British Presidential Election Timeline 1970-

[Harry Hayfield]

I think I can guess 1997, Blair wins on the first round!

[Harry Hayfield]

At some point in time the UK adopts a presidential system similar to that of France, with a two round election. It starts off close to the real 1970 but diverges as it progresses. I hope to have 1970 and 1974 up soon (I'm having a race every 4 years rather than 5 or 7) I also plan on making some television graphics from this little alternative world.

Here, for a taster is what was seen on TV screens on the nailbiting 1982 first round election at 10.00pm...



You'll find out why Jim Callaghan is still gracing the political scene later

Would Election 1986 be as follows:

Jenkins (SDP)
Foot (Lab)
Thatcher (Con)

[Harry Hayfield]

I'm going to spoil 1994 for you

Which poses the question, how many does he win? If I was to guess I'd say 1994 (by a landslide), 1998 (landslideish), 2002 (just), 2006 (loses).

[Harry Hayfield]

When we get to the end, may I be permitted to post a line graph chart showing the first and second round votes?

[Harry Hayfield]

The shock of the early campaign was Nick Griffin’s move to have himself included on the ballot which was secured at the 11th hour under slightly dubious circumstances. Regardless he remained on the ballot and was granted legal airtime. Portillo retained his lead while Brown and Campbell scrapped to secure the second place spot with even the sitting President appearing to be unwilling to throw his weight behind Gordon. What the polls didn’t show was the level of support for Griffin. The exit poll suggested that Griffin would struggle to poll 5%, but as the night progressed it became apparent he would almost double that tally. Portillo’s margin of victory was smaller than he was polling at the start of the campaign and Campbell’s strong showing led him to throw his hat in the ring for 2006.

Michael Portillo (Con) 33.6%
Gordon Brown (Lab) 27.1%
Charles Kennedy (Lib) 23.9%
Nick Griffin (BNP) 8.8%
Nigel Farage (UKIP) 4.7%
John Swinney (SNP) 1.1%
Margo Macdonald (Ind) 0.6%
Ieuan Wyn Jones (PC) 0.2%

Is that deliberate or a spelling mistake?