And another thing…

AFTER some conspiring with comrade-in-blogs Jonathan Isaby over at conservativehome yesterday, we agreed that our campaign to persuade returning officers to count votes on the same night as polling might be helped by the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) to that effect.

The fact that Chairman Pickles himself added his name as one of the top six supporters undoubtedly encouraged others of his party to support it. By the time it was tabled last night it had attracted 69 names (the clerks couldn’t read Chris Huhne’s signature so it will be added belatedly today) and many more have been added to the list today.

The EDM reads:

That this House is concerned at reports that growing numbers of Returning Officers are considering postponing the counting of votes cast on the day of the General Election until the day after polling; believes that in the 21st century it would be a regressive move not to announce constituency results as early as possible; further believes that public confidence in the results could be undermined by delays in the counting of ballot papers and that fewer voters would be able to watch the results being announced if this were done on a Friday afternoon; and calls on local authorities throughout the United Kingdom to ensure that all ballot papers are counted immediately after the close of polls on General Election night, as has been the practice in previous General Elections.

There’s already been a bit of media interest in the subject; I’m giving a couple of interviews later this afternoon. If we can get the numbers up as high as possible, that’ll send a clear message that when there’s an election, the voters, as well as the parties, have a right to know the result as early as possible.

CONSERVATIVEHOME editor Tim Montgomerie describes Daniel Hannan’s scheduled appearance at his party’s spring conference as “an extra incentive to apply for a pass if you haven’t already.”

So let’s get this straight: if a keynote address by your leader, David Cameron, and a plethora of Shadow Cabinet members wasn’t enough to persuade you to attend, then Hannan’s appearance will?

Splendid!

Now, anyone like to guess what Hannan won’t be allowed to speak on during his address? 

“I really think it needs to be said, Eric.”

“Daniel, Daniel, Daniel… you are not going to mention the words N, H or S.”

“But I’ve got a really brilliant line on it: ‘it is the devalued system of a devalued nation’. What do you think?”

“Daniel, it’s not going to happen.”

“Anne Coulter liked it…”

“Oh, here we go again with Anne Bloody Coulter! Look, just stick to economics.”

“Oh, you mean the nationalisation of the car industry? Unforgiveable!”

“No, Daniel, just leave the car industry alone, will you? Just plain economics, okay?”

“Ah, you mean Iceland’s economic miracle! Got you!”

“Daniel, look, just forget it. If you can’t stay on message, just forget it.”

(SILENCE)

“Can I do another boats metaphor?”

“Yes, you can do a boats metaphor.”