Post-election thoughts

I didn't end up posting about the election anywhere near as much as I had wanted to, too many other things on. Now it's all over, finally. So what is there to say?

In the election I started off being quite enthused by Nick Clegg and his refreshing message about doing something different. Then later, I veered back towards Labour, as the only alternative that could keep the Conservatives out, realistically. In reality though I was hoping for a hung parliament to really shake things up.

In the end I voted for Labour. It was quite a marginal Labour / Conservative seat in my area, I wanted to keep the Conservatives out and I thought far too many people were picking on Gordon Brown, or voting for the opposition because they didn't like Gordon Brown personally (he doesn't come across very well). I think Brown has consistently been a hard working politician, doing what he thinks is right for the country and just getting on with his job. In the last couple of years, the people that have really got on my wick have been those who say something like 'I agree Labour has really made a positive difference in the NHS, they've got class sizes down, made the country and safe place etc but I just don't like Gordon Brown so am voting Tory...'

There's something quite empowering about turning up to vote at your local polling station, a feeling that you are doing your bit, making a difference, standing up for what you believe in. That's the reason I wouldn't want to vote by post, it just wouldn't be the same. Election night, despite not having been well the previous couple of days I was determined to stay up and watch at least some of it. The exit polls came in, predicted a hung parliament but almost a Conservative majority. I prayed it wasn't so.

At this point I should probably try and elucidate why I don't like the Conservatives so much. I think it's my upbringing, in a very pro-Labour household. I grew up believing the Conservatives weren't much interested in helping the little guy, the man on the street. They were pro big business, for the rich. A lot of this was Margaret Thatcher, stamping on the miners, telling everyone to look out for themselves and no-one else. I don't know how true this is anymore, and I certainly agree with certain aspects of the Conservatives, like trying to get lazy people off benefits etc.

It was obvious as election night progressed that there was going to be no quick resolution, and how very true that turned out to be. The next day it turned out that the exit poll had been virtually spot on. The Conservatives were the largest party, but 20 short of an overall majority. The Lib Dems did badly, and actually lost several seats, rather than the large gains they had been predicted. They suddenly held the balance of power however and there was three way negotiations as both Labour and Conservatives tried to form an alliance with them. In the end, they went with the Conservatives, forming a coalition government. I think this was the right thing to happen, as the Conservatives got over a million more votes that Labour. It seems the Lib Dems negotiated themselves a good deal, including a referendum on voting reform, and working towards increasing personal allowance towards £10,000. I think the Lib Dems will end up softening a lot of the Conservatives harsher policies, so the combination may be the best one for the country right now, in a time of economic difficulty when we need to get the deficit down. Plus Labour are now the only real opposition. The government are going to have to make unpopular decisions, and when the next election happens, Labour will (with a new leader) be in a strong position to defeat Conservatives and Lib Dems.

It is worth briefly mentioning the new governments plans for fixed 5 year parliaments (a good thing probably), and needing 55% in a vote of no confidence to force a general election before then (funny, that means Conservatives don't need anyone else to support them to stay in power, hmmm) which I don't think is very good. If 51% disagree with you, you will never get any laws passed, so why stick around like a lame duck? As Andrew Marr pointed out today. 51% could vote to repeal the new legislation, then call a vote of no confidence and pass it with 51% so what is the point?

The next thing to look forward to is the emergency budget within 50 days. As a tax advisor this should keep me busy, and it will be interesting to see what they do. We are teetering on a knife edge trying to escape recession, so I just hope the Conservatives don't wreck it with all their cuts. Only time will tell.