Locals 2014: Afternoon update – The UKIP fox is in the Westminster hen house
English council results so far via the BBC. pic.twitter.com/a1qcl07rZ3
— The Screaming Eagles (@TSEofPB) May 23, 2014
Like opinion polls, it is wise not to focus on one or two councils, but look at the broader picture.
Often success  equals performance minus anticipation, using Rallings and Thrasher’s projections for the locals, of Lab 490 gains, the Cons and Lib Dems 220 and 350 losses respectively, and UKIP to make 80 gains, so far it is a great set of elections for UKIP as they have impress results all over England, and for the coalition parties an as expected, and as good as Rallings and Thrasher were predicting for Labour.
UKIP got more votes than Labour in Rotherham. More: http://t.co/IDtgnwAxfW pic.twitter.com/oCxwtuAYpG
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) May 23, 2014
This has led to some Labour MPs to go criticise their own side, but Labour has some impressive results, Â especially in London, that should be used to calm the nerves.
.@JohnMannMP attacks 'pointyheads' at top of Lab for 'disastrous strategy'. 'People like me and voters I represent are not being heard'
— James Chapman (Mail) (@jameschappers) May 23, 2014
Lab MP Simon Danczuk tells LBC:“I’m not going to pretend that Ed Miliband as an issue doesn’t come up on the doorstep, of course it doesâ€
— Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) May 23, 2014
Lab have taken control of Amber Valley for first time 14 years, BBC reports. Could be key for East Mids marginals in Gen Elxn
— Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) May 23, 2014
Updated Sky House of Commons projection: Hung Parliament, Lab largest party. Lab 322 seats (+64), Con 261 (-45), LD 37 (-20), Oth 30 (+1)
— Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) May 23, 2014
There has been talk of an electoral pact between the Cons and The Kippers from some Tory MPs, I think the Sun’s political editor has it right.
Better to give your money to @HelpforHeroes folks; RT @LadPolitics: It's 10/1 that there is a formal UKIP/Tory pact at the General Election.
— Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) May 23, 2014
The other party that maybe happy as well, the Greens, especially on Sunday when the Euros are out.
Greens getting 10% where they are standing
— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) May 23, 2014
Finally the bookies take on the results so far.
Ladbrokes now make Ukip 1/2 to win a seat at GE15 — in from 4/5
— Mike Smithson (@MSmithsonPB) May 23, 2014