Election Aftermath - the irreducable core

Hello,

It seems impossible to analyse election results without appearing partisan or being accused of 'spin'. Every party tries to put a brave face on their results or exaggerate their performance.

Once again, Labour has had a tough local election experience, no-one is surprised there. The Lib Dem's didn't do that well, but did win some councils off the south and are cock-a-hoop over winning Hull council. David Cameron's party have had an encouraging set of results, yet in claiming they may have broken through in the north, Uncle Arthur thinks they are being a wee bit speculative.

I would just make one point on Labour's vote. The total overall vote nationally was 27%, compared to 26% nationally. Ok, translated into a General Election result that would equal a bitterly disappointing result. Yet, it is not a General Election and what it may say is that Labour's core vote is relatively solid and people should not talk about melt down. Of course to win an election Labour needs fresh ideas, faces and renewed purpose, but it has a base to build on.