Well, we're done. Not the biggest surprise, but then we never expected it to be.
Thanks for all your comments tonight, and for sticking with us - we hope it was worth it!
To bed....
Nigel, Nick and Dan
Friday, 27 June 2008
Howell 'humbled' by win
Henley MP John Howell is 'humbled and overjoyed' with his imposing election victory.
The Conservative candidate told the Standard: "I am absolutely overjoyed - it is a fantastic result, not just for but for the Conservative party as a whole.
"From the beginning of the campaign we didn't believe there is a safe seat for any party, and that is still my view. We have all worked extremely hard.
"Tomorrow the hard work begins. I am looking forward to getting into the House of Commons and starting work as soon as possible.
"I want to get on with dealing with the problems facing people I have spoken to during my campaigning.
"Tomorrow I'm off on an away day with the Conservative party to discuss policies for the general election, which of course can't come soon enough for us.
"My message for the people of Henley is one of great thanks. I am humbled by the number of votes I received, and the size of the majority. I am delighted voters have had such trust in me and all I can say is that I won't let them down."
The Conservative candidate told the Standard: "I am absolutely overjoyed - it is a fantastic result, not just for but for the Conservative party as a whole.
"From the beginning of the campaign we didn't believe there is a safe seat for any party, and that is still my view. We have all worked extremely hard.
"Tomorrow the hard work begins. I am looking forward to getting into the House of Commons and starting work as soon as possible.
"I want to get on with dealing with the problems facing people I have spoken to during my campaigning.
"Tomorrow I'm off on an away day with the Conservative party to discuss policies for the general election, which of course can't come soon enough for us.
"My message for the people of Henley is one of great thanks. I am humbled by the number of votes I received, and the size of the majority. I am delighted voters have had such trust in me and all I can say is that I won't let them down."
The numbers
Here's the figures:
John Michael Howell- Conservative : 19,796
Stephen Andrew Kearney- Lib Dem: 9,680
Mark Christopher Stevenson - Green: 1,321
Timothy Sylvester Rait - BNP: 1,243
Richard Mark McKenzie - Labour: 1,066
Christopher Mark Adams -UKIP: 843
Peter Thomas Owen - Loony : 242
John Derek Allpass - English Democrats : 157
Amanda Jayne Harrington - Independent: 128
Richard Rodgers - Common Good: 121
Louise Anne Cole - Independent: 91
James Christopher Poole - Fur Play: 73
A few incidents of note as the figures came out. A few shouted insults and a chorus of boos greeted the BNP's surprising turnout.
John Howell's response to the win was understated at best. No shows of flamboyance from the Tories.
The final image on the stage was of the Ravig Loony candidate, Bananaman, attempting to give his thanks as the mikes appeared to have been switched off, and the other candidates slinked off unbeknown to him.
John Michael Howell- Conservative : 19,796
Stephen Andrew Kearney- Lib Dem: 9,680
Mark Christopher Stevenson - Green: 1,321
Timothy Sylvester Rait - BNP: 1,243
Richard Mark McKenzie - Labour: 1,066
Christopher Mark Adams -UKIP: 843
Peter Thomas Owen - Loony : 242
John Derek Allpass - English Democrats : 157
Amanda Jayne Harrington - Independent: 128
Richard Rodgers - Common Good: 121
Louise Anne Cole - Independent: 91
James Christopher Poole - Fur Play: 73
A few incidents of note as the figures came out. A few shouted insults and a chorus of boos greeted the BNP's surprising turnout.
John Howell's response to the win was understated at best. No shows of flamboyance from the Tories.
The final image on the stage was of the Ravig Loony candidate, Bananaman, attempting to give his thanks as the mikes appeared to have been switched off, and the other candidates slinked off unbeknown to him.
Conservative win
Conservatives win the Henley by-election, but Lib Dems slightly reduce the party's majority.
Henley MP John Howell thanks the voters for the 'great trust they have placed in me'.
Labour forced into fifth by Mark Stevenson, the Green Party candidate, and BNP in what is a shocking result for Gordon Brown
All results, reaction and figures to follow.
Dan Hearn.
Henley MP John Howell thanks the voters for the 'great trust they have placed in me'.
Labour forced into fifth by Mark Stevenson, the Green Party candidate, and BNP in what is a shocking result for Gordon Brown
All results, reaction and figures to follow.
Dan Hearn.
A river runs through it
The Prime Minister out of touch? Surely not. Surely Mr B knows what's going on in Henley?
Apparently, (and happily) yes.
Politics, after all, is about nuance, isn't it? And Mr Brown knows that Henley equals regatta equals river, right?
And your correspondent tonight has learned from the highest authority here in Thame (a local Labour MP) that after receiving various dispatches on how things were going in Henley.
The PM replied, he said: "I hear we've had a good campaign for lock-keepers in Henley."
The moment has come.....declaration about to be made....
Apparently, (and happily) yes.
Politics, after all, is about nuance, isn't it? And Mr Brown knows that Henley equals regatta equals river, right?
And your correspondent tonight has learned from the highest authority here in Thame (a local Labour MP) that after receiving various dispatches on how things were going in Henley.
The PM replied, he said: "I hear we've had a good campaign for lock-keepers in Henley."
The moment has come.....declaration about to be made....
A sad farewell?
Crazed paparazzi clambering over each other in the confines of Thame Leisure Centre can mean only one thing - the Miss Great Britain ladies are here.
Elections can be far too stodgy and serious at the best of times, and even the biggest cynic would be hard pressed to deny they've brought glamour and humour to proceedings. Much like the Loonies, who are also here, though perhaps less beauty from them.
But I bring bad news - both Louise Cole and Amanda Harrington have just confirmed that this will be their last election - providing, of course, they don't win.
Both told me they had great fun, learnt a lot but feel they should let someone else have a go.
Honourable intentions undoubtedly, but this hack for one mourns their premature retirement from politics.
Elections can be far too stodgy and serious at the best of times, and even the biggest cynic would be hard pressed to deny they've brought glamour and humour to proceedings. Much like the Loonies, who are also here, though perhaps less beauty from them.
But I bring bad news - both Louise Cole and Amanda Harrington have just confirmed that this will be their last election - providing, of course, they don't win.
Both told me they had great fun, learnt a lot but feel they should let someone else have a go.
Honourable intentions undoubtedly, but this hack for one mourns their premature retirement from politics.
Result due at 1.30 a.m!
Which would be magnificent, given the ludicrous finish of 4.30 a.m. in 2005.
So here's hoping - stick with us, for it seems the result is nigh!
So here's hoping - stick with us, for it seems the result is nigh!
Official figures hit
The official figures have hit. A turnout of 34,915, equalling 50.5%. Quite a significant drop from 2005's total of 67.9%.
Meanwhile the atmosphere at the different party camps is intriguing to say the least.
The labour contingent has the look about them of a man laughing on the way to the gallows. Party members are making no attempt to hide the fact that their deposit seems destined to go the way of the dodo. However their staunch positivity is fascinating.
Meanwhile, Monster Raving Loony Party candidate Peter Owen (Bananaman) is strolling amongst the counters as if it's completely normal to have a novelty inflatable atop one's head. He said that he wanted to make sure no-one was cheating his party out of a win. Loony? Defintely. Entertaining? Undoubtably.
To all those staying with us into the early hours, apologies if our blog can't match the frantic pace you would like. Fast blogging with the internet connection available is as easy as swimming through peanut-butter.
Meanwhile the atmosphere at the different party camps is intriguing to say the least.
The labour contingent has the look about them of a man laughing on the way to the gallows. Party members are making no attempt to hide the fact that their deposit seems destined to go the way of the dodo. However their staunch positivity is fascinating.
Meanwhile, Monster Raving Loony Party candidate Peter Owen (Bananaman) is strolling amongst the counters as if it's completely normal to have a novelty inflatable atop one's head. He said that he wanted to make sure no-one was cheating his party out of a win. Loony? Defintely. Entertaining? Undoubtably.
To all those staying with us into the early hours, apologies if our blog can't match the frantic pace you would like. Fast blogging with the internet connection available is as easy as swimming through peanut-butter.
A Tory landslide?
Maybe.
A tired Tory canvasser - up since 4 a.m. this morning, apparently - is claiming his party have 64 per cent of the doorstep pledges. That's serious landslide territory.
Though of course such statistics can mean everything, or absolutely nothing. Voter turnout already looks significantly less than 2005, which takes a considerable sheen off such declarations.
Still, UKIP seem confident. Their American-sounding party official - surely there is an irony there, somewhere? - seems to think his party could beat Labour. Which would be some achievement for a party until now best known for an endorsement from perma-tanned television legend Robert Kilroy-Silk. And even he defected.
Tight lipped officials still dominate proceedings, though I'm sure that will soon change. We're still on for a 2 a.m. result, people.
A tired Tory canvasser - up since 4 a.m. this morning, apparently - is claiming his party have 64 per cent of the doorstep pledges. That's serious landslide territory.
Though of course such statistics can mean everything, or absolutely nothing. Voter turnout already looks significantly less than 2005, which takes a considerable sheen off such declarations.
Still, UKIP seem confident. Their American-sounding party official - surely there is an irony there, somewhere? - seems to think his party could beat Labour. Which would be some achievement for a party until now best known for an endorsement from perma-tanned television legend Robert Kilroy-Silk. And even he defected.
Tight lipped officials still dominate proceedings, though I'm sure that will soon change. We're still on for a 2 a.m. result, people.
I overheard it on the grapevine...
I shouldn't have but I did. There are far more sophisticated commentators here than your humble trio of correspondents. These are, of course, the usual suspects: BBC, ITV, assorted dailies and regionals and, oh, yes, the man from Sky. I saw him in the gents putting on his make-up (strictly on screen stuff of course). But don't these people have trailers to go to. But the pundit I latched on to, well, overheard, actually, was one on his mobile to someone - was it a phone-in?
You can't tell here - they - the media - could all be talking on a phone-in for all we can tell or they just might be talking to their mums. You don't know....Anyway, as I was saying, my man on the mobile was saying no, this was not a marginal seat. Marginal? The fact the guy was even mentioning the 'M' word speaks volumes. People have habitually voted Conservative in Henley. It's a way of life. And a way of life practically as old as the Thames.
Henley has been Tory since the constituency was created in the last but one century (a Liberal got in in 1906 without the Democrat appendage, of course). But man on the mobile was saying Labour's vote here has drained away spectacularly and the PM 'won't be pleased'. But will D Cameron be chuffed with the result here tonight.
That's the burning question here tonight in Thame.....
You can't tell here - they - the media - could all be talking on a phone-in for all we can tell or they just might be talking to their mums. You don't know....Anyway, as I was saying, my man on the mobile was saying no, this was not a marginal seat. Marginal? The fact the guy was even mentioning the 'M' word speaks volumes. People have habitually voted Conservative in Henley. It's a way of life. And a way of life practically as old as the Thames.
Henley has been Tory since the constituency was created in the last but one century (a Liberal got in in 1906 without the Democrat appendage, of course). But man on the mobile was saying Labour's vote here has drained away spectacularly and the PM 'won't be pleased'. But will D Cameron be chuffed with the result here tonight.
That's the burning question here tonight in Thame.....
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Dare we believe?
And, right on cue, we have an answer to erstwhile comment-maker (I warned you of my illiteracy) Chris Smith's question.
Acting returning officer David Buckle has just told me he will be 'extremely disappointed' if we don't have the result by 2 a.m. So everything, it would appear, is coming together nicely. Though a wise man did once warn us that the best laid plans of mice and men...
So best stick with us - if anything changes we will be sure to warn you and give you good reason to cave into pressure and go to bed. A luxury, I may add, that we don't have. Though Costa Coffee (and Harry Bear's free-flowing red wine) is doing a commendable job at keeping us sated.
The policemen, doing a sterling job, also admit to wanting an early finish...
Acting returning officer David Buckle has just told me he will be 'extremely disappointed' if we don't have the result by 2 a.m. So everything, it would appear, is coming together nicely. Though a wise man did once warn us that the best laid plans of mice and men...
So best stick with us - if anything changes we will be sure to warn you and give you good reason to cave into pressure and go to bed. A luxury, I may add, that we don't have. Though Costa Coffee (and Harry Bear's free-flowing red wine) is doing a commendable job at keeping us sated.
The policemen, doing a sterling job, also admit to wanting an early finish...
Teddy's predictions prove fruitful
And they are all here. 11:35 and the last box hits the hall floor. The rabbit is off and the political greyhounds are scampering after it.
Meanwhile, the amiable, wine supping Teddy Bear candidate gave the Standard his predictions as to the voter turnout. His prediction? A drop to 'around 50%' once the majority of boxes are in.
As if on cue, we are informed that the estmated turnout after all but three boxes is...50%. The man may be furry, but he seems to have his finger on the voters pulse.
What does a drop in turnout like this mean for the parties? It will certainly raise the eyebrows of the big-hitters. Suddenly the absent-minded vote can no longer be depended on. Perhaps we can expect a tighter race.
The beads of sweat visible on brows could be due to the hall temperature (which is bordering on equatorial), or perhaps nerves are kicking in.
Meanwhile, the amiable, wine supping Teddy Bear candidate gave the Standard his predictions as to the voter turnout. His prediction? A drop to 'around 50%' once the majority of boxes are in.
As if on cue, we are informed that the estmated turnout after all but three boxes is...50%. The man may be furry, but he seems to have his finger on the voters pulse.
What does a drop in turnout like this mean for the parties? It will certainly raise the eyebrows of the big-hitters. Suddenly the absent-minded vote can no longer be depended on. Perhaps we can expect a tighter race.
The beads of sweat visible on brows could be due to the hall temperature (which is bordering on equatorial), or perhaps nerves are kicking in.
Where for art thou, candidates?
More candidates are filtering in, with the BNP's Tim Rait the most recent to be spotted moving among the throngs of press, public and campaigners.
High profile Reading MP Martin Salter is also here, bristling with enthusiasm and sporting a beaming grin, though no sign of candidate Richard McKenzie.
And still no sighting of Messrs Howell and Kearney, the two front-runners (at least in the eyes of Ladbrokes, and you never see a poor bookie, do you?)
The count is moving on at speed, with the last ballot (voila!) box expected in ten minutes. Then the serious job begins.
And, at risk of engulfing you in a tidal wave of pro-Fur Play Party propaganda, I am pleased to anounce we have officially joined their exclusive wine circle. The evening should now move on at a great, and increasingly enjoyable, pace..
High profile Reading MP Martin Salter is also here, bristling with enthusiasm and sporting a beaming grin, though no sign of candidate Richard McKenzie.
And still no sighting of Messrs Howell and Kearney, the two front-runners (at least in the eyes of Ladbrokes, and you never see a poor bookie, do you?)
The count is moving on at speed, with the last ballot (voila!) box expected in ten minutes. Then the serious job begins.
And, at risk of engulfing you in a tidal wave of pro-Fur Play Party propaganda, I am pleased to anounce we have officially joined their exclusive wine circle. The evening should now move on at a great, and increasingly enjoyable, pace..
Bearing all . . .
It must be post-election fever - well, polling did close just under an hour ago - or it may be that all that English eccentricity that flows in the wake of any by-election - but when I meet candidate Harry Bear's alter-ego, writer Richard Heller, when he and his entourage of very nice friends arrive in Thame for the count, the bear jokes flow thick and fast.
Mr Heller benevolently parries my 'bear-faced cheek' type jibes with a knowing smile but finally comes out with the killer pay-off line from any candidate who seems well . . . a touch eccentric.
I ask him how it's gone. "Book selling well?" I say (Harry Bear is the hero of a children's book). "I'll not know that," he counters, "until after the election.
"But I tell you what," he adds, candidly. "As far as publicity goes this has been the best £500 I've ever spent."
Mr Heller benevolently parries my 'bear-faced cheek' type jibes with a knowing smile but finally comes out with the killer pay-off line from any candidate who seems well . . . a touch eccentric.
I ask him how it's gone. "Book selling well?" I say (Harry Bear is the hero of a children's book). "I'll not know that," he counters, "until after the election.
"But I tell you what," he adds, candidly. "As far as publicity goes this has been the best £500 I've ever spent."
Turnout estimates
Just as the rain started falling the ballot boxes started really flying in and the count is well and truly underway.
After 6 boxes a turnout estimation has been made at 55%, a 12.9% drop from 2005. Of course this isn't the final figure, but it appears the aggressive politics on show may have served to dissuade those 'on the fence' voters. Bad news for the Tories? Time will tell.
The hall is now a hive of rosettes and clipboards as the necessarily meticulous counting process takes place. Fingers are crossed that everything goes to plan and recounts don't lead to the red-eyed early hours.
After 6 boxes a turnout estimation has been made at 55%, a 12.9% drop from 2005. Of course this isn't the final figure, but it appears the aggressive politics on show may have served to dissuade those 'on the fence' voters. Bad news for the Tories? Time will tell.
The hall is now a hive of rosettes and clipboards as the necessarily meticulous counting process takes place. Fingers are crossed that everything goes to plan and recounts don't lead to the red-eyed early hours.
First ballott box...
...is now in the safe and capable hands of David Buckle and the official counting team.
The Conservatives (well, one official) appear in bullish mood, telling everyone in earshot within the press area that 'all things have gone to plan'. He even bemoaned the Lib Dem's campaign, suggesting the party had adopted Boris as political tool in a bid to 'confuse voters'.
That's all very well, but much more to my my liking is the Fur Play party, who have set up camp for the night just feet from our table. Amiable bunch they might be, but it's the seeimngly endless bottles of wine they have bought that's attracted my attention.
The bar here closes at 11 p.m, and the wine ain't cheap. Methinks these are some people we should get to know better...
Oh, and the count has begun, but council and party officials - bar the gentleman above - are still reluctant to speculate on the day's proceedings.
The Conservatives (well, one official) appear in bullish mood, telling everyone in earshot within the press area that 'all things have gone to plan'. He even bemoaned the Lib Dem's campaign, suggesting the party had adopted Boris as political tool in a bid to 'confuse voters'.
That's all very well, but much more to my my liking is the Fur Play party, who have set up camp for the night just feet from our table. Amiable bunch they might be, but it's the seeimngly endless bottles of wine they have bought that's attracted my attention.
The bar here closes at 11 p.m, and the wine ain't cheap. Methinks these are some people we should get to know better...
Oh, and the count has begun, but council and party officials - bar the gentleman above - are still reluctant to speculate on the day's proceedings.
Candidates are arriving
Mark Stephenson, the Green candidate has arrived in time with the postal votes. Thus begins the laborious verification process, where the votes are recounted to check that none have been lost 'in transit'. Fingers crossed, this should proceed smoothly and once the first couple of ballot boxes arrive they are mixed with the postal votes and counted by party.
From then it's all about watching the parties' vote piles to see who sets off at a healthy canter, and who stumbles at the first fence.
Harry Bear has also arrived. Harder to recognise without the bear suit, choosing a suit and a smile for the big night.
From then it's all about watching the parties' vote piles to see who sets off at a healthy canter, and who stumbles at the first fence.
Harry Bear has also arrived. Harder to recognise without the bear suit, choosing a suit and a smile for the big night.
And they start to arrive...
The Conservatives are here - at least some of them, anyway..
The blue rosette pinned to their chest gives the game away. How do they look? Completely normal, actually - neither happy or sad, elated or depressed. Giving absolutely nothing away, which is of no help to us and, probably, no interest to you.
Still no sign of any candidate, though the car park is filling up.
And the voting has now officially ended, with election officials predicting the last ballott boxes will arrive here at about 11.30 p.m. The first, we hear, should arrive in ten minutes...
The blue rosette pinned to their chest gives the game away. How do they look? Completely normal, actually - neither happy or sad, elated or depressed. Giving absolutely nothing away, which is of no help to us and, probably, no interest to you.
Still no sign of any candidate, though the car park is filling up.
And the voting has now officially ended, with election officials predicting the last ballott boxes will arrive here at about 11.30 p.m. The first, we hear, should arrive in ten minutes...
The most powerful man in Thame....
With just two TV vans in the car park at Thame Leisure Centre and a long night ahead (and no media feeding frenzy yet in sight) your correspondents encountered arguably the most powerful man of the night, David Buckle, returning officer and chief executive of South Oxfordshire District Council.
David is a seasoned hand at this kind of thing and was looking calm and collected considering he will be the man who will tell us at around 3am who the next Member of Parliament for Henley will actually be. So how does he prepare for the occasion? Well tonight he was enjoying a cappuccino and watching the Russia versus Spain Euro 2008 semi-final. By the time, Spain were 2-0 up in the 74th minute, the indefatigable Mr Buckle was in the cavernous main hall, supervising last minute adjustments to make sure everything goes right on the night.
By 9.40pm with 20 minutes before the polls close, the 62 vote counters were in and being briefed and someone whispered that the British National Party are in the building. Wonder how he's done? A party official claims they have done well and knocked Labour in to fourth place?
Mr Buckle is inscrutable as are the vote counters, seasoned officials and paid volunteers and those who are here at a by-election for the first time. Ten minutes ago, the atmosphere in the leisure centre was muted, quiet. Everyone has left the swimming pool where the waters and now calm and undisturbed.
Will the Lib-Dems make waves? Hold on to your lifebelts, we could be in for a ripple if not a political tsunami?
David is a seasoned hand at this kind of thing and was looking calm and collected considering he will be the man who will tell us at around 3am who the next Member of Parliament for Henley will actually be. So how does he prepare for the occasion? Well tonight he was enjoying a cappuccino and watching the Russia versus Spain Euro 2008 semi-final. By the time, Spain were 2-0 up in the 74th minute, the indefatigable Mr Buckle was in the cavernous main hall, supervising last minute adjustments to make sure everything goes right on the night.
By 9.40pm with 20 minutes before the polls close, the 62 vote counters were in and being briefed and someone whispered that the British National Party are in the building. Wonder how he's done? A party official claims they have done well and knocked Labour in to fourth place?
Mr Buckle is inscrutable as are the vote counters, seasoned officials and paid volunteers and those who are here at a by-election for the first time. Ten minutes ago, the atmosphere in the leisure centre was muted, quiet. Everyone has left the swimming pool where the waters and now calm and undisturbed.
Will the Lib-Dems make waves? Hold on to your lifebelts, we could be in for a ripple if not a political tsunami?
Speculation and Rumours.
We were promised all 191 Conservative MPs would descend on the constituency today.
It never happened.
Instead, the only visible candidates, as far as we are aware, were the ever reliable Monster Raving Loony Party, riding on a wave of idealistic patriotism and perceived 'craziness', and the two Miss Great Britain Party candidates, resplendent in their well chosen attire.
Could it be suggested the Messrs Cameron and Howell are not as concerned about the election result as some commentators had hinted?
A spirited Lib Dem campaign has certainly got people talking - for a host of reasons - but, in all probablilty, the best Stephen Kearney can hope for is to eat away at the 12,500 majority enjoyed by Boris Johnson in 2005. Whether or not he can do that is something we can merely speculate on at the moment - officials here at Thame Leisure Centre remain tight lipped about today's polling.
Still, a bit of good news for us all to enjoy. The coffee shop here is open for the duration. Happy days.
It never happened.
Instead, the only visible candidates, as far as we are aware, were the ever reliable Monster Raving Loony Party, riding on a wave of idealistic patriotism and perceived 'craziness', and the two Miss Great Britain Party candidates, resplendent in their well chosen attire.
Could it be suggested the Messrs Cameron and Howell are not as concerned about the election result as some commentators had hinted?
A spirited Lib Dem campaign has certainly got people talking - for a host of reasons - but, in all probablilty, the best Stephen Kearney can hope for is to eat away at the 12,500 majority enjoyed by Boris Johnson in 2005. Whether or not he can do that is something we can merely speculate on at the moment - officials here at Thame Leisure Centre remain tight lipped about today's polling.
Still, a bit of good news for us all to enjoy. The coffee shop here is open for the duration. Happy days.
It Begins
Necks were craned and eyebrows raised as the imposing Henley Standard team made its arrival at Thame Leisure Centre for the count.
It's set to be a long night in a room filled with the scent of nerves and chlorine. The votes are still coming in and will do so for another hour and a quarter. The question is, will Henley's voters be able to fight their way through the mound of leaflets on their doorstep and make it to the polls on time?
One public criticism of the parties' canvassing has been the excessive use of leaflets and door knocking. Will this breed voter apathy?
That's the question. Answers to follow.
It's set to be a long night in a room filled with the scent of nerves and chlorine. The votes are still coming in and will do so for another hour and a quarter. The question is, will Henley's voters be able to fight their way through the mound of leaflets on their doorstep and make it to the polls on time?
One public criticism of the parties' canvassing has been the excessive use of leaflets and door knocking. Will this breed voter apathy?
That's the question. Answers to follow.
Halfway through and 'all is well'
David Buckle, from SODC, reports that everything is going to plan as polling day reaches the halfway point.
On his blog - which you can find at http://www.henleybyelection.blogspot.com/ - he says: "So far everything is going smoothly.
"All polling stations were open by 7.00 and only one member of staff failed to show up, due to an overnight problem. Inspectors are out and about but have not reported anything untoward yet, just the usual miscellany of polling booths that are broken/won't stay up and signs that are missing or in the wrong place.
"Soon I'm off to Thame to check that everything is being set up OK and to do the penultimate postal vote opening. We've had almost exactly two-thirds back, with a few more to come later day, probably a little less than we might have predicted."
The estimated time of the result is still around 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. tomorrow morning.
There best be a coffee shop there.
On his blog - which you can find at http://www.henleybyelection.blogspot.com/ - he says: "So far everything is going smoothly.
"All polling stations were open by 7.00 and only one member of staff failed to show up, due to an overnight problem. Inspectors are out and about but have not reported anything untoward yet, just the usual miscellany of polling booths that are broken/won't stay up and signs that are missing or in the wrong place.
"Soon I'm off to Thame to check that everything is being set up OK and to do the penultimate postal vote opening. We've had almost exactly two-thirds back, with a few more to come later day, probably a little less than we might have predicted."
The estimated time of the result is still around 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. tomorrow morning.
There best be a coffee shop there.
Shock! Horror! Loonies exploit the Boris factor!
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, to give it its full moniker, has already livened up the Henley by-election campaign by its promise, if elected, to fill the Thames with crocs, but its campaign memorabilia also shows an originality sadly lacking among other candidates.
While the Loonies attract all kinds of looks - disgust, pity, admiration, to name a few - among potential voters, as candidate Mr Bananaman swanned around Henley in his large, yellow Mad-Hatter top hat, the Loonies self-styled leader, Alun 'Howlin' Laud' Hope, was busy during the campaign handing out large metal lapel badges.
These showed a gloriously, yellow haystack-topped Boris Johnson, before he came over all posh and statesmanlike and became London mayor (and got a haircut), with the caption, "Vote Loonies". Nice bit of exploitation that. With all that talk of 'we will sue' from Tories over Lib-Dem campaign literature featuring Boris, you could be forgiven for thinking that the adorable Loonies could shortly expect a stiff letter from solicitors Sue, Grabbit and Run. But then again, the so-called main parties, in the so-called two-horse race, could surprise us all and show a bit of a sense of humour.
While the Loonies attract all kinds of looks - disgust, pity, admiration, to name a few - among potential voters, as candidate Mr Bananaman swanned around Henley in his large, yellow Mad-Hatter top hat, the Loonies self-styled leader, Alun 'Howlin' Laud' Hope, was busy during the campaign handing out large metal lapel badges.
These showed a gloriously, yellow haystack-topped Boris Johnson, before he came over all posh and statesmanlike and became London mayor (and got a haircut), with the caption, "Vote Loonies". Nice bit of exploitation that. With all that talk of 'we will sue' from Tories over Lib-Dem campaign literature featuring Boris, you could be forgiven for thinking that the adorable Loonies could shortly expect a stiff letter from solicitors Sue, Grabbit and Run. But then again, the so-called main parties, in the so-called two-horse race, could surprise us all and show a bit of a sense of humour.
Miss Great Britain Party - how to canvass?
While most political parties are rampaging through south Oxfordshire today, trying to prise every last vote from the electorate, one party has tried a different tact.
Amanda Harrington and Louise Cole, of the Miss Great Britain Party, were seen at Phyllis Court this lunchtime unveiling Live Luggage, a new motorised suitcase designed and engineered by a Henley company.
The pair gamely wheeled the innovation around the building to prove its effectiveness, much to the obvious pleasure of technology buffs no doubt mesmerised by its mechanical dexterity.
Though perhaps not the greatest canvassing method in the world, they certainly made it an event to remember for some audience members.
Amanda Harrington and Louise Cole, of the Miss Great Britain Party, were seen at Phyllis Court this lunchtime unveiling Live Luggage, a new motorised suitcase designed and engineered by a Henley company.
The pair gamely wheeled the innovation around the building to prove its effectiveness, much to the obvious pleasure of technology buffs no doubt mesmerised by its mechanical dexterity.
Though perhaps not the greatest canvassing method in the world, they certainly made it an event to remember for some audience members.
Lost deposit?
South Oxfordshire District Council chief executive David Buckle expects around 40,000 votes will be cast in the by-election, meaning candidates will have to hit 2,000 to keep their deposit.
About 5,000 postal votes have been returned to the district council - approximately 75 per cent - and 71 per cent of those polled by the Standard say they will head to the ballot box today.
Despite some fears of voter apathy, early indications suggest turnout might be higher than predicted.
We shall find out later.
About 5,000 postal votes have been returned to the district council - approximately 75 per cent - and 71 per cent of those polled by the Standard say they will head to the ballot box today.
Despite some fears of voter apathy, early indications suggest turnout might be higher than predicted.
We shall find out later.
And so it begins...
The polls are open.
Voters across the constituency are finally making their decision on who they want to represent them after what has been, in all honesty, an extremely drawn-out campaign.
Expect to see out and about all the candidates and plenty of Conservatives and Lib Dem MPs - both party leaders have ushered them to the constituency to help pick-up last minute votes - and revel in the general panic and confusion which traditionally accompanies these elections.
Throughout the day we'll keep you up to date with everything happening around South Oxfordshire, before heading over to Thame tonight for the count.
Estimated timing for the result is anywhere between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. tomorrow morning. That is, of course, if everything goes to plan.....
More soon.
Voters across the constituency are finally making their decision on who they want to represent them after what has been, in all honesty, an extremely drawn-out campaign.
Expect to see out and about all the candidates and plenty of Conservatives and Lib Dem MPs - both party leaders have ushered them to the constituency to help pick-up last minute votes - and revel in the general panic and confusion which traditionally accompanies these elections.
Throughout the day we'll keep you up to date with everything happening around South Oxfordshire, before heading over to Thame tonight for the count.
Estimated timing for the result is anywhere between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. tomorrow morning. That is, of course, if everything goes to plan.....
More soon.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Orders from on high?
Just as the by-election in Henley seemed to be tucked up for the night and journalists, candidates and probably the voters themselves were all nodding off, along came David Cameron with not a suggestion, not a cajoling - not even a pleading - but an order that all 191 MPs had to get themselves to the constituency on polling day.
What was in Cameron's mind? We may never know. Was it panic that the Lid Dems are doing a teensy-bit better than the Tories anticipated?
Who knows? What is for sure is that the Henley Standard will bring the by-election news as it happens. Watch this space.....
What was in Cameron's mind? We may never know. Was it panic that the Lid Dems are doing a teensy-bit better than the Tories anticipated?
Who knows? What is for sure is that the Henley Standard will bring the by-election news as it happens. Watch this space.....
Labour's Loves Lost?
According to Sportingbet.com, there doesn't seem to be any doubt as to the by-election's results. The website's odds for a Conservative victory are 1/100, with the Lib Dem's trailing at 16/1.
It would seem that the site doesn't hold high hopes for the Labour contingent, giving odds of 500/1 for a result in favour of Richard McKenzie.
Worth a punt?
It would seem that the site doesn't hold high hopes for the Labour contingent, giving odds of 500/1 for a result in favour of Richard McKenzie.
Worth a punt?
Hot Gossip
Almost certainly the tastiest opinion poll being conducted tomorrow - though perhaps not the most accurate - will be at Henley's Hot Gossip coffee shop.
Owner Lorraine Hillier tells us she is preparing cup cakes with Conservative and Liberal Democrat logos - as both are the perceived front runners - and will see which ones sell out first!
Owner Lorraine Hillier tells us she is preparing cup cakes with Conservative and Liberal Democrat logos - as both are the perceived front runners - and will see which ones sell out first!
David Buckle
Preparations are in place for tomorrow's by-election, South Oxfordshire District Council chief executive David Buckle has said.
Speaking on his blog at http://henleybyelection.blogspot.com/, Mr. Buckle said his staff are dealing with an estimated 5,000 postal votes and have found 'no problems' so far.
He adds: "Polling stations are all lined up and the ballot boxes are ready. There's 78 in all -we have 78 polling stations in about 70 locations. This is because some locations have more than one polling station. The boxes get picked up tomorrow so the council offices will be a hive of activity as presiding officers come and go.
"Everything in running this election is important but getting the count right is probably top of the list. We've never used Thame Leisure Centre before so there's an element of the unknown but we're planning as best we can.
"The first main issue is going to be getting the cars with ballot boxes down the drive without being held up. We have Thames Valley Police working with us on traffic control so hopefully everything will go smoothly.
"I'm told that at the recent Crewe by-election Cheshire police set up a cordon round the count, including an armed response unit. We're a bit more laid back in Oxfordshire obviously - we have two police officers and two PCSOs on duty on the night."
Speaking on his blog at http://henleybyelection.blogspot.com/, Mr. Buckle said his staff are dealing with an estimated 5,000 postal votes and have found 'no problems' so far.
He adds: "Polling stations are all lined up and the ballot boxes are ready. There's 78 in all -we have 78 polling stations in about 70 locations. This is because some locations have more than one polling station. The boxes get picked up tomorrow so the council offices will be a hive of activity as presiding officers come and go.
"Everything in running this election is important but getting the count right is probably top of the list. We've never used Thame Leisure Centre before so there's an element of the unknown but we're planning as best we can.
"The first main issue is going to be getting the cars with ballot boxes down the drive without being held up. We have Thames Valley Police working with us on traffic control so hopefully everything will go smoothly.
"I'm told that at the recent Crewe by-election Cheshire police set up a cordon round the count, including an armed response unit. We're a bit more laid back in Oxfordshire obviously - we have two police officers and two PCSOs on duty on the night."
Latest Odds
Ladbrokes.com has released the latest odds for the three main parties in the Henley by-election.
As of Wednesday lunch time, the candidate's odds are:
John Howell (Conservative) - 1/25
Richard McKenzie (Labour) - 100/1
Stephen Kearney (Lib Dem) - 8/1
In an interesting twist, the bookmaker has also offered 1/5 on Mr. McKenzie losing his election deposit - the lowest it has ever offered for a major party candidate. You can get 7/2 on him retaining it.
As of Wednesday lunch time, the candidate's odds are:
John Howell (Conservative) - 1/25
Richard McKenzie (Labour) - 100/1
Stephen Kearney (Lib Dem) - 8/1
In an interesting twist, the bookmaker has also offered 1/5 on Mr. McKenzie losing his election deposit - the lowest it has ever offered for a major party candidate. You can get 7/2 on him retaining it.
The Countdown
The Henley constituency goes to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) to elect a replacement for Boris Johnson, who resigned his seat after winning the London mayoral race.
As befits a traditional Tory stronghold, Conservative candidate John Howell is the clear favourite. But Lib Dem Stephen Kearney has fought a thorough and aggressive battle, and analysts believe he is the only candidate who can realistically challenge the Tories.
Labour's Richard McKenzie is, if opinion polls and commentators are to be believed, a rank outsider, with many claiming he may even lose his £500 deposit by failing to canvass the required five per cent of votes.
The Henley Standard will be at the count in Thame tomorrow night, regularly updating this blog with all the comings and goings, and will announce the result as soon as it comes through.
Please feel free to post your opinions and views on all that happens throughout the next 48 hours.
The full list of candidates:
1. Louise Anne Cole, Independent 8 Crookham Road, Fulham, SW6 9EQ
2. Amanda J Harrington, Independent 30 Lincoln Drive, Aintree, Liverpool, L10 3LL
3. John Michael Howell, The Conservative Party Candidate3 Green Lane, Warborough, Oxon, OX10 7DY
4. Stephen Andrew Kearney, Liberal Democrats The Annexe, 13 Aston Park, Aston Rowant, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5XW
5. Richard Mark McKenzie, The Labour Party Candidate 63A Hamilton Road, Reading, RG1 5RA
6. Timothy Sylvester Rait, British National Party 19 Priors Wood, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 1NF
7. Mark Christopher Stevenson, The Green Party The Flat, 28A High Street, Dorchester on Thames, OX10 7HN
8. Chris Adams, UK Independence Party 29 Whitehead Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 8LR
9. Derek Allpass, English Democrats Flat 3, The Heights, Henley Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2DQ
10. Bananaman Owen, Monster Raving Loony 58 Reeds Avenue, Earley, Reading, RG6 5SR
11. Dick Rodgers, The Common Good 63 Meadow Brook Road, Birmingham B31 1ND
12. Harry Bear, Fur Play Party Brickfields House, Brickfields, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, HA2 0JG
As befits a traditional Tory stronghold, Conservative candidate John Howell is the clear favourite. But Lib Dem Stephen Kearney has fought a thorough and aggressive battle, and analysts believe he is the only candidate who can realistically challenge the Tories.
Labour's Richard McKenzie is, if opinion polls and commentators are to be believed, a rank outsider, with many claiming he may even lose his £500 deposit by failing to canvass the required five per cent of votes.
The Henley Standard will be at the count in Thame tomorrow night, regularly updating this blog with all the comings and goings, and will announce the result as soon as it comes through.
Please feel free to post your opinions and views on all that happens throughout the next 48 hours.
The full list of candidates:
1. Louise Anne Cole, Independent 8 Crookham Road, Fulham, SW6 9EQ
2. Amanda J Harrington, Independent 30 Lincoln Drive, Aintree, Liverpool, L10 3LL
3. John Michael Howell, The Conservative Party Candidate3 Green Lane, Warborough, Oxon, OX10 7DY
4. Stephen Andrew Kearney, Liberal Democrats The Annexe, 13 Aston Park, Aston Rowant, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5XW
5. Richard Mark McKenzie, The Labour Party Candidate 63A Hamilton Road, Reading, RG1 5RA
6. Timothy Sylvester Rait, British National Party 19 Priors Wood, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 1NF
7. Mark Christopher Stevenson, The Green Party The Flat, 28A High Street, Dorchester on Thames, OX10 7HN
8. Chris Adams, UK Independence Party 29 Whitehead Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 8LR
9. Derek Allpass, English Democrats Flat 3, The Heights, Henley Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2DQ
10. Bananaman Owen, Monster Raving Loony 58 Reeds Avenue, Earley, Reading, RG6 5SR
11. Dick Rodgers, The Common Good 63 Meadow Brook Road, Birmingham B31 1ND
12. Harry Bear, Fur Play Party Brickfields House, Brickfields, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, HA2 0JG
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