In 1997 Labour won 418 seats against 241 for the other parties. So they had a majority of 177. Scotland sent 56 Labour seats to Westminster against 16 from other parties. So there was a big majority without the Scottish members.
In 2001 Labour won 412 seats against 247 for the other parties. So they had a majority of 165. Scotland again sent 56 Labour seats to Westminster against 16 from other parties. So there was a big majority without the Scottish members.
In 2005 Labour won 355 seats against 291 for the other parties. So they had a majority of 64. Scotland again sent 41 Labour seats to Westminster against 18 from other parties. So there was again a safe enough majority without the Scottish members.
Just showing that historically it was not true that Scottish Labour MPS are required for returning a Labour gvt.
Plus the idea that the huge Labour contingents used to reflect Scottish opinion doesn't stand either. In 1997 the 78% of the Scottish seats were gained by only 45% of the actual vote.
The SNP currently gets this advantage of sending a representation to Westminster which is away above their % share of the vote. Though even though it benefits them they support the ending of first past the post.
By clicking on the User Name, you will requery the forum for that user. You will see everything that he or she has posted with that Mudcat name.
By clicking on the Thread Name, you will be sent to the Forum on that thread as if you selected it from the main Mudcat Forum page.
* Click on the linked number with * to view the thread split into pages (click "d" for chronologically descending).
By clicking on the Subject, you will also go to the thread as if you selected it from the original Forum page, but also go directly to that particular message.
By clicking on the Date (Posted), you will dig out every message posted that day.