Lucky Boris – now the long game begins

Napoleon demanded that his generals be lucky.  Conservative PM Boris Johnson, as he surveys a thumping victory in the British general election, would meet that criterion.

His luck bears a resemblance to that of Margaret Thatcher.  Like her, he has made a decisive break with orthodox establishment thinking. That presents both unique opportunity (assuming the break is in tune with a developing public mood) and acute vulnerability (assuming that the mood takes time to, well, develop).

Boris’s last hurrah before Britain votes on Thursday

Election rallies ain’t what they used to be.  Boris’s election eve shindig was an invitation-only event for party faithful. The location (at a smallish venue in the London Olympic park) was disclosed to attendees only on the day (presumably to head off the risk of protest).

Another hung Parliament in Britain’s election? Unlikely.

With the Labour party making a late surge in the opinion polls and getting some good headlines, some pundits are wondering if Britain’s general election on Thursday will end in a repeat of 2017’s hung parliament.

Never say never, but this time feels quite different to 2017.

British election: a surprise is possible – but would be surprising

Some elections arouse eager anticipation. Not this one.

There’s almost a lassitude before Britain’s voters go to the polls on 12 December.  Sure, campaigning has its usual vigour and the media is abundant. But there is also a pervading detachment, as if voters are not convinced that an election can shake the country out of its pre-Brexit stasis.

Perhaps this is one reason why the parties have put forward clear, distinctive – and in some parts compelling – visions for the future. 

The BBC seems unsure if law and order is an issue in Britain’s election

Sometimes it’s a great job being a news editor.  Like the BBC staffer putting together the national news for radio on Tuesday morning.