TLIAD: For Want of a Microphone

I have to wonder how many of these "Timelines in a day" are finished in an actual 24 period? Either way, as someone with a slight eye on UK politics I find this an easy, interesting, and simple read.

If it's not a bother, could you explain (dumb down) what the electoral reforms are that the LibDems are asking?

My first took 22ish, my second 44 (after a consulted extension). The point is to update continuously until you post the last update.

Looking good Alfie, I don't think the Gordon departure works though - the Liberals would want Gordon gone now or they'd walk away - the only way for him to stay is for Labour to call their bluff and say he'll stay as long as he wants. It makes no sense for the Liberals to say 'well, I guess he's not an undemocratic danger to the country now, but he will be in 18 months!'
 
My first took 22ish, my second 44 (after a consulted extension). The point is to update continuously until you post the last update.

Looking good Alfie, I don't think the Gordon departure works though - the Liberals would want Gordon gone now or they'd walk away - the only way for him to stay is for Labour to call their bluff and say he'll stay as long as he wants. It makes no sense for the Liberals to say 'well, I guess he's not an undemocratic danger to the country now, but he will be in 18 months!'

I was unsure about it myself. How about September-October time 2010, as suggested otl?
 
I am a bit surprised the LibDems weren't pushing for STV; in OTL AV was the compromise that nobody actually wanted.

One of the (since 1911!) problems of Lords reform is that no one really has given a compelling vision of how the elected Lords would be elected. The 2012 bill would have had them elected proportionally at a regional (i.e. euro-constituency) level, 1 third (i.e. 120 seats) at a time, for 15 year terms. It would work, and it would be better than the current system, but still: isn't particularly inspiring!
 
I am a bit surprised the LibDems weren't pushing for STV; in OTL AV was the compromise that nobody actually wanted.

One of the (since 1911!) problems of Lords reform is that no one really has given a compelling vision of how the elected Lords would be elected. The 2012 bill would have had them elected proportionally at a regional (i.e. euro-constituency) level, 1 third (i.e. 120 seats) at a time, for 15 year terms. It would work, and it would be better than the current system, but still: isn't particularly inspiring!

I think it simply isn't going to happen when either Labour or the Tories are part of the government. Though ITTL, isn't there an agreement to start moves towards STV if the AV vote succeeds?

One thing that gets suggested a lot is the Lib Dems should've asked for STV in local elections so people would get used to how it works. It works in Scotland.
 
I think it simply isn't going to happen when either Labour or the Tories are part of the government. Though ITTL, isn't there an agreement to start moves towards STV if the AV vote succeeds?

One thing that gets suggested a lot is the Lib Dems should've asked for STV in local elections so people would get used to how it works. It works in Scotland.

Essentially yes. The AV referendum with a lean towards STV should it suceeed.
 
Essentially yes. The AV referendum with a lean towards STV should it suceeed.

I don't think it can pan out that way in reality - as AV isn't STV at all - but it's a good technique to win Lib Dem support in coalition negotiations.
 
I don't think it can pan out that way in reality - as AV isn't STV at all - but it's a good technique to win Lib Dem support in coalition negotiations.

It is basically an impossible promise. :D

Probably only one update tonight but I'll get the last acts out for Saturday.
 
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25th September 2010

As Gordon Brown sat in a darkened corner of the packed conference room, he felt truly out in the political wilderness, for the first time in over twenty years. Far in the distance a mixture of blurs were deciding on just who would succeed him as Labour leader and Prime Minister. He had no say in the matter.

The weeks and months following the election had been a mixture of terrifying chaos and euphoric calmness. The new cabinet had been difficult to fully install and had seen a lot of rising stars face a career halt. People like Ed Miliband had been forced back to a small ministerial position; a man who Gordon thought could have been a real uniting leadership candidate had they lost the election. Unfortunately for Ed, fate decried that Labour was to carry on, but without him as Secretary of State. Party Policy Coordinator would have to do for now.

His brother had of course held on at the Foreign Office, as had Alistair at the Treasury and Jack at the Justice Department. Peter and Alan however, also bid their farewells, at least to the cabinet. Nevertheless Gordon had kept things stable and coordinated the transferals of power as smoothly as possible.

It was strange, the whole four months he had left as Prime Minister following the coalition agreement had been – at least to him - some of his finest. The establishment of the new government was a historic step in British politics, forming the first peacetime coalition since the Second World War, and arguably the most Progressive of all time. The mix of Labour and Liberal ministers, including three Secretaries of State and a Deputy Prime Minister had been unseen since the days of David Lloyd George and echoed the dreams of Paddy Ashdown and Tony Blair nearly fourteen years before.

Finally, the true progressives of Britain were in government together again, a complete re-alignment was just around the corner.

Once the issue of the actual coalition agreements were settled the real work began. Alistair, Vince, Ed and David were straight to work dealing with Euro crisis and getting the economy back on track. Some moderate compromises had to be made but other than that the policy remained the same, and real progress was being made.
The referendum date had been set for the first Thursday of October and campaigning had already begun. Labour was more or less united on the issue, though some on the left – and right – voiced their opposition, nevertheless the odd whip around soon silenced many, at least in public.

All in all Gordon was pleased with what he had done. He had governed as best he could for three years and passed on the baton as honourably and statesmen-like as possible. He would be leaving for the palace in two days’ time; it had been a very long journey. Tony had called him the night before and had personally congratulated him on his handling of the crisis and establishment of the coalition, it must have been the first time they had really spoken for two years.

As his thoughts returned to the world around him, he realized it was alive with deafening cheers and clapping. He quickly got his feet and joined in, straining his eyes to pick out his successor. Ed? Andy? David? Harriet? Alistair? Christ Diane?! His mind was racing, trying to find the most likely candidate.

A tap on the arm quickly caught his attention. He spun around and saw Neil still walking up the corridor, the old man grinning from ear to ear.

“He’ll do well lad,” he said now turning back towards. “steady, sensible leadership without all the nonsense. Just like…” his words drifted off into the crowd.

He turned back towards and saw the new leader of the Labour Party. The tall, white haired man with bushy eyebrows and a modest Scottish accent stood at the podium and began the most important speech of his life.
 
A Darling Premiership intresting,wonder how long he's going to be at helm.

So Knives out for Dave now,I have feeling it will go to one of the right either Fox or David Davies.
 
Sorry not to have commented earlier. I've been a bit unwell today up until now and couldn't look in yesterday so it's taken me a long while to see this. Darling should make for an interesting PM. He does seem to me to have the dignified manner that would endear him to some and I think that he would be a calm voice within the coalition. I would expect there to be jokes about a Scottish Mafia running the Labour party since its continuing a run of Scottish leaders.

Presumably Laws will still be forced to step down from his ministerial role and take some time on the backbenches. I can't see the revelations about him being butterflied away so I would have thought that to be inevitable. Would it be Danny Alexander who replaced him as per OTL (I would have thought it would have to be a LibDem)?

Cameron probably won't last too much longer so who will take over from him? That will be interesting to see.
 
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