Sedgefield by-election pending

[Harry Hayfield]

Following the announcement that Tony Blair MP has been appointed as the envoy for the Middle East, BBC News is reporting that the he has applied for (and been granted) the office of the Manor of Northstead (which is how Labour MP's stand down from Parliament). A date of July 19th is being discussed as a date for the by-election (if only so that the MP get's his wages).

The result in 2005 was:

Labour 24,421 (59%)
Conservatives 5,972 (14%)
Liberal Democrats 4,935 (12%)
Robert Keys 4,252 (10%)
Others 1,895 (5%)
Labour HOLD with a majority of 18,356 (44%)
Swing for Conservative gain: 22%

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Are MSP's, AM's, or MLA's also prevented from resigning directly?

If so, what offices are used instead of Steward of the Manor of Northstead or Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds neither of which would truly be appropriate in the above cases since the areas they nominally oversee are in England.

[Ben.]

It'll be a safe labour hold IMHO, even if its a by-election... take it it'll be held on the same day as the Ealing Southall by-election? (perhaps merge this thread with he Southall thread?). 

[Harry Hayfield]

That was indeed suggested on BBC News (that the two by-elections would be held on the same day) if only to allow the new MP to claim a salary!

[Verily]

That was indeed suggested on BBC News (that the two by-elections would be held on the same day) if only to allow the new MP to claim a salary!

I thought it was typical to group by-elections simply to cut down costs for the government. Thus Blaenau Gwent and Bromley and Chislehurst both on the same day last year.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

It's also cheaper for parties; by-elections have become very expensive in recent years and in long by-election campaigns the money just...

[Keystone Phil]

Reg Keys comeback...as a Labour candidate?

Just a random thought. Feel free to tell me how insane that proposal may be. 

[minionofmidas]

I'm predicting a Labour gain here.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

I you have to say it would remain a Labour stronghold.

Do we know any candidates considering a run for Sedgefield?

[Hash]

I you have to say it would remain a Labour stronghold.

Do we know any candidates considering a run for Sedgefield?

I agree, perhaps perhaps losing 1 or 2 % compared to 2005 for Labour, but solidly Lab. After all, the last Conservative MP from Sedgefield was in 1931 (in the "old" constituency).

For fun and for third-party fans like me, here is the percent breakdown of the "other" column

UK Independence 646 1.6%
National Front 253 0.6%
Veritas 218 0.5%
Berony Abraham 205 0.5%
Monster Raving Loony 157 0.4%
Blair Must Go Party (Jonathan Cockburn) 103 0.2%
Senior Citizens Party 97 0.2%
UK Pensioners Party 82 0.2%
Helen John 68 0.2%
John Barker 45 0.1%
Julian Brennan 17 0.0%

Turnout: 41,475 62.2 (+0.2)   
Swing: 0.2%

In 1997 Blair had been elected with 71.2%!


 

[Keystone Phil]

Reg Keys comeback...as a Labour candidate?

Just a random thought. Feel free to tell me how insane that proposal may be.