Hanging on late results?
First signs from Scotland in the First Minister Jack McConnell's seat. The increase in the SNP vote at eight points is a little below that anticipated by the final polls, though the six point drop in the Labour vote is a little higher than expected. Altogether, if this result is typical, we are looking at a very tight race between Labour and the SNP.
The news from Scotland may take a long time coming in though. We're hearing that he boat from Arran has broken down in the Clyde. Another boat has been sent out to collect the ballot boxes, and possibly those on board.
And a helicopter problem (as mentioned by Brian below) means that the news is that the Western Isles will not count until Friday. Western Isles is a Labour-SNP marginal and if Labour lose it a list seat may in turn be in the balance between Labour and SNP. Everything might hang on this late result.
Comments
You missed the polling station in Edinburgh which was attacked by a guy with a golf club - forced open ballot boxes and was ripping up ballot papers before the long arm of the law arrived on the scene. Counters now taping up ripped ballot papers. Bit of a mess.
These labour employed vote spoilers are everywhere. I bet the boat in the clyde received a visit from a man delivering milk tray and relieving the boat of any none red votes!
Conspiracy theories ahoy!
And why is it so difficult to post a comment - it fails multiple times and then finally succeeds? And how long is a short while?!
The Swindon E-voting system crash is sadly what we've come to expect from Swindon Borough Council. It's almost always either Labour or the Tories and frankly they are as bad as each other here. I was hoping someone else(peferably someone who listens to what the public REALLY want) might get a chance tonight but it doesn't seem likely. AGAIN.