The Coalition Viewed from the South West

The Election results were actually very similar to what I expected. But I did not expect a full blown Conservative - Liberal Coalition. I think it is the Lib Dems who are most at risk. In the South West many of their candidates have traditionally received support from members of the electorate who might well vote Labour under another election system. Already many of those who felt themselves to be broadly on the Left say they will never vote Lib Dem again. Also any successes the Government has will probably be seen as due to the Conservatives.

Whereas many Labour supporters in the South West have not really pushed things over the last few weeks in terms of opposing the Lib Dems in many constituencies I doubt that will be the case at the next General Election. If Labour play their cards right there is a substantial group of 'Left Liberal' voters who will find it very hard to vote Liberal next time.