest that tactical voting might be a good idea. A Labour candidate is decidedly off-message here. We'll update this story when the Prime Minister responds.
Apr 30: Just when you think things can't get worse . . . A headline-writer's dream
Apr 30: Well the third and final leaders' debate took place last night. Feels like that's it but of course there's still a week to go. Viewing figures were good - 8m peak - and the Conservatives are happy. Personally, I thought Brown did quite well but opinion polls have him in last place. What can he and Labour do between now and polling day to turn things around ? In the meantime, we haven't covered the BNP yet. Apologies and here we put that right .
Apr 29: If you want the east European view of Bigotgate , we've found it. This really is the debate that dare not speak its name.
Apr 29: The Better Banking Coalition, of which Urban Forum is a founder member, has published an open letter to the main political parties detailing its demands for a fairer banking system ahead of the leaders' debate on th economy tonight.
Apr 29: Obviously it's bad for Gordon and Labour today, as this picture (you might have seen it) proves. Home Secretary Alan Johnson (compromise candidate for PM in a hung parliament?) says Gordon Brown made "a dreadful mistake ". And Lib Dems deputy leader, Vince Cable, said if Labour came third there was "no basis" for them forming a government. Asked if that meant he would work with Tory leader David Cameron, Mr Cable said: "We are willing to work with other people in the wider national interest. " Hmmm.
STOP PRESS: Is this the moment that Gordon Brown lost the election ? Or will sorry do the trick ?
Apr 28: One day to go to the third and final Leaders' Debate – on the economy – and the Institute of Fiscal Studies is questioning the Parties' lack of clarity regarding the spending cuts and tax rises that are inevitably on the way after the Election. The BBC's Stephanie Flanders calls it a "conspiracy of silence ". Only one politician is warning of the scale of the problem – it's Vince Cable! Remember him?
Apr 27: Unlock democracy, which includes Charter 88, has scored the parties according to, er, democratic credentials. Guess who is top? Bet you can't. Also worth scrolling down to the bottom of the pile.
Apr 27: Sorry we've missed a couple of days – Election fever (!) – but the week has gone by without much change in the situation. It seems to be all about the third and final Leaders' Debate now as the polls keep up the prospect of a hung parliament . And the signs from the parties are confusing – will Clegg work with Brown ? Will the Conservatives work with the Lib Dems ? Will Rooney be fit for South Africa? We need to know . . .
Apr 22: With the volcano out of the way, it's all about bashing Nick Clegg ahead of the second leaders' debate this very evening. And boy is he taking a pasting! The Mail, The Telegraph, and The Sun all weigh in. It's left to The Independent to report the man himself and the price for Lib Dem support in a hung parliament.
Apr 21: Urban Forum has weighed up the three main party manifestos against its own 10 Big Ideas for 2010. We've called it The Road to May 6th. Let us know what you think?
Apr 21: And suddenly it was gone. But will there be any political fallout? Has the government had a good volcano, so to speak? Meanwhile, Clegg plays hard to get. Here's The Guardian's look at social policies in the three main party manifestos.
Apr 20: The Election has been temporarily hijacked, at least until the next leaders' debate, by "the Icelandic volcano". Have you noticed how few newsreaders are attempting its name? Want to have a go? Try this. Eyjafjallajoekul
Apr 19: Not much happening in Election world today. The Scottish National Party published its manifesto , rallying its supporters with the prospect of more leverage in a hung parliament, or as Alex Salmond called it, "balanced".
Over the weekend Apr 17/18: Nick Clegg continued his rise and rise resulting in an opinion poll which put the Lib Dems in the lead on 33% . Anyone old enough to remember "go home to your constituencies and prepare for government"? Here's some thoughts on a hung parliament from Democratic Audit .
Apr 16: Last night saw the first debate between leaders in a British General Election. Viewing figures were roughly similar to a Strictly Come Dancing final at 9 million. Come to think of it, that might be a good way to sort the men from the boys – Gordon Brown and Flavia anyone? Here's a Reuters world view perspective .Catchphrase of the night? "I agree with Nick."
Apr 15: I was wrong about no news - The Green Party launched its manifesto today! And in the interests of balance, we should point out that you can get the UKIP manifesto here.
Apr 15: Apart from the Icelandic dust cloud threatening all air travel as we know it, there's really no news today in advance of tonight's historic leaders' debate. Expect the exact reverse in news terms tomorrow.
Apr 14: Ok, getting a bit hung up on the word clouds now! Here's the three manifestos clouds in one handy document. See if you can spot the word 'deficit"?
Apr 14: Liberal Democrats launch manifesto. Why not get a view from The Independent? And the now (nearly) famous word cloud.
Apr 13: Conservatives launch their manifesto . For a bit of an in-depth analysis of the financial differences between Labour and Conservative manifestos, why not read Stephanie Flanders' blog. Oh, and here's the word cloud.
Apr 12: Labour launches manifesto . Urban Forum will be analysing each manifesto as it becomes available so watch out for that. In the meantime, here's the online version. Here's a word cloud of the words used in the manifesto.
Over the weekend Apr 10/11: The first weekend of the campaign was dominated by a row over Conservative plans to offer a tax break to married couples of £150 a year or £3 per week. Labour said other families would lose out and the Lib Dems called the plan 'patronising'. The BBC sums up here.
April 9th: Tory adviser details potential job cuts
April 8th: Liberal Democrats pledge not to raise VAT
April 8th: The Conservatives are planning to offer all 16-year-olds the chance to join two-month summer residential courses with outdoor activities and community work to help them find their feet in society and realise their individual potential.
April 8th: Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the Conservative Party's tax plans do not add up , seeking to regain the initiative on the top election issue after business leaders threw their weight behind the opposition.
April 7th: The last Prime Minister's Questions of this parliament takes place Wednesday 7th April. Watch it here
Collapse of the far right vote
Rachel newton looks at a good night for community cohesion
Post-Election tips for community groups
How to win friends and influence people
Untold story of the local elections
Rachel Newton looks at Labour's advance locally
Election Manifestos in 60 Seconds
A last chance to spot the differences
Who's won the design battle of the manifestos
Toby Blume casts a critical eye
Success of Leaders’ Debate may mean we never see it again
Will the leaders' debate be killed off by their own success?
Four steps to a fairer Britain
Toby Blume's reaction to the Liberal Democrats manifesto
An invitation to join the government of Britain
Toby Blume looks at the Tories' manifesto
A Future fair for All?
Toby Blume looks at the Labour Party Manifesto
Back to the future
It's all about the 'new politics'. But is new better than old?
And they're off (or how to survive the Election campaign)
So it's May 6th, let battle commence
Will it Be Hung?
Toby Blume takes a look at the consequences of a hung parliament
Party Promises
A look at the pre-election Party proposals
USEFUL LINKS The BBC's election 2010 site, allows you to select an issue - housing, local government, pensions, civil liberties etc - and compare what the parties have to say on the subject (including many smaller parties).
Taking things a stage further, is Unlock Democracy's Vote Match tool, which provides a questionnaire on the issues and suggests which parties your views are most closely aligned with.
Channel 4's ‘Fact Check' website, pores over the endless Party claims and counter-claims, to assess whether or not they are being ‘economical with the truth'
the Guardian's Datablog has all sorts of data relevant to the election. This includes things like constituency data (taking account of boundary changes), government spending (by Department) and how much each MP claimed in expenses.
If you're a fan of political blogs you can find the top political blogs ranked in order of popularity here.
Get into MPs and candidates tweeting by visiting Tweetminster.
Polls will play a big part in the campaign this time around with the result being so uncertain. Try Electoral Calculus , YouGov and Ipsos MORI for the very latest predictions.
How safe is your seat? Is it hard to go shopping without meeting a party bigwig or would you be hard pressed to believe that an election is taking place? Find out how safe your seat is at voterpower .
Find out which Party you really support at voteforpolicies.
A picture tells a thousand words. Have a look at theelectionproject , where you can add your pictures of the campaign. Yours might even end up in the Houses of Parliament! And while we're on pictures, you can send a pic of election leaflets you receive to thestraightchoice.org where they are monitoring the best and the worst and you can search by postcode if yours hasn't arrived.
POWER2010 has set up a simple tool on its website that allows you to email all of the candidates in your local area and find out which camp they fall into: do they want real change, or more of the same?
Unlock democracy, which includes Charter 88, has scored the parties according to, er, democratic credentials. Guess who is top? Bet you can't. Also worth scrolling down to the bottom of the pile.
A WRY EYE . . . Jon Stewart's hilarious take on our Election from across the pond. Watch this.
Peppa Pig pulls out – Balls and Mandelson try to hide their disappointment
Cameron's relief at cider tax reversal
Candidate's student Tweets come back to haunt him
Did Michael Caine fluff his lines?
John Prescott launches his (somewhat smaller) Battle Bus!
And if you just want to give them a slap . . .
or you think they are all pants