Friday 6 May 2011

Friday Links

And finally, for those who think that their "one vote" can never make a difference - a rare counterexample. The difference between Labour having a plurality on Bury Council and having a one-vote majority all depended on the Ramsbottom seat. The Conservative and Labour candidates had exactly identical vote totals (after several recounts). The longest cable tie was drawn by the Labour candidate, and Labour went on to take the seat.

One more vote for the Conservatives, or one fewer vote for Labour, and Labour would not have majority control of Bury Council today.

(As someone who has been in that exact position, my sympathies to both candidates - it's a horrible way to win or lose)