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Merry Christmas to all PBers everywhere

December 24th, 2009

A message from OGH - “Our Genial Host”

Just to say happy Christmas to the entire PB community and thank you for all your support during the year. It’s been the positive responses from everybody and the continued enthusiasm for PB that has made it a pleasure to run.

Thanks also to my son Robert for maintaining the technical infrastructure and enabling the changes that we found we needed last June when traffic shot through the roof at the time of the local and EU elections.

Thanks also to all the PB team - the deputy editors, Paul Maggs (Double Carpet) and Morus (Greg Callus) and now David Herdson. Thanks also to our cartoonist, Marf and in recent months to Bernard Wiggins who is now playing a big part monitoring the vast number of comments that come in and taking immediate action when required.

Thanks to Peter Smith (Peter the Punter) for organising the 5th birthday event and being an ongoing advisor on betting and other issues.

Thanks as well to those who provided guest contributions as well as the growing number who are self-publishing on PB2.

Thanks most of all to you.

We’ve got a great year coming up though I am quite looking forward to things being a bit quieter after the election.

Tomorrow we have what is now the annual StJohn Christmas Day cross word.

Best wishes,

Mike Smithson



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166 comments to “Merry Christmas to all PBers everywhere”

  1. First?

         by Baggers December 24th, 2009 at 18:34

  2. First?!

         by Sekundra December 24th, 2009 at 18:34

  3. Woo, hoo! (apologies - had to be done)

         by Baggers December 24th, 2009 at 18:34

  4. Merry Christmas then Mike, and even Baggers… ;)

         by Sekundra December 24th, 2009 at 18:35

  5. Merry Christmas to all PB’ers!

    Special thanks to OGH and all the crew who manage to keep this freakshow on the road!

    Wishing everyone continued success in the future!

         by The Oncoming Storm December 24th, 2009 at 18:36

  6. Thanks to you, Mike.

    Thanks also to the whole team that keeps the good ship PB afloat. Here’s to another successful voyage.

         by Peter the Punter December 24th, 2009 at 18:36

  7. Here’s to yet another record breaking and fun rollercoaster of a year in 2010.

    Px

         by Plato December 24th, 2009 at 18:41

  8. As well as adding my best wishes to a community I’ve enjoyed being on the outer periphery of for a few years, I commend post 236 in the last thread to anyone skipped it.

         by Andy D December 24th, 2009 at 18:44

  9. Merry Christmas. Best political analysis anywhere.

         by David December 24th, 2009 at 18:50

  10. FPT 241 I wouldn’t have thought it was ‘astounding’ at all - given the long-term stance of so-called “moderate” politicians on even modest health care reform, and given the ludicrous 60-vote hurdle in the Senate, it was all fairly predictable.

    Reading through the details of the Senate bill, I was pleasantly surprised by how far it still goes - a genuinely good day for America.

    You need to understand that things are viewed differently here - making government more intrusive is viewed as being bad, (Rightly or wrongly that is the view of most people here), and many people think that providing health care is not a function of government. Also people want health care reform, but most are against this bill because it costs an enormous amount of money and delivers very little that could not have been achieved at negligible cost to the taxpayer by reforming the health insurance laws - pre-existing conditions, dropping people when they get sick, loading premiums etc.

    The Democrats will pay a price - possibly quite a heavy one - for this bill at the mid-term elections.
    Senators will hear it from their constituents this recess - the bill is very unpopular.

         by Tim B December 24th, 2009 at 18:50

  11. FPT
    I am sure this has been linked to but the important thing about this article is that clearly the Times and by implication Murdoch is still a Blairite in his heart. New Labour is discredited but Murdoch still supports it as it was the most sychophantic supporter of Rupert. The Sun for the Tories is a desperate attempt by Murdoch’s son to curry favour, but given the stance of the Times and Sky Rupert would prefer Labour. It can only be good for the country if Murdoch no longer heavily influences the Government as he did for all those years under Labour. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article6966912.ece

    by voreas December 24th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Also merry xmas and I will look forward to the kojak christmas special ;-)

         by voreas December 24th, 2009 at 18:51

  12. Nollaig chridheil

         by FergusMac December 24th, 2009 at 18:55

  13. best wishes to all for Christmas and looking forward to a 2010 of both unknowns and certainties, and may Labrokes, Hills et al be poorer for the success of this site and it’s wonderful depth of knowledge and undersatanding.

    from a smowy Cumbria…..keep well.

         by Ian Stewart December 24th, 2009 at 19:04

  14. Merry Christmas!

         by Richard December 24th, 2009 at 19:08

  15. Happy xmas to all.

         by Will L December 24th, 2009 at 19:17

  16. fpt. In case you missed it Mike

    ‘Tis Christmas eve on P. Betting,
    the night of all the year.
    PB’ers were feeling festive
    and their bellies were full of beer.
    When in spoke the PB owner
    throughout it’s august halls.
    Merry Christmas he said to PB’ers,
    but PB’ers answered balls.
    this angered the PB owner
    and swore by all the gods
    they would get no voting rights
    the rotten lousy sods.
    But up spoke an ancient Pb’er
    who had posted hard and long,
    “voting here is voluntary,
    so don’t you sing that song”.

    With apologies to “Christmas day In the Workhouse”
    by George Robert Sims

    And apologies to OGH as no offence intended.

    After all it is Christmas. And a merry one to all PB’ers.

    by weathercock December 24th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

         by weathercock December 24th, 2009 at 19:22

  17. May I raise a glass and wish OGH and all PBers seasons greetings.

    Merry Christmas everyone

         by SimonStClare December 24th, 2009 at 19:22

  18. Merry Xmas to one and all,whatever your political leanings and footie allegiances-I’ll even extend good will to Spurs fans (until midnight tomorrow) :lol:

         by Patrick West Ham fan who is basically Labour but has wrung his hands in despair over Gordon Brown December 24th, 2009 at 19:23

  19. Merry Christmas PB!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrmRnyANTIg

         by wibbler December 24th, 2009 at 19:27

  20. And thank you, too, Mike and everyone for making this the most fascinating and unmissable of political sites. Merry Christmas to you all!

         by JP December 24th, 2009 at 19:27

  21. A Merry Xmas to you and your family; long may you run PB.

         by weathercock December 24th, 2009 at 19:28

  22. Merry Christmas to all!

         by The Raven December 24th, 2009 at 19:32

  23. Merry Christmas to one and all but especially to the team who make pb such a compelling and enjoyable read!

         by Iggy December 24th, 2009 at 19:33

  24. Merry Christmas to Mike and all on here!!!!!!!!!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 19:35

  25. This is the best blog in the world and i love it!

    Even tho i was on the wrong end of an expulsion referendum yesterday!

    :lol: :lol: :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 19:37

  26. A very merry Christmas to you all, from a long-time lurker and occasional poster; and a curse upon your houses for turning me from a normal human being into a political obsessive. :)

    Thank you for providing an outstanding site and a big hand to all the contributors: the quality of the political analyses here is consistently first-class.

         by Clarence December 24th, 2009 at 19:39

  27. Cheers!

         by Irene December 24th, 2009 at 19:40

  28. Congratulations to Mike,Robert and the team for providing an enjoyable and proiftable year on pb.com.

    A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

         by URW December 24th, 2009 at 19:41

  29. Merry Christmas everyone. Peace and goodwill.

         by David Herdson December 24th, 2009 at 19:43

  30. best wishes Mike

         by runnymede December 24th, 2009 at 19:50

  31. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

         by dr spyn December 24th, 2009 at 19:51

  32. Without doubt PB is the website of the year. There is clearly a large potential minority audience interested in politics, it amazes me how badly served we are by the broadcasters.

    Merry Christmas

         by chris_g00 December 24th, 2009 at 19:51

  33. Merry Xmas Mike & Family.

    Is that rose blind one of Kirsties silk range?

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 20:02

  34. 33 :lol: i miss him
    34 i love tim

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 20:03

  35. Merry Christmas Mike and all posters on pbc.
    One of the most informative political blogs which I read on a daily basis.
    And a very successful 2010 to all

         by Herbert Proper Snr December 24th, 2009 at 20:05

  36. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, although it is unlikely to be one for a certain JGB.

         by Verulamius December 24th, 2009 at 20:11

  37. Happy Christmas to everybody. Here’s a story to amuse us all

    NZ policewoman allows naked cycling - with helmet

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8427624.stm

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 20:12

  38. 35 Will you say that at 12.01am Boxing Day? :wink:

         by Patrick West Ham fan who is basically Labour but has wrung his hands in despair over Gordon Brown December 24th, 2009 at 20:12

  39. IT looks like you are enjoying that wine Mike.

    Merry Xmas to everyone here and thanks, Mike, for this site. Fantastic.

         by Martin Kinsella December 24th, 2009 at 20:25

  40. “Thanks …… in recent months to Bernard Wiggins who is now playing a big part monitoring the vast number of comments that come in and taking immediate action when required.”

    Since it appears that he is largely responsible for monitoring PB.com, are we allowed to ask who exactly is Bernard Cribbins Wiggins and whether he himself posts on PB, perhaps under as assumed name?

    One of the great attractions of PB from its inception has been the transparent and straightforward manner in which Mike operates the site. It is key in my view that this should continue.

         by Peter from Putney December 24th, 2009 at 20:27

  41. OGH “I am quite looking forward to things being a bit quieter after the election.”

    Sorry Mike but don’t think so.

    That is assuming no hung Parliament, which would keep politics bubbling over nicely. Even then there will be a Labour leadership election to keep things going until Conference season, then the build up the Scots & Welsh elections, locals and then lead up to London Mayoralty and the 2012 US Presidentials, and, and…..

    pleasant dreams before the cycle starts again.

         by Ted December 24th, 2009 at 20:31

  42. 42 Ted, I think this may have been Mike’s way of warning us that he intends taking more of a back seat after the GE. This was in part my reason for the question I raised in post #41.

         by Peter from Putney December 24th, 2009 at 20:36

  43. re 41. Fair point Peter. It’s really up to Bernard.

         by Mike Smithson December 24th, 2009 at 20:43

  44. This Bernard Wiggins?

    His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother was English, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who were pacifists, banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Cornwell

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 20:45

  45. Ogh and all PBers - Merry Xmas. Ogh - thanx for this site.

    TimB at 11. I’m gone one week and look what happens on healthcare!!!

         by TimT December 24th, 2009 at 20:47

  46. 45. Try to deny that the name “Wiggins” didn’t give you an thrilling little tremor…

         by AndrewG December 24th, 2009 at 20:50

  47. Happy Holidays - sorry could not resist Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010 to all PB’ers and OGH - love this site mostly just lurking but the odd comment here and there …

         by rej4sl December 24th, 2009 at 20:51

  48. Those of us who are devotees of Terry Pratchett have long felt that the best advice/medical treatment comes when money is at stake!
    I personally regard this blog as one of the best sources for divining the political future with greater accuracy.

    Keep up the good work.

    Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year - we’ll need it!

         by Socrates December 24th, 2009 at 20:51

  49. Time to post something that has given us all lots of amusement throughout the year.

    http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/conference/2007/09/labour-majority-increase

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 20:52

  50. Wish a Happy Christmas?

    To tim/Gabble/coldstone/Roger/NPMP/Richie/Bailey (ad nauseum)?

    Happy Christmas?

    Happy C*ntmas, more like!

         by NotAToryIJustLoatheLabour December 24th, 2009 at 20:54

  51. does it matter who bernard wiggins is?

    he’s my friend :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 20:55

  52. 51 late run for poster of the year?! :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 20:56

  53. 45 Tim - It looks like you got him in one, but will this post be moderated?

         by Peter from Putney December 24th, 2009 at 20:57

  54. Merry Christmas, thanks for all your work on the site, from a lurker of 4 years.

         by Galvatron December 24th, 2009 at 20:58

  55. I love malcolmg and cicero!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:05

  56. Merry Christmas from a wet and cold Cornwall

         by chris burley December 24th, 2009 at 21:06

  57. Just saw my dad for Christmas.
    coldstone’s such a ____ even his kids hate him

         by NotAToryIJustLoatheLabour December 24th, 2009 at 21:08

  58. Merry Christmas to Mike & the rest of the pb team and supporters.

         by shadsy December 24th, 2009 at 21:16

  59. Bah! Humbug!

    Oh, there’s a ghost!

    Merry Xmas everyone.

         by oldnat December 24th, 2009 at 21:16

  60. 60 i love snp!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:18

  61. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you.

         by Old Mother Hubbard December 24th, 2009 at 21:19

  62. Posters with a good forensic memory know who Bernard is.

    And many thanks to all the mods on PB for keeping us legal and clean[ish]

    Have just finished a bottle of port - and very nice it was too [Taylors something] whilst watching Damned United - what a cracking film.

    Michael Sheen is a top drawer talent.

         by Plato December 24th, 2009 at 21:20

  63. 58:

    are you an anti-santa or just one of tim’s “children”?

         by calais December 24th, 2009 at 21:20

  64. 50 do you mean this?

    http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/conference/2007/09/labour-majority-increase

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:20

  65. 63 this poster says mew to you plato…

    http://i.pbase.com/v3/99/42899/1/44866759.CRW_4906C3.jpg

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:21

  66. 61 Ave it

    “i love snp!” - Oh Sh!t! :-)

         by oldnat December 24th, 2009 at 21:22

  67. 67 :lol:

    nicola sturgeon = top level politician

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:23

  68. All the veries to one and all.

    Christmas Quizlet (I’ve run out of questions having done it for three years)

    Only two women have ever been elected unopposed to the House of Commons. Who were they ?

         by RodCrosby December 24th, 2009 at 21:28

  69. Merry Christmas and aHappy and prosperous new year to us all.

    I met Mike in October - he is as much a “gent” in person as he is on the site.

    This year we will have the worry that Ave it may not be reborn!!

         by Peter Golds December 24th, 2009 at 21:28

  70. Sorry, error - This we will not have the worry that Ave it may not be reborn.

         by Peter Golds December 24th, 2009 at 21:29

  71. 69/70 Ave it will be here next year!!!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:30

  72. Mr smithson and PB community,thank you ,for the best political analysis and the best political debating forum going.

    I also voted for mr smithson and PB on iain dales political polls,FFS,thats the first time and last I voted for a lib dem :lol:

    I wish every one (and I mean every one) in the PB community a very happy christmas and a great new year ;)

         by johnno December 24th, 2009 at 21:32

  73. 72 hope you get a home win next season! :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:33

  74. 73 :lol:

         by johnno December 24th, 2009 at 21:36

  75. Woman jumped over some barriers at the Vatican City, and knocked down the Pope at Christmas eve Mass

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 21:38

  76. Ave it = people’s no 1 poster even if not recognised by the management!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:40

  77. 76 - I’d be on the streets protesting about your exclusion from the shortlist.

    However it’s really cold, so I’m staying inside and drooling over Megan Fox

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 21:43

  78. 77 its a good call.

    Coldstone is a worthy substitute…

    For me not megan fox :lol: :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:44

  79. Thanks Mike for a great site and merry Christmas to you and all the other posters and silent majority of PB. All the best for 2010 which should be a cracking year on the politics front, I can almost feel the heat now.

         by jaykay December 24th, 2009 at 21:45

  80. MERRY FESTIVUS monkeys.

    Though I have been snubbed for poster of the year, I want you to know I only resent that a fairly manageable amount.

         by Martin Coxall December 24th, 2009 at 21:46

  81. 80 i am calling a new poll

    Ave it’s poster of the year
    1. malcolmg
    2. wayne
    3. john r
    4. coxall
    5. ave it
    6. lucie jones

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:48

  82. 78 - You have no standards

    http://loyalkng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/megan-fox-transformers-2-682×1024.jpg

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 21:48

  83. A very merry christmas to OGH and all PBR’s. Here’s to a good year (betting and politically). It was good to catch up with some new and old faces at Dirty Dicks.

    Anyone got any thoughts on Pepe Simo on Boxing Day?

         by thedevonloft December 24th, 2009 at 21:48

  84. Cheers Mike - I raise my glass to our genial host.

    Seasoned greetings to all PBers and a special thought for Kirsten. Hope 2010 brings you luck Kirsten - I’m sure you’ll sleep a lot better once Dave gets elected. :D

         by PollyB December 24th, 2009 at 21:50

  85. 80 - I did nominate you.

    However, whoever wins, you will be the Poster of the Year in my heart.

    For this is the post of the year (It’s one of yours)

    http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2009/11/20/is-ed-balls-more-vulnerable-than-we-thought/#comment-1317735

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 21:50

  86. 81,the best punch up of the year on PB for me was ave it versus malcolmg,a classic :lol:

         by johnno December 24th, 2009 at 21:51

  87. @81

    COXALL GAIN AVE IT

         by Martin Coxall December 24th, 2009 at 21:51

  88. 80/85

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:52

  89. @85

    COXALL GAIN SCREAMING EAGLES

         by Martin Coxall December 24th, 2009 at 21:53

  90. 86 proper political discussion! (haven’t seen him on here for a few days)

    malcolmg has to be the worst poster of all time!

    87 :lol:

    82 almost as nice as nicola roberts or mel c…

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 21:55

  91. Happy Christmas, Mike. That is the most subversive photograph of the year so far. I refer, of course, to the ashtrays. It’s almost like 1997-2010 was just a bad dream. May the new year bring a restoration of liberty to the people of England.

         by History Boy December 24th, 2009 at 21:57

  92. Things are a bit quiet tonight Mike. I guess people are doing family, getting p&ssed, or wrapping presents. I’ve been mending an old radio (I’m a boffin, me).

    Thanks to you, to Robert, and to the others for a most interesting and eye opening site.

    I do hope a sociologist is studying us!

    A cheery Christmas to all.

         by Toms December 24th, 2009 at 22:01

  93. We have had a post removed, towards the top of the thread…

    Didnt notice anything particularly dodgy…

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:04

  94. Happy Christmas Mike.

    Time to put up another “PayPal Donate” button to help you defray the running costs.

    In other news from Norfolk…. News reaches me of an exciting and ‘game-changing’ campaigning technique to be launched on Monday that will have wider repercussions for the GE.

    On topic - we have the same curtain fabric as you in our kitchen. Great taste!

         by bunnco December 24th, 2009 at 22:05

  95. 90 - To a point. Notice the keys in the ashtray in casual swinging ex smokers thing.

    88 - Coxall - You are on the extreme left of US Heathcare politics, let alone the social issues stuff.

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 22:05

  96. 92 - We’ve had one removed, the one that referred to Mr R Horse.

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:06

  97. From a daily lurker. A very happy Christmas to Mike & family and to all you who contribute to this site. I thank you for the entertainment, education and knowledge you impart to reader, such as me.

    Thanks to you all for making the site the number one “must visit”.

    Gods blessings to you all at this special time.

         by Paul Cummins, Manchester December 24th, 2009 at 22:08

  98. By the way herd boys, how proud did we all feel today watching the US edge towards proper healthcare but getting nowhere near what binds this country together.
    You know I’m right.

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 22:08

  99. 95 ty yes thanks for reminding me - i was trying to work out what i had been referring to in response

    94 I think tim is brilliant

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:08

  100. 97 i like the nhs - tax up 20% spending up 100% care down 50% thanks labour

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:09

  101. 99 - And still the envy of the world!

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 22:10

  102. 97. Why should the US be bound together by the same thing that binds the British? This point was settled in 1776.

         by History Boy December 24th, 2009 at 22:12

  103. 100 total meltdown caused by labour. all about the over 80s who fought in the war left on trolleys for a week. NHS = 0 value thanks gordon!

    1979-97 proper nhs

    (OK not christmas yet we can have it with labour)

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:14

  104. 101:
    You might even say that the US then was British unbound. Poor old US. They can’t seem to get anything right.

         by Toms December 24th, 2009 at 22:17

  105. 102 - Even 1979-1997 was better than US Healthcare.

    Free Market Health = Spending More on Health Admin Than the Military.

    Excluding poor people from health care is more expensive than defending democracy.

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 22:20

  106. The reason the NHS has done so well is that for a majority of it’s life, it’s been run by Conservatives.

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:20

  107. 104 conservatives help poor people by providing low tax base to enable them to accumulate wealth like me!

    105 brilliant

    IHT: £1m or £2m? :lol:

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:24

  108. 105/106 - It should be noted, the only government ever, to cut NHS spending, was the Labour government of 1974-1979

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:25

  109. Merry Christmas to you too Mike, Robert and all our fabulous guest editors. The articles that you lot write are what make this site what it is, and I haven’t missed a post in over five years now.

    Here’s to many more to come.

         by The Futility Monster December 24th, 2009 at 22:28

  110. Any local council by elections tonight that will tell us that the Lib Dems will be forming a majority government next year?

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:28

  111. 109 mark senior can’t comment - he is too busy campaigning for ‘poster of the year’ LOL

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:29

  112. What is going on in Italy? First Berlusconi, now the Pope. The latest incident, like the attack on Silvio, was allegedly by ‘a mentally ill’ person. Strange.

         by PollyB December 24th, 2009 at 22:31

  113. 106/7.

    We all know damn well that we’d prefer to live in a country where people who buy 4 by 4’s and have personalised number plateshave their kids in the same hospitals as those who thinkk 4 by 4’s and personalised number plates are a bit common. ( leaving aside the fact that Stepping Hill is a lot safer than the Portland)

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 22:32

  114. ave it gain tim

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:37

  115. 107. That is not entirely true, the labour government 1997 to 2001 also decreased nhs spending in both real and notional terms.

         by notme December 24th, 2009 at 22:38

  116. yes labour = anti nhs

    The nhs is only safe with the conservatives!!!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:40

  117. 114 - Really? well you learn something new everyday.

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:40

  118. 111 - Bishop of Rome knocked over.
    Weren’t the Bishops of Limerick and Dublin available

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 22:41

  119. 111 - Personally, I wish the Pope and Silvio had down a Prescott, and punched back.

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:43

  120. Happy Christmas to everyone! I’m pleased people enjoyed my upload of the 1992 election. I might put another one on soon. Thanks and Happy New Year!

         by Andy JS December 24th, 2009 at 22:46

  121. Merry Christmas and thanks to Mike and all the regular posters here who make this by far the most interesting place to follow British politics.

         by MichaelK December 24th, 2009 at 22:46

  122. 119 yes its going to be next year con maj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:46

  123. 119 - That was one of the political highlights of the year for me, seeing the 1992 election in full.

    If you’re going to do another one, could you do either 1983 or 1987.

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 22:48

  124. 122 can we have 1931?

    Oh no thats next year!!!!!!!!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 22:52

  125. 119. 1997 would be ace. Some of us weren’t really paying attention to it the first time round.

    Anyway, this love-in is all getting a but cloying. Coxall, do your duty and insult someone.

         by AndrewG December 24th, 2009 at 23:00

  126. 124 - No!!!!!!!

    I’m still traumatised by 1997,

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 23:02

  127. Merry Christmas to all the PBee’s, posters and lurkers.
    Big thank you to Mike, Robert, Morus, Double Carpet, Peter the Punter, David Herdson and Marf for keeping the show on the road 24/7.

    ChristinaD and Fitaloon.

         by ChristinaD December 24th, 2009 at 23:03

  128. 123 - The one you need to worry about is 92.

    F#ck, Conservatives hold Basildon. All over.

    I had 10 people in my flat, none of whom had studied psephology ( I’m still looking for a downside to that) and were convinced Labour would win.
    The return of David Amess made it obvious that they wouldn’t.

    I think with Brown as leader you’ll not see “Lab hold Hove”, which in 97 was the ethereal result, “Lab Gain Hove” from 25% showed what
    Blair had done.

    Browns losses in the Midlands will dawarf everything else.

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 23:06

  129. 127 the expression on fulbrook (labour candidate) before the result announced told me it was all over!

    and i was labour then!!!

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 23:10

  130. 127/128 - Who would have thought on that halycon night in April 1992, that it would be at least 18yrs until the Tories would win their next GE.

         by The Screaming Eagles December 24th, 2009 at 23:14

  131. 119. Thank you for posting the 1992 election. It added value to the brief ‘Hung Parliament’ mania last month. In fairness to the occasionally-maligned Peter Kelner, he was the first pundit to call it for Major on the night. But the best part was the interview with the stripling JG Brown who opined that ‘a government that has lost its majority has lost the moral right to govern’. He won’t be allowed to forget this if Labour, against the odds, scrape into a hung parliament next year. A hostage to fortune indeed.

         by History Boy December 24th, 2009 at 23:14

  132. 128 “and i was labour then!!!”

    You’re still on Santa’s naughty list for that. Don’t expect much tomorrow…

         by Marquee Mark December 24th, 2009 at 23:16

  133. 130 ‘a government that has lost its majority has lost the moral right to govern’

    yes i thought that was odd at the time - when we were still reliant on the exit poll - it is clear of course now that prescott already knew labour had lost…

         by Ave it December 24th, 2009 at 23:17

  134. 132 - Without Dave they’d really be struggling though.
    Imagine campaigning for Grayling Hague and Osborne.

         by tim December 24th, 2009 at 23:26

  135. Merry Christmas to all

         by Politicalhistorian December 24th, 2009 at 23:27

  136. 127 Tim. “Browns losses in the Midlands will dawarf everything else.”
    I think that you have summarised the election outcome in one sentence.

    Merry Christmas, Tim! Merry Christmas OGH (Great picture, BTW).

    Merry Christmas to all PBers! (Even West Ham Fans)

    Spurs go marching on into Europe in 2010!

         by Disraeli December 24th, 2009 at 23:34

  137. Since it is now officially the 25th, Merry Christmas everyone!!

    :D

         by Sunil Prasannan December 25th, 2009 at 00:00

  138. Happy Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!

    Even to coldstone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

         by Ave it December 25th, 2009 at 00:02

  139. Happy Kipper Tie Joke Day! :)

         by LondonStatto December 25th, 2009 at 00:12

  140. Merry Christmas Mike and PB.com! Still the best political website around.

         by MBoy December 25th, 2009 at 00:22

  141. 127. What is it about the midlands which has created so much discontent for labour?

         by notme December 25th, 2009 at 00:22

  142. Just logging on (at great domestic risk!) to say Happy Christmas to all, and thanks to Mike and the team for a remarkable website and community.

    And no, Mike, I don’t think things will be much quieter after the election. (If Rod Crosby is right, it will be even more turbulent as we build up to the second election in 2010.) Either way: difficult times ahead!

         by Richard Nabavi December 25th, 2009 at 00:22

  143. A very Merry Christmas to Mike and all at PB. Hope you all have a happy and prosperous new year.

         by patrick December 25th, 2009 at 00:36

  144. A very,very happy Xmas to all of you-all thge very best,and onwards to 2010-I do admit I am p11sed! Night all,have a gorgous day-and let hostilities resume when West Ham stat thier metoric ride to mid-table safety on BOxing Day!

         by Patrick West Ham fan who is basically Labour but has wrung his hands in despair over Gordon Brown December 25th, 2009 at 00:53

  145. Merry Christmas to all, except for the godless leftist loons who seem to attack another conservative figure every week these days, whether it’s Berlusconi or the Pope:

    http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Pope-Woman-Knocks-Down-Pope-At-Christmas-Eve-Mass-Says-Vatican/Article/200912415507803?f=rss

    God save us from the lefties!

    Best wishes to all.

         by Stars and Stripes December 25th, 2009 at 01:04

  146. Re the ash-trays in the picture

    Neither Jacky nor I are smokers - but the ashtrays are part of a couple of wonderful 1920s smoking stands that we picked up at an antique shop in York. I’ve never seen anything like them before or since and they are great for putting your glass or cup on.

         by Mike Smithson December 25th, 2009 at 01:05

  147. It’ll be interesting to see if all these rumours of Labour meltdown in the Midlands come true or whether they turn out a bit like that prediction of a 3% Tory lead in the last MORI poll.

    I’m in the Midlands myself, surrounded by marginal Labour seats such as Tamworth, Burton, Stafford, Cannock Chase, Warwickshire North, Derbyshire South. (My own constituency is the more boring Lichfield).

    If Labour really are heading for meltdown here, Cannock Chase might be the one to watch. It needs a swing of just over 10% - interestingly, in 1983 it was one of the Tories’ best gains - (then as Cannock & Burntwood). Labour’s excellent MP Tony Wright is standing down, and the new Labour candidate is the same person who almost defeated Michael Fabricant in Lichfield in 1997, Susan Woodward. She must be hoping she doesn’t lose by 200 votes again.

         by Andy JS December 25th, 2009 at 01:16

  148. 147 Andy - Baxter has Labour winning Cannock by 4.29%. Ladbrokes go 0.67/1 Labour, 1.1/1 Tory. Not overly generous either way.

         by Peter from Putney December 25th, 2009 at 02:20

  149. Christmas Greetings to all involved ( whether in production or reading ) at PB.

    Apologies if this has already been posted and I’ve missed it but one female who was elected unopposed was the American Babs Rathbone who was elected unopposed to represent Bodmin in 1940 following the death of her husband who was in Bomber Command.

    I will be interested to discover who the other is/was.

         by David Nuttall December 25th, 2009 at 02:26

  150. I’d just like to add my thanks to Andy for putting 1992 on Youtube! Just to add my tuppences worth, looking at it again for me the moment when you realised that the polls were horribly wrong wasn’t Basildon as that could have been a freak result but it was later when first the LDs failed failed to gain Portsmouth South and then almost immediately lost Southport and then Halitosis Man held Putney followed by Battersea staying blue that made you realize the enormity of the cock up.

    But for me the highlight was when Lamont held on to Kingston, as he went forward to make his acceptance speech the ticker flashed up “CON hold Harrogate” Thats just something which only a political junkie could appreciate!!

         by The Oncoming Storm December 25th, 2009 at 02:29

  151. Merry Christmas to all!

         by Mr Eugenides December 25th, 2009 at 02:42

  152. Feliz navidad de Buenos Aires

         by Richie Rich December 25th, 2009 at 03:01

  153. Merry christmas to everyone at PB.com from a very quiet Heathrow Airport!

         by Rob D December 25th, 2009 at 03:28

  154. Rob D - are you stuck waiting for a flight? If so I hope it’s not for too long.

         by AndyJS December 25th, 2009 at 03:37

  155. 154 - No, it’s scheduled to leave just after 6am (hopefully!)
    I am now watching the 1992 election, hah.. what a way to spend xmas morning!

         by Rob D December 25th, 2009 at 03:38

  156. I wish everybody except Gordon Brown a happy non-denominational winterval. And, to everybody except Gordon Brown, best wishes for a successful 2010.

         by PSJ December 25th, 2009 at 03:47

  157. Just wanted to wish one and all a very Merry Christmas.

    This is still the finest community of political minds on the internet, and though I get to spend a little less time here than before, I cherish the conversation and the ribaldry that is always here waiting.

    Wishing you all a wonderful and restful Christmas. One week until an election year…

         by Morus December 25th, 2009 at 03:56

  158. 147-Uhm, most of those seats are or were normally Conservative in the 1980s. Think Cannock and Warwickshire North (and Nuneaton) were the traditional Labour seats (and a much changed Derbyshire South). Is there a possibility demographic change is helping the Tories long term in these seats WWC leave the WM conurbation.
    I think the signs of the Labour meltdown will be in seats in Coventry, Birmingham (not just Edgbaston which should be an easy win), both Walsall seats (IIRC never won in 1979/83/87) - seats not won by the Tories in 1979/83/87.

         by Рeter2' December 25th, 2009 at 05:06

  159. 158 - you’re right. Both Walsall seats would be a coup for the Tories. Although Cannock Chase is different to Cannock and Burntwood, probably a bit safer, so it would be a good win for the Tories. Lab maj is over 20% at the moment there.

         by Andy JS December 25th, 2009 at 05:32

  160. Many thanks to Mike and the team for a consistantly excellent site throughout 2009. Plenty to look forward to in 2010, as has already been mentioned. The initial step towards the broad sunlit uplands to be taken in May/June, Browns’ resignation as party leader, the `rats in a sack’ fight for party leadership in the run up to the party conference. Once that is out of the way there will be an extended battle for the soul of what is left of Labour. The left are likely to be viewing the approaching electoral drubbing as an opportunity to impose their policies on the party.

    They are likely to play a long waiting game as it could be a 2 or 3 (or 4!) term Conservative period in office. All governments eventually run out of steam and the electorate tend to get bored or fed up of them and vote for a change. I just hope that when Labour eventually return to power, possibly in the mid to late 2020’s, that a relatively sane administration takes office. We can always hope!

    Happy Christmas to everyone on here!

         by Sunray December 25th, 2009 at 06:17

  161. Merry Christmas Mike and everyone else !

         by firstlight40 December 25th, 2009 at 08:35

  162. Merry Christmas to all. OGH looks the very soul of geniality. Thanks to him and to all his fellow-contributors for making possible another year of happy lurking on a wonderful site.

         by Pedornes December 25th, 2009 at 09:42

  163. 147 Andy JS - I’m based in Stourbridge (0.5% swing for Lab loss) and spend most evenings drinking in the Dudley area (Dudley North - 6.5% swing for Lab loss, Dudley South - 5.4% swing for Lab loss). Whenever the talk gets around to anything political, there doesn’t seem to be anyone with a good word for JGB or Labour.

    Oh, and a Merry Christmas to OGH and the regular posters from a lurker.

         by Foreign Tory December 25th, 2009 at 09:57

  164. Just returned from the Pub, about to sit down for the usual, Merry Xmas to you all.

    Its gonna be an interesting year!!

    Thanks for the site Mike.

         by coldstone December 25th, 2009 at 13:27

  165. Merry Christmas all and many thanks to Mike for the site.

    A message to all posters at this time and other times - Peace!

         by David Evershed December 25th, 2009 at 13:53

  166. Happy Christmas Mike

    Thanks so much for the second best site on the web (after cricinfo)

         by piechucker December 25th, 2009 at 14:01