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The Muslim vote Clementswood in Redbridge is one of the most strongly Muslim wards in London (31%, according to the 2001 census, a proportion which is likely to have risen since then). It was also, until last night, one of Labour’s safest wards in the Capital, giving Labour a majority of nearly 1,000 in May. Last night, the Liberal Democrats, who came fourth in May, won a by-election there, on a gigantic swing, perhaps indicating that Muslim voters are turning…

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Gordon’s coronation comes one step nearer The Education Secretary, Alan Johnson, this afternoon confirmed what has seemed likely for a few weeks – he will not be standing against Gordon Brown in the coming Labour leadership contest but will run for the deputy job instead. His position had seemed in doubt following the October Populus poll when he did not seem to be making a mark compared with Brown against Cameron. In this month’s Populus Poll Gordon’s position against Cameron…

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Surely this isn’t the way to shore up marginal seats? Before I came on holiday I was cycling past what I thought was part of my local NHS hospital when I noticed the above sign outside. Gone were the boards saying “Bedford Hospital – North Wing” and in their place were these for what is now, apparently, our local “health village”. Now I have no idea what a “health village” is but clearly it is not a hospital because if…

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ABC News says a Virginia recount would have to wait until after Nov 27 With control of the Senate down to whether Jim Webb has taken the Virginian Senate seat from George Allen a report on ABC News tonight suggests that things are not going to be settled quickly. This is what their website is saying “A win in Virginia would squeeze out a 51-49 Senate majority for the Democrats. Without it, the chamber would split 50-50 and Vice President…

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Money piles on as the uncertainty continues A major row is going on over how Betfair are going to settle their market on whether the Democrats or the Republicans won most seats in yesterday’s election for the US senate. At issue are the positions of two men – Joseph Lieberman and Bernie Sanders – neither of whom won on the Democrat ticket. Lieberman won re-election as the “Connecticut For Lieberman” party candidate – an independent political party he created after…

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Could the Midterm result increase the pressure on his departure date? With all eyes focussed on the final seats in the battle for the US Senate how is Tony Blair feeling about the way American voters have treated his partner in the Iraqi adventure? Could this massive rejection of the Republicans, which seemed so unlikely a few months ago, spill over into UK politics? Will this make Tony’s remaining time at Number 10 that bit more uncomfortable? For joining with…

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