According to the experts, the Conservatives might not have won this election
- Text by Michael Segalov
- Photography by Theo McInnes
Exit polls are not accurate. They get things wrong a lot of the time. But they’re the best indicator we have, by far, of what the UK Parliament come the end of this long night might look like.
This election was called by Theresa May entirely needlessly, a vanity project to increase her majority for no other reason at all. Now, it seems say the experts, that this might have been the biggest own goal in political history. It seems that it’s possible that Theresa May will no longer have a majority in Parliament. The Conservatives will not have the numbers to continue their rule. That’s if this data is correct.
Right now the exit poll projection suggests these results as the final seat tally:
Conservative 314
Labour 266
SNP 34
Lib Dem 14
Plaid 3
Green 1
UKIP 0
Other 18
If that’s correct, the Tories have lost their majority. It’s true to say on paper the Tories will have still won the election – they’re the largest party by a chunk. But what’s important to note is that before the election the Conservatives had 330 seats, giving them a tight, but workable majority in the House of Commons. If this is correct, then they won’t, and that’s huge.
Moreover this would be nothing short of a miracle for Labour. Six weeks ago going into this election, most pundits talked of a Tory majority of between 70 and 100 seats – close to Thatcher’s greatest parliamentary advantage.
As I say though, this is still all speculative. It’s going to be a long night.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Why is the Amazon’s ‘great roar’ river wave shrinking?
Pororoca — Set in northern Brazil’s edge, a miles long tidal bore has become a destination for waveriders attempting its endless surf. But its future is uncertain, as landscape and weather changes have seen its power mellow in recent years.
Written by: Gaia Neiman
Dropping in at Lahore’s first ever public skatepark
Skate Pakistan — Set right in the centre of Pakistan’s capital city, the free-to-use space has started a mini youth revolution in the country. Z. Raza-Sheikh tracks how it came to open its doors.
Written by: Z. Raza-Sheikh
Dredging and drifting with the last wild oyster fishermen of the River Fal
Cornish pearls — Using only the power of the wind and centuries-old traditional techniques, harvesting oysters in the last wild fishery in England is a sustainable, yet dying, practice. Jack Burke goes trawling with Jason, one of the few keeping it alive, to find out more.
Written by: Jack Burke
Inside the London rollerskating scene’s fight for space
Chop & shuffle — A new, young generation is skating with a style unique to the UK’s capital, but they’re up against security guards, dog units, and padlocks. Sunny Sunday reports on the community’s search for a home.
Written by: Sunny Sunday
Inside the shadowy, booming underground world of Urbex
Touching bricks — Spurred by social media success and a desire to live in the physical world, a new generation of teenagers and young people are sneaking into abandoned buildings and documenting their discoveries. Letty Cole goes fence-jumping with two Urbexers to find out more, and gets chased by security in the process.
Written by: Letty Cole
Sumo’s away day shook London. Could it ever take off?
Hakkeyoi — Touching down at the Royal Albert Hall, the Grand Sumo Tournament marked the second time an official five-day tournament has ever taken place outside of Japan. Ella Glossop investigates whether the sport could ever find mainstream success on British soil.
Written by: Ella Glossop
