9 Key Takeaways From A Very Eventful Election Night

Posted on 05/07/2024 by Boris Clair

Labour won by a landslide while the Tories had some of their worst ever results – but this election also painted a very complex picture for Westminster.

Five independents were elected, while the rise of the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Green Party show that last night was not just a tale of two parties.

Here’s a look at all the main stories from overnight.

1. Huge Labour victory

With a couple more seats still to be counted, the party took a whopping 412 seats, only six fewer than it did when Tony Blair was the helm in his famous landslide of 1997.

That works out to a gain of at least 211 seats compared to the 2019 general election.

It means a comfortable majority is ahead for Keir Starmer, as Labour were the largest party in England, Scotland and Wales.

The so-called “red wall” in the North of England was completely restored, too.

However, it’s not all plain sailing – Starmer comes to office on the smallest share of the vote of any winning party in UK history as the votes were widespread across many constituencies but not particularly high in number in any seats.

Only 33.7% of voters backed the supposedly reformed Labour, just 1.6% higher than his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn secured in 2019 when he famously lost.

That seems to reflect the general sentiment that support for Labour was more of an anti-Tory tactic rather than an endorsement of Starmer and his party.

Labour leader and incoming Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and wife Victoria enter 10 Downing Street

2. Drop in Muslim support for Labour

The party’s flip-flopping over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has had a profound effect on its Muslim supporters.

In constituencies with a large Muslim demographic, support declined by around 23 points to 39%.

But this gave way to the rise of the independents, like ousted Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who was re-elected into his constituency of Islington North.

In fact five pro-Gaza independent candidates were elected in total, outnumbering the total Reform UK candidates.

3. Worst Tory defeat in history

Rishi Sunak may have comfortably held onto his seat in North Yorkshire, but he was easily the biggest loser of the night.

He led the Conservative Party into its worst electoral defeat ever seen, losing 250 seats.

The Tories secured just 121 constituencies as the party’s vote share fell by 19.9 percentage points to 23.7%.

For comparison, John Major’s Conservatives won 30% of the vote share when they endured a huge defeat in 1997.

They will now have zero seats in Wales, and only one in the North East of England and one in the North West.

Many previously “safe” Tory seats were lost overnight, including four of the five constituencies were the last five Conservative leaders were elected.

David Cameron’s Witney went to the Lib Dems as did Theresa May’s Maidenhead.

Meanwhile Boris Johnson’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and Liz Truss’s South West Norfolk both went red for Labour.

And then there were 11 shock defeats for serving cabinet ministers – and the ousting for former PM Truss.

The share of the vote particularly fell in areas where high numbers backed leaving the EU.

The dramatic night means there’s likely to be a brutal battle to shape the party now, as Tories struggle to decide whether to pull it further right or into the centre.

Outgoing Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunal

4. Best Lib Dem result since 1923

The party has secured 71 seats – a whopping increase compared to the 2019 election, where they had only eight, and beating their 2005 record of 62.

They’ve won both new seats and old constituencies back – and ousted four cabinet ministers – albeit on just 12% of the vote share.

The Lib Dems also secured constituencies once held by former PMs David Cameron and Theresa May in their campaign where they targeted Tory areas.

It’s a far cry from the 2019 result when the party leader Jo Swinson unexpectedly lost her seat.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is greeted by supporters

5. SNP in chaos

The Nationalists, who have completely dominated Scottish politics since 2014, secured just nine seats in a major blow to the project for independence.

That’s a drop of 38 representatives in Westminster, with many of their seats going to Labour and a handful going to both the Lib Dems and the Tories.

The SNP’s share of the vote has therefore fallen by 15 points – while Labour’s has increased by 17 in Scotland.

But it’s not a complete wipeout, considering the party still commanding a minority government in the Scottish parliament in Holyrood.

Yet, those seats could soon be at risk in the 2026 devolved election, depending on how Labour’s first few years in parliament goes.

Labour will also have to grapple with the increase of independence supporters among their voters.

6. Reform get a foothold in the Commons

The populist party took votes from the collapse of the Conservative support in many places, secured its first four elected MPs ever.

Party leader Nigel Farage won a seat for the first time (after seven failed attempts over the years) and Tory defector Lee Anderson – the party’s first ever representative in the Commons – was re-elected.

Reform chair Richard Tice and Rupert Lowe were elected, too.

Considering how quickly Reform has managed to gather support – Farage only entered the race two weeks after the election was called – the populists claim they will be able to put serious pressure on Labour in the next five years.

Farage has previously said he wants his party to be the main opposition to Keir Starmer’s party by the time of the next election, and last night said: “We’re coming for Labour, be in no doubt about that.”

7. Green Party get most MPs ever

With four MPs in Bristol Central, Waveney Valley, North Herefordshire and Brighton Pavilion, the Greens had their best set of results ever.

Until now, the party has only ever held the East Sussex constituency of Brighton Pavilion, giving them just one seat in parliament.

But last night, the party’s co-leader Carla Denyer overturned Labour’s shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire with a 10,000 majority.

The other co-leader Adrian Ramsay defeated a 22,000 Tory majority in Waveney Valley, with a swing to the Greens of 32.1%.

Overall, it is expected to take 7% of the overall vote share – more than double what it secured in the 2019 election.

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer after casting her vote in the 2024 General Election at Redland Park United Reformed Church in Bristol.

8. Sinn Fein hold on

The Republican party held onto its seven seats in Westminster, although it does not take them in protest to Northern Ireland being part of the UK.

It means most of the NI seats in Westminster will remain empty.

Sinn Fein is already the largest in local government and in the devolved government of Stormont.

And while the Democratic Unionist Party lost three of its eight seats, with supporters moving to other unionist parties, there was not a noteworthy shift in the vote share between Unionists and Nationalists.

9. Fall in overall voter turnout

This was the second lowest turnout ever recorded with only 60% of the electorate turning up, rivalled only by the 59% seen in 2001.

That suggests apathy and frustration may be more prevalent among the electorate than politicians realise.

Humza Yousaf Will ‘Come Out Fighting’ In Bid To Save His Job, Says Stephen Flynn

Posted on 26/04/2024 by Boris Clair

Humza Yousaf will “come out fighting” to save his job as Scottish first minister, the SNP’s Westminster leader has declared.

Stephen Flynn said he will stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Yousaf, who faces a vote of no confidence at Holyrood next week.

His leadership was plunged into crisis yesterday after he ended the SNP’s tie-up with the Green Party at the Scottish Parliament.

The Greens said they would support a motion of no confidence in Yousaf tabled by Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross.

That has left the first minister relying on the backing of Ash Regan – who defected from the SNP to the Alba Party last year – to save his job.

Amid speculation that Yousaf could resign before next week’s vote, Flynn told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme: “I spoke to the first minister last night shortly after we’d put our own kids to bed and he’s going to come out fighting.

“He’s going to come out fighting because he believes in his priorities for the people and he believes in representing the public to the best of his ability and that means ensuring that the Scottish government is delivering for them.

“I’m very keen to hear what he has to say and I’m going to be standing shoulder to shoulder beside him as he seeks to convince others in Holyrood that he’s the right person to take our country forward.”

Asked if Yousaf would quit if he lost the confidence vote, Flynn said: “24 hours is a long time in politics, a week is an even longer time in politics.

“There’s a lot of water to flow under the bridge over the coming days. There’s a lot of discussions to be had, there’s going to be a lot of time for reflection for many of the main parties within this.

“I would still be confident that once people have heard what the first minister has to say that they can be convinced that he is indeed the right man to remain as first minister and to focus on the public’s priorities.”

Lindsay Hoyle Fighting For Survival After Controversial Ruling Sparks SNP Fury

Posted on 21/02/2024 by Boris Clair

Lindsay Hoyle is fighting for survival after SNP and Tory MPs declared they had no confidence in him continuing as Commons Speaker following a day of chaos in parliament.

A total of 33 of them have so far signed an early day motion outlining their opposition to him remaining in post.

Hoyle sparked fury when he ignored convention, and the advice of his officials, by selecting a Labour amendment to an SNP opposition day motion calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

Amid remarkable scenes, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt announced after four hours of debate, that the government was withdrawing its own amendment seeking a “humanitarian pause” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

That led to Tory and SNP MPs walking out of the chamber in protest after it became clear that meant the Scottish nationalists’ motion would not be voted on.

Instead, Labour’s amendment calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” was passed unopposed.

Hoyle eventually re-appeared in the debating chamber to apologise for what had happened, insisting he had taken the unusual step in an attempt to protect MPs from a backlash by pro-Palestine campaigners.

He said: “It was my wish to do the best by every member of this House … because I am very, very concerned about the security of all members.”

The Speaker added: “I regret how it’s ended up. It was not my intention. I wanted all to ensure that they could express their views and all sides of the house could vote.

“As it was, and particularly the SNP, were ultimately unable to vote on their proposition. I am, and I regret, with my sadness that it has ended up in this position. It was never my intention for it to end up like this.

“I was absolutely convinced that the decision was done with the right intentions.”

He admitted the row “has not shown the house at its best”.

“I will reflect on my part,” he said. “I recommit myself that all members of this House are treated fairly. I do not want it to have ended like this.”

Hoyle also said he was “offended” by Tory claims that he had come under pressure from Sue Gray, the former top civil servant who is now Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, to accept the Labour amendment.

He said: “I am honest in this House, I am true to this House and all members of this House, and I try to do what I thought was right for all sides of this House.

“It is regrettable and I apologise for a decision that didn’t end up in the place that I wished for.”

One government minister told HuffPost UK: “The Speaker will not survive. The no confidence motion will get support. He doesn’t have long. MPs are livid.”

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “Today’s shameful events show Westminster is utterly broken.

“This should have been the chance for the UK Parliament to do the right thing and vote for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel – instead it turned into a Westminster circus.”

UK Government Guilty Of ‘Cultural Appropriation’ Over Dennis The Menace, Says SNP MP

Posted on 26/09/2023 by Boris Clair

UK ministers have been accused of “cultural appropriation” after appearing to suggest that Dennis the Menace was “created in London”.

SNP MP Chris Law reacted angrily after the comic book character and his dog Gnasher were used in a government advert.

The billboard, for the GREAT campaign, shows the pair standing on a man’s shoulder beside the message: “Created in London, unleashed in more than 100 countries.”

That is despite the fact that Dennis the Menace was in fact created in Dundee by George Moonie, the then editor of The Beano.

Law, who is the MP for Dundee West, said the advert was “utter garbage”.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “Dundee city created Dennis the Menace and Gnasher through the publishers DC Thomson. Cultural appropriation is a desperate measure to claim credibility.”

A government spokesperson said: “The Dennis and Gnasher animated series was created in London, based on the brilliant Beano cartoon that originated in Dundee.

“In this way it is the perfect representation of the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign, which seeks to highlight success stories from across our great union of nations.

“We work closely with businesses like Beano to tell their start-up story, demonstrating the support the UK government provides to help companies grow and export around the world.”

Nicola Sturgeon Says She Is ‘Innocent Of Any Wrongdoing’ Following Arrest

Posted on 11/06/2023 by Boris Clair

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted she is “innocent of any wrongdoing” following her arrest as part of a police probe into the SNP’s finances.

The former first minister was quizzed by detectives for seven hours before being released without charge.

Police Scotland have launched an investigation into the whereabouts of £660,000 donated to the SNP for a second independence referendum campaign

Sturgeon’s husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, and the party’s former treasurer, Colin Beattie, have previously been arrested as part of the probe, known as Operation Branchform.

Following her release this evening, Sturgeon issued a statement on Twitter in which she said it was “beyond doubt” that she was innocent.

She said: “To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.

“I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.”

Ms Sturgeon went on: “Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail.

“However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms. Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Sturgeon thanked “the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks – including since today’s news broke”.

She added: “Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time.”

Police Scotland are investigating claims that the donations from activists to support the campaign for a second independence referendum were used for other purposes.

The inquiry was launched following allegations that the money, which was meant to be in a ring-fenced fund, had been misappropriated.

An SNP spokesperson said: “These issues are subject to a live police investigation.

“The SNP have been co-operating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so, however it is not appropriate to publicly address any issues while that investigation is ongoing.”

Nicola Sturgeon Has Been Arrested By Police Probing The SNP’s Finances

Posted on 11/06/2023 by Boris Clair

Nicola Sturgeon has been released by police after being arrested as part of their investigation into the SNP’s finances.

Scotland’s former first minister was questioned for seven hours by detectives investigating the whereabouts of £660,000 donated to the party for a second independence referendum campaign.

She was released without charge pending further investigations.

Sturgeon’s husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, and the party’s treasurer, Colin Beattie, have previously been arrested as part of the probe, known as Operation Branchform.

In a statement, Police Scotland said: “A 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, June 11, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.”

A spokeswoman for Sturgeon said: “By arrangement with Police Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform.

“Nicola has consistently said she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so.”

Police Scotland are investigating claims that the donations from activists to support the campaign for a second independence referendum were used for other purposes.

The inquiry was launched following allegations that the money, which was meant to be in a ring-fenced fund, had been misappropriated.

An SNP spokesperson said: “These issues are subject to a live police investigation.

“The SNP have been co-operating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so, however it is not appropriate to publicly address any issues while that investigation is ongoing.”

Labour’s shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray saying: “This is a deeply concerning development and the Police Scotland investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference.

“For too long, a culture of secrecy and cover-up has been allowed to fester at the heart of the SNP.”

Colin Beattie Quits As SNP Treasurer Following Police Arrest

Posted on 19/04/2023 by Boris Clair

The SNP’s treasurer has quit after being arrested by police investigating the party’s finances.

Colin Beattie, who is also a member of the Scottish Parliament, said it was “the right decision to avoid further distraction” to the work of party leader Humza Yousaf.

The 71-year-old was questioned by detectives yesterday as part of their probe into claims that £660,000 raised by the SNP to fight another independence referendum has been mis-spent.

He was released last night without charge, pending further investigations.

Beattie’s arrest came just two weeks after Peter Murrell, the SNP’ former chief executive and the husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was also taken into custody by Police Scotland.

He was also released without charge after being questioned for 11 hours.

In a statement, Beattie said: “This afternoon, I informed the party leader that I will be stepping back from my role as SNP national treasurer with immediate effect.

“I have also informed the SNP chief whip at Holyrood that I will be stepping back from my role on the Public Audit Committee until the police investigation has concluded.

“On a personal level, this decision has not been easy, but it is the right decision to avoid further distraction to the important work being led by Humza Yousaf to improve the SNP’s governance and transparency.

“I will continue to co-operate fully with Police Scotland’s inquiries and it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on a live case.”

Beattie was originally SNP treasurer between 2004 and 2020 before being replaced by Douglas Chapman MP.

He returned to the role in 2021 after Chapman resigned, claiming he “had not received the support or financial information required” to carry out his duties.

As well as being leader, Yousaf is now the SNP’s interim treasurer until a full-time replacement can be found.

It was reported at the weekend that Beattie had told a meeting of the SNP’s national executive council that he was “having difficulty balancing the books” after the party lost 30,000 members and several big-money donors.

However, the party has insisted that it is not running out of cash.

The police investigation, called Operation Branchform, was launched following allegations that the £660,000, which was meant to be in a ring-fenced fund, had been misappropriated. The party has denied any wrongdoing.

It emerged in December that Murrell – who was chief executive for more than 20 years – had loaned the SNP £107,620 to help with “cash flow”.

The party has been engulfed in turmoil ever since Sturgeon’s surprise resignation in February.

Scottish Tory Leader Slapped Down By Party After Suggesting Voters Back Labour

Posted on 09/04/2023 by Boris Clair

The leader of the Scottish Tories has been slapped down by party bosses at Westminster after he suggested voters back Labour to beat the SNP.

Douglas Ross said people should “do what’s best for the country” when deciding who to vote for at the next election.

But a spokesman for the Tories at Westminster insisted tactical voting was “emphatically not the view of the Conservative Party”.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Ross said voters in Scotland opposed to the SNP should back the party most likely to beat them in their area.

He said: “The public know how to tactically vote in Scotland.

“I will always encourage Scottish Conservative voters to vote Scottish Conservative, but I think generally the public can see and they want the parties to accept that where there is a strongest candidate to beat the SNP you get behind that candidate.

“If parties maybe look beyond their own narrow party agenda and do what’s best for the country and for me as Scottish Conservative leader what would be best is if we see this grip that the SNP have on Scotland at the moment is loosened.”

But a UK Tory spokesman said: “This is emphatically not the view of the Conservative Party.

“We want people to vote for Conservative candidates wherever they are standing as that’s the best way to keep Labour and the SNP out.”

Ross’s remarks come at a time of crisis for the SNP in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as first minister and party leader.

Her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was arrested in the investigation into the spending of around £600,000 that was earmarked for an independence campaign.

In her first public comments since the arrest on Wednesday, Sturgeon said she would “fully cooperate” with the police if they ask to interview her.

“I haven’t, but I will fully cooperate with the police as and when they request that, if indeed they do,” she told reporters outside her Glasgow home, when taking questions after giving a brief statement.

SNP president Mike Russell told The Herald newspaper the party was in the “most challenging crisis we’ve ever faced” during his 50 years as a member.

Nicola Sturgeon Says She Will ‘Fully Cooperate’ If Police Want To Quiz Her On SNP Finances

Posted on 08/04/2023 by Boris Clair

Nicola Sturgeon has said she will “fully co-operate” with the police if they want to quiz her in their investigation into the SNP’s finances.

In her first public comments since the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell, the former first minister also asked for “privacy” as she tries to “get on with life”.

She was speaking outside the home the couple share on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Detectives swooped on the house earlier this week, taking Murrell into custody and erecting a large incident tent in the front garden as they carried out a thorough search of the property.

He was later released without charge after being quizzed for 11 hours.

Asked if she had also been interviewed by the police, Sturgeon said: “I haven’t but I will fully cooperate with the police … if they do.”

The probe are centres around the whereabouts of around £660,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

The investigation, called Operation Branchform, was launched following allegations that the money, which was meant to be in a ring-fenced fund, had been misappropriated. The party has denied any wrongdoing.

Sturgeon cancelled a public appearance she had been due to make the day after Murrell’s arrest.

Speaking this afternoon, she said: “I’m also entitled to a little bit of privacy in my own home, and my neighbours I think are also entitled to a wee bit of privacy as well.

“Over the years, as a result of living next door to me, they’ve been subjected to more than their fair share of disruption and inconvenience.

“And that has obviously been particularly the case over the last couple of years.

“So as all of you do your jobs, I hope and I know you’ll get some respect to that. So that’s really all I needed to say.”

She added: “So that’s all really I’m able to say just now, other than I intend to get on with life and my job as you would expect.”

The SNP has been plunged into crisis following Sturgeon’s shock resignation in February.

Humza Yousaf was narrowly elected her successor as SNP leader following a bruising leadership election, during which it also emerged that the party has lost 30,000 members in recent months.

Party officials had initially denied the story when it was reported by the Sunday Mail, but eventually confirmed it was true.

That led to the resignation of the SNP’s head of press, Murray Foote, followed by Peter Murrell quitting as the party’s chief executive.

He said: “Responsibility for the SNP’s responses to media queries about our membership number lies with me as chief executive.

“While there was no intent to mislead, I accept that this has been the outcome.

“I have therefore decided to confirm my intention to step down as chief executive with immediate effect.”

‘She Told Him Where To Stick It’: Kate Forbes Rejects Humza Yousaf Job Offer

Posted on 28/03/2023 by Boris Clair

Kate Forbes has quit the Scottish government after new first minister Humza Yousaf tried to demote her.

The former finance secretary, who was narrowly defeated by Yousaf in the race to succeed Nicola Sturgeon, was offered the rural affairs brief in his new cabinet.

A source close to Forbes said she “told him where to stick it” and resigned instead.

The move is a major setback for Yousaf as he tries to unite the SNP after being elected party leader yesterday.

Yousaf defeated Forbes by 52% to 48% following a bitter five-week leadership contest, during which she criticised his record as a minister.

However, he had signalled he intended to heal the divisions by taking a “Team SNP” approach to forming his new government.

He said: “Where there are divisions to heal, we must do so quickly.”

Forbes will now return to the backbenches.

A senior SNP figure told HuffPost UK: “It’s a very poor start by Humza. He’s essentially ignoring the wishes of nearly half the party members.”

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