�* having that astrazeneca clots after having that astrazeneca jab. at the risk of serious illness with covid also drops for younger people as infection rates fall across the country. you're watching bbc news, back now to elections 2021. last yea r�*s last year's local elections which we were covering were cancelled because of the covid pandemic, so this year, we have a bumper crop of results. new parliaments being elected in scotland and wales and thousands of council seats being contested across england. and of course, the hartlepool by—election which ended with a big victory come for the conservatives which was won by nearly 7000 votes and that was a big loss for labour and their leader keir starmer. it is a seat they have held since the 1960s. but the result

in scotland could be more problematic for borisjohnson. if problematic for boris johnson. if the scottish national party wins an overall majority here at holyrood, it will push hard for a second referendum on independence. counting is well under — referendum on independence. counting is well under way _ referendum on independence. counting is well under way from _ referendum on independence. counting is well under way from shetland - referendum on independence. counting is well under way from shetland to - is well under way from shetland to the scottish borders and the all—important first results are expected soon in what could be the most important election here since devolution. we most important election here since devolution. ~ . ., most important election here since devolution-— most important election here since devolution. ~ . ., ~ , ., devolution. we are also keeping an eaule i am devolution. we are also keeping an eagle i am things _ devolution. we are also keeping an eagle i am things in _ devolution. we are also keeping an eagle i am things in wales - devolution. we are also keeping an eagle i am things in wales and - devolution. we are also keeping an eagle i am things in wales and on i eagle i am things in wales and on elections to the welsh parliament meant labour's longer on parliament has been challenged by the conservatives and by the welsh party. and we are still watching the english council elections were rita and the touch screen are touching us exactly what's going on. these are the latest results in a marked move by the liver to conservatives, particularly in lead voting areas. i'll be bringing you the results as they come in and showing you the

figures behind the results using this giant touch—screen and doing so in all seven of the elections act and got under way.— in all seven of the elections act and got under way. thank you very much. and got under way. thank you very much- we — and got under way. thank you very much. we have _ and got under way. thank you very much. we have a _ and got under way. thank you very much. we have a very _ and got under way. thank you very much. we have a very big - and got under way. thank you very much. we have a very big team . and got under way. thank you very much. we have a very big team of| much. we have a very big team of correspondence at all the key contests and they will be updating us. vickijung will contests and they will be updating us. vicki jung will be with us, our deputy political editor with reaction from westminster and we wouldn't be complete without sir john curtis who was going through all the data for us and he will give us his expert analysis of what is going on and indeed what to look out for. 50 going on and indeed what to look out for, �* , going on and indeed what to look out for, f ., ., going on and indeed what to look out for. �*, ., ., , ., for. so it's all to play for in the campaigns _ for. so it's all to play for in the campaigns were _ for. so it's all to play for in the campaigns were bitterly - for. so it's all to play for in thej campaigns were bitterly fought for. so it's all to play for in the - campaigns were bitterly fought and there is a huge amount of stake. stay with us for all the excitement and drama of this year's election results on the bbc.

ki rsty kirsty and i will be taking you through the events of the afternoon and thank you forjoining us. if you havejoined us here for our special election coverage across england and across scotland and across wales. i am bound to pick up on that fascinating interview with lord mandelson who knows the labour party inside out. he knows politics and strategy inside out and of course it has been an mp for hartlepool and so he knows that area inside out. he was suggesting very plainly that there are still some major lessons to be learned for labour in areas like north of england.— to be learned for labour in areas like north of england. yes, but the oint is like north of england. yes, but the point is that _ like north of england. yes, but the point is that there _ like north of england. yes, but the point is that there may _ like north of england. yes, but the point is that there may be - like north of england. yes, but the point is that there may be major i point is that there may be major lessons to be learned, but keir starmer is not doing any better than jeremy corbyn and he might have done better on the streets in that area had they had a strategy that was

necessary of the centre ground but had moved to the left and what lord mandelson is saying is that is not necessarily a good thing, we don't want to move to the left, we want to be more in tune what people want. but it's in a circle that labour are finding it extremely hard to make that argument.— finding it extremely hard to make that argument. exactly because as i mentioned earlier, _ that argument. exactly because as i mentioned earlier, when _ that argument. exactly because as i mentioned earlier, when we - that argument. exactly because as i mentioned earlier, when we spoke l that argument. exactly because as i l mentioned earlier, when we spoke to john macdonald, the former shadow chancellor, he was saying almost the exact opposite of that and thatjust underlines the fact that they can't put together or come together on one message. there is another part of lord mandelson�*s contribution which was interesting. just for all of those interested in politics watching it and certainly those within the labour party with a view on the strategy going forward and that was that he clearly wants, although he didn't explicitly say is, he clearly wants keir starmer to be rather bolder in terms of the positions he is taking out. and if that involves telling some people in the party well, look, we are not in tune and things like brexit, even

though he said not many people had mentioned to him, but it's clearly a factor, that is something he would like to see. we have to remember but keir starmer was one of the people who wanted the people's vote and what a second referendum. peter mandelson _ what a second referendum. peter mandelson says _ what a second referendum. peter mandelson says that _ what a second referendum. peter mandelson says that we - what a second referendum. peter mandelson says that we are - what a second referendum. peter mandelson says that we are to i what a second referendum. pr- mandelson says that we are to be clear what we want and somebody else is saying that we are to be more aggressive and we are to be on the left. it's the exactly the opposite of what peter mandelson is saying. it's because they can't agree really on why. .. it's because they can't agree really on why... thing that his turn as part back on a party that has represented them for decades and until they hit resolve what the issueis until they hit resolve what the issue is what labour needs to do, and this is a first logical question in terms of culture and political values, they're not going to do it. no and culture is exactly what you're talking about here. because if the labour vote is bleeding to a conservative in england, the labour

vote has bled to the snp in scotland and so you have a party that has to face one way in england and one way in scotland and that is a kind of emphasis on the cultural divide here. what is good for labour in scotland won't necessarily be good for labour in england.— scotland won't necessarily be good for labour in england. sports at the moment. for labour in england. sports at the moment if— for labour in england. sports at the moment if you _ for labour in england. sports at the moment. if you have _ for labour in england. sports at the moment. if you have just _ for labour in england. sports at the moment. if you have just joined - for labour in england. sports at the j moment. if you havejust joined us, moment. if you havejustjoined us, a warm welcome and we are covering all the results. to give you a sense of things we have some results in so far at that by—election in hartlepool and some local election results but most of these results have yet to come and we expect a flood of results during the course of the afternoon. for the scottish parliament, for that welsh parliament, for that welsh parliament and for some of them in england. and it's going to be an extremely busy afternoon ahead and if you want election results, you are going to get them by the dozen, frankly. so it will be a battle keeping up with them. stand by, that is all coming up. before that, it's ben come up with the news. here's

the summary of the latest bbc news and of the conservatives have taken the parliamentary seat of hartlepool in what has been described by labour as a shattering result. the new mp isjill mortimer who was the first tory in 56 years to represent the former labour stronghold. 0ur political correspondent helen kat has this report. i do political correspondent helen kat has this report.— political correspondent helen kat has this report. i do hereby declare that gillian mortimer— has this report. i do hereby declare that gillian mortimer commonly - has this report. i do hereby declare - that gillian mortimer commonly known asjill moore turner is duly elected. as jill moore turner is duly elected. ., ., ., after decades of voting labour, today hartlepool has the conservative mp. jill mortimer won by nearly 7,000 votes. she said her opponents had lost touch with voters. labour have taken people in hartlepool for granted for too long. i heard this time and time again on the doorstep. people have had enough and now, through this result, the people have spoken and they have made it clear it's time for change. the conservatives called

it an historic result. 18 months after they took seat after seat in northern england from labour in the general election, another has turned blue. a blow—up borisjohnson appeared in hartlepool to mark the tories' expected victory, the results showing that the prime minister still commands support after brexit. the labour leader, not speaking yet, but his party says it will listen and learn. the question for us is, how do we make sure we get heard? how do we make sure that our ideas are communicated in a positive, practical way and that we're able to bring people with us, which clearly in the case of hartlepool, we haven't done? so yes, we have to ask ourselves that question. i think everybody understands the need for change, and that's where our focus should be. for the conservatives, more celebrations as they took control of several councils, in nuneaton and bedworth council in warwickshire... people respect what the prime minister has done

during this pandemic. they think the vaccine roll—out is phenomenal and they think that given all the challenges that we've faced, the conservative government, the prime minister, has done a really good job in difficult circumstances and many of those people on the doorsteps have been right behind him. a win too in dudley in the west midlands, in harlow in essex, where they took the council from labour. the race to count votes early here in northumberland ended with a conservative win too. better news for labour elsewhere in the north—east, where they held onto several councils including newcastle and gateshead and their stronghold of sunderland, although the tories made inroads there too. in london, labour's sadiq khan is seeking a second term. there are 13 city and regional mayors to be elected. doncaster was the first result, a labour mayor elected overnight. ballot boxes have been gathered from all corners of scotland, where the snp are hoping to secure a majority in the scottish parliament.

but those who are pro—independence and against are keeping a close eye on how the results are stacking up. and in wales, labour will look to continue their run in power as votes are now counted for the 60 seats in the senedd. the pandemic has already made these elections unusual. with much more counting still to be done, it will be some time before the full picture of results is clear. thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation has recommended that people aged under 40, as well as those under 30, should be offered an alternative vaccine to the astrazeneca jab, after concerns about blood clots. the age threshold is being raised as a precautionary measure. professor wei shen lin from thejcvi explained at a news conference in the last half hour building on our previous advice related to those aged 30 years and under, we now advised that

unvaccinated adults... the astrazeneca vaccine is very helpful in that it requires less stringent transport and storage conditions compared to some other vaccines. that means that in certain settings, the astrazeneca vaccine may be the only vaccine that is practical to offer and in those circumstances, the astrazeneca vaccine should indeed be the preferred vaccine.— vaccine should indeed be the preferred vaccine. latest data shows- -- _ the prevalence of covid—i9 infections has decreased in every nation in the uk,

bar northern ireland where they say it has "remained level. the office for national statistics survey showed that fewer than one in 1000 people had coronavirus in the uk in the week to two may. we'll find out today how international travel will restart for england. the transport secretary grant shapps will give a press conference later to announce how the government will open it up. holidays abroad are currently banned, but a traffic light system of rules will take effect on the 17th of may — with countries classed as green, amber or red. travellers to �*green' countries will not need to quarantine on their return, but they will need to take a covid test before going and coming back. arrivals from �*amber�* countries will need to quarantine at home on return to the uk and as well as taking the same tests before departure and return. red—list countries have the strictest rules: only uk and ireland residents will be able to come in from those countries, and travellers will have

to quarantine for ten nights in a government approved hotel at their own expense — in addition to the testing regime. and we'll have full coverage of that press conference by the transport secretary this evening at 5pm on the bbc news channel. kent police searching for the murderer of police community support officerjulia james have issued a photograph of a man they want to speak to in connection with the investigation. detectives say the man could be key to the inquiry. he is understood to have been in the aylesham area on wednesday 28 april — the day afterjulia james' body was found with head injuries. firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a i9—storey block of flats in poplar in east london. parts of the 8th, 9th and 10th floors of the the new providence wharf development near the blackwall tunnel have been badly burned. there are over 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines at the scene.

london ambulance service said a "number of people" have been treated, though the extent of their injuries is not yet known. the second of two royal navy ships, sent to jersey to keep watch over dozens of french fishing boats is returning to port. the french had gathered outside the harbour at st helier yesterday in a protest over brexit fishing rights. however, fears of a blockade didn't materialise. the election results will keep coming in over the next few days. you can find out the latest results where you live, by entering your postcode into our search tool, on our website, or the bbc news app. let's go back to elections 2021.

a warm welcome back to election special from a warm welcome back to election specialfrom kirsty a warm welcome back to election special from kirsty and for me. we have been talking about those areas which will teach us something about the battles that are taking place and one of those are certainly in terms of the english local elections is derbyshire, a lovely area. peak district. but significantly, in political terms, the conservatives won a majority there for the first time in a0 years back in 2017. let's talk to simon who is there for us. to bring us up to date. what is going on? what percent of things? i going on? what percent of things? i am here in the amber valley district and we are seeing something in the northeast area of derbyshire, does former coalfield areas where we and parliamentary changes turning conservative at the last general election. here the local elections,

we have seen conservative gains in those areas again. play across north in north east derbyshire is a gain and. the conservatives already had control of derbyshire county council for today but they will be hoping to increase that majority and the labour group leader paul smith has told me that he is worried and he will lose his ward that he has held for 25 years and i will be a considerable blow to labour in derbyshire. conservatives haven't had it their own way and i have lost a war to the green party, their first counsellor in derbyshire. —— award. it is looking... 0ne award. it is looking... one particular ward of interest is a whaley bridge in the peak district which you mentioned and it is a

fearless name on the ballot paper there. edwina currie —— famous name. she is hoping to unseat the former high peak mp and we will be looking out for that as the results come. simon in amber valley there. thank ou ve simon in amber valley there. thank you very much- _ simon in amber valley there. thank you very much. and _ simon in amber valley there. thank you very much. and now— simon in amber valley there. thank you very much. and now we - simon in amber valley there. thank you very much. and now we can - simon in amber valley there. thank you very much. and now we can be l you very much. and now we can be joined by ed dena campbell where the counting whether —— dinar, it is looking increasingly as if london is the outlier, london is going to be that bastion of labour. and this, the capital city, where the last mayor was borisjohnson. the capital city, where the last mayor was boris johnson. absolutely. at the moment _ mayor was boris johnson. absolutely. at the moment the _ mayor was boris johnson. absolutely. at the moment the current _ mayor was boris johnson. absolutely. at the moment the current number. at the moment the current number mayor— at the moment the current number mayor is _ at the moment the current number mayor is siddique khan who was elected — mayor is siddique khan who was elected back in 2016 after boris johnson — elected back in 2016 after boris johnson had served two terms. this is one _ johnson had served two terms. this is one of— johnson had served two terms. this is one of the — johnson had served two terms. this is one of the most high—profile jobs it is one _

is one of the most high—profile jobs it is one of— is one of the most high—profile jobs it is one of the most sought after position — it is one of the most sought after position. who will become london boss mick— position. who will become london boss mick next mayor. there are a record _ boss mick next mayor. there are a record of— boss mick next mayor. there are a record of 20 — boss mick next mayor. there are a record of 20 candidates standing in it is the _ record of 20 candidates standing in it is the highest number since the 'ob it is the highest number since the job was— it is the highest number since the job was created back in 2000 and the pressure _ job was created back in 2000 and the pressure is _ job was created back in 2000 and the pressure is on labour to retain the seat _ pressure is on labour to retain the seat labour— pressure is on labour to retain the seat. labour is always dominant in london _ seat. labour is always dominant in london and — seat. labour is always dominant in london and that is due to a number of reasons — london and that is due to a number of reasons it — london and that is due to a number of reasons. it is significantly younger, _ of reasons. it is significantly younger, it is more ethnically diverse — younger, it is more ethnically diverse and there are much more graduates— diverse and there are much more graduates here and so the graduate is on siddique khan to see whether they can _ is on siddique khan to see whether they can keep these seat. london is they can keep these seat. london is the capital— they can keep these seat. london is the capital of the uk, it doesn't represent — the capital of the uk, it doesn't represent what is going on in other parts _ represent what is going on in other parts of— represent what is going on in other parts of the — represent what is going on in other parts of the country and the job of the next _ parts of the country and the job of the next london mayor is to look at how the _ the next london mayor is to look at how the mayor takes london out of the pandemic, how the economy can -et the pandemic, how the economy can get moving _ the pandemic, how the economy can get moving again and how people can really— get moving again and how people can really get _ get moving again and how people can really get back on track in terms of theiriohs, — really get back on track in terms of theirjobs, in terms of business and to get— theirjobs, in terms of business and to get london really moving again. thank_ to get london really moving again. thank you — to get london really moving again. thank you very much. traditionally,

in elections — thank you very much. traditionally, in elections that are lost over the years. _ in elections that are lost over the years. we — in elections that are lost over the years, we are always looking for performance of the liberal democrats.— performance of the liberal democrats. , , ., democrats. locally, they often erform democrats. locally, they often perform strongly _ democrats. locally, they often perform strongly in _ democrats. locally, they often perform strongly in relation . democrats. locally, they often perform strongly in relation to | perform strongly in relation to general election performances and they have strong local presence is in some areas but that also has tapered off in recent years. cambridgeshire is interesting because we have been told that the conservatives lost four seats in cambridgeshire to the lib dems, but the tories have gained one back and is that a sign that the lib dems may be looking to gain some ground in some places? well, we shall see. but why don't we get some intelligence from daisy cooper, the lib dem mp and deputy labour deuce —— and leader of the lib dems? thank you for waiting to talk to us patiently. your sense of where things are. we know that circumstances for the lib dems have been extremely challenging. that has been no

secret. what is your sense of where things are going to do? taste secret. what is your sense of where things are going to do?— things are going to do? we are ho eful things are going to do? we are hepeful to _ things are going to do? we are hopeful to make _ things are going to do? we are hopeful to make gains - things are going to do? we are hopeful to make gains across l things are going to do? we are l hopeful to make gains across the country in these local elections and these results will unfold over the next a8 hours and we will keep an eye on results over the next a8 hours to see where the results are coming in stop by the early signs are looking good for us in a number of places. we're really pleased we have how ground in newcastle and gateshead and we have made gains in sunderland against labour and we are hearing that we have made gains against the conservatives in cambridge and we are hopeful that we'll be making gains against both labour and conservatives across england. taste labour and conservatives across encland. ~ ., labour and conservatives across encland. ~ . , labour and conservatives across eniland, . ., , labour and conservatives across encland. ~ . , ., england. we are “ust looking at the state of the — england. we are just looking at the state of the parties _ england. we are just looking at the state of the parties as _ england. we are just looking at the state of the parties as you - england. we are just looking at the state of the parties as you are - state of the parties as you are chatting to as their and we were talking about councils declared and the conservatives on 2a7, thus councillors and labour on 170 and the liberal democrats and... where do you think you will end up and i know it is a trick again? when talking about gains, where do you

think that could take you? i talking about gains, where do you think that could take you?- think that could take you? i don't have a crystal _ think that could take you? i don't have a crystal ball _ think that could take you? i don't have a crystal ball and _ think that could take you? i don't have a crystal ball and i - think that could take you? i don't have a crystal ball and i don't - think that could take you? i don't i have a crystal ball and i don't know where the numbers will end up. what i do know is that we have a number of candidates who pride themselves on being community champions who played a blinder in his local election and we hope that will make some more gains over the next a8 hours. some more gains over the next ab hours. ~ ., ., ~ some more gains over the next ab hours. t . ., ,, ., ., hours. we have talked a lot in the last hour or— hours. we have talked a lot in the last hour or so _ hours. we have talked a lot in the last hour or so about _ hours. we have talked a lot in the last hour or so about the - hours. we have talked a lot in the last hour or so about the factors l hours. we have talked a lot in the| last hour or so about the factors in this local election campaign and certainly, in the northeast of england, which was a very heavy bags are devoting area and we have been debating about whether that was a factor in lots of voters turned to the now that brings it has been delivered, given that the liberal democrats were campaigning very strongly to rejoin the eu at one point, do you think that there is an element of punishment for that? or are you talking about areas where you are very strongly in remain territory and therefore, that hasn't been a factor? taste territory and therefore, that hasn't been a factor?— been a factor? we went into these local elections _ been a factor? we went into these local elections with _ been a factor? we went into these local elections with a _ been a factor? we went into these local elections with a liberal - local elections with a liberal democrat lib councils showcasing

their strong track records. they have been leading the way in tackling the climate emergency delivering social housing delivering community facilities and is a strong track record that has some of those have been the main areas so you're guiding me away from briggs that is an issue. i guiding me away from briggs that is an issue. , ., guiding me away from briggs that is an issue. , . ., . ., an issue. i understand that. what about the aftermath _ an issue. i understand that. what about the aftermath of _ an issue. i understand that. what about the aftermath of the - an issue. i understand that. what i about the aftermath of the pandemic of the past year, which of course lots of people are suffering with and still facing extreme difficulty. because the vaccine roll—out has been a success, did you detect that the government has been rewarded for that? j the government has been rewarded for that? 4' the government has been rewarded for that? ~ ., �* , the government has been rewarded for that? ~ ., a . ., , ., that? i think that's certainly a factor and _ that? i think that's certainly a factor and if _ that? i think that's certainly a factor and if you _ that? i think that's certainly a factor and if you look - that? i think that's certainly a factor and if you look at i that? i think that's certainly a i factor and if you look at hartlepool for example, there are a number of different factors the briggs and votes did undoubtedly go to the conservative party there were some

factors are on the labour mp was outgoing and the vaccine bounce as you mention. ithink longer term, while the vaccine —— vaccine bounce is a bigger issue long—term the government on their overall handling of the pandemic, which will be revealed during an enquiry and also how the government manages the recovery. how the government manages the recove . ., , , how the government manages the recove . . , , ., ~ recovery. there has been talk in other parties — recovery. there has been talk in other parties about _ recovery. there has been talk in other parties about leadership l recovery. there has been talk in i other parties about leadership and style of leadership and strength of leadership. what would you characterise as leadership for the lib dems at the moment. the kind of language that you are using around the policies that you are offering to connect to people because lots of talk today has been about whether parties are really tackling the issues that really matter to issue two people in their areas and that is the key to success. it has not been deflected as some people say by other issues. been deflected as some people say by other issues-— other issues. while liberalism fundamentally _ other issues. while liberalism fundamentally is _ other issues. while liberalism fundamentally is about i other issues. while liberalism l fundamentally is about freedom other issues. while liberalism i fundamentally is about freedom and the liberal democrats have always

wanted people to have freedom to live their lives as they choose and you can't believe two foot tree to visualise as you choose if you are living in poverty, if you can't get free school meals for people who need us, if you can't have access to the education or the training you need, if you don't have secure and affordable housing. these are all the kind of issues are liberal democrats campaign on locally and nationally and we are hoping that our strong track record in government and local government will shine through over the next a8 hours. shine through over the next ab hours. �* , , hours. i'm sure viewers will understand _ hours. i'm sure viewers will understand that _ hours. i'm sure viewers will understand that you - hours. i'm sure viewers will understand that you are... | hours. i'm sure viewers willl understand that you are... if somebody is looking at these figures, looking at your figures somebody is looking at these figures, looking at yourfigures in terms of councillors and thinking back maybe ten years or 15 years, they are bound to wonder how long it's going to take you to get back to that kind of strength. and if you can do it. it does today's likely performance give hope in that sense? i think the set of elections is quite different. it has been a very difficult year for individuals because of the pandemic but it's

also been a very difficult year to campaign and the liberal democrats have a track record of campaigning all year round which we haven't been able to do in the last 12 months. but i would say is we are looking head to the future and we are in second place of the conservatives in 80 westminster parliamentary seats and we are hoping that we are making gains in those areas and in the country. gains in those areas and in the count . �* ., ., , country. i'm going to stop you there because we're _ country. i'm going to stop you there because we're going _ country. i'm going to stop you there because we're going to _ country. i'm going to stop you there because we're going to get - country. i'm going to stop you there because we're going to get our- country. i'm going to stop you there because we're going to get our first| because we're going to get our first declaration. but because we're going to get our first declaration-— declaration. but 70.896. can i now also called — declaration. but 70.896. can i now also called again _ declaration. but 70.896. can i now also called again on _ declaration. but 70.896. can i now also called again on candidates i declaration. but 70.896. can i now| also called again on candidates and agents _ also called again on candidates and agents to— also called again on candidates and agents tojoin us also called again on candidates and agents to join us to do some adjudication on some doubtful ballot papers? _ adjudication on some doubtful ballot papers? thank you for your attention. papers? thank you for your attention-— papers? thank you for your attention. ., ., , . ., , attention. not quite as exciting as we thought _ attention. not quite as exciting as we thought because _ attention. not quite as exciting as we thought because we _ attention. not quite as exciting as we thought because we thought . attention. not quite as exciting as| we thought because we thought we were getting our first declaration live in clydebank, but they are just going to sort out some of the ballot papers which are causing a bit of a problem and that's normal, it's a normal course of events. their

mentor gather representatives of the parties that everybody agrees on what looks like a spoilt ballot paper and what doesn't. that's quite a sensitive process at times, especially when it's a tight race. kirsty, this is clydebank in we looking for her? brute kirsty, this is clydebank in we looking for her?— kirsty, this is clydebank in we looking for her? kirsty, this is clydebank in we lookint for her? . ., ., looking for her? we are looking for the snp, an _ looking for her? we are looking for the snp, an snp— looking for her? we are looking for the snp, an snp constituency, i looking for her? we are looking for the snp, an snp constituency, but| looking for her? we are looking for. the snp, an snp constituency, but we are looking for, if nothing else, to see an increase of their vote and this will give an indication as to how the snp is performing more widely. i think we are desperately keen to get out of the traps and get anything other than the party pulled by—election results. we are keen to get this result. but we might actually get one or two other results at two o'clock and they might be the first results. there will be a clutch of results early on in the afternoon, which is going to start to give us an indication of, not only how the snp is doing, but how the labour vote is coalescing around the best support for the

union and which some forgers are saying... in a moment, we're going to live here from lord adonis in westminster, who was tony blair's former adviser and cabinet minister and who has some extremely severe words for keir starmer. but first rita with more details the results. yes, kirsty. these are the latest results that we have in and they are showing a really interesting pattern. i want to remind you that what we have in terms of the english council elections are two sets of elections. some of them, or half of them were last fought in 2016 and half were last fought in 2017. although overall we are seeing a strong conservative performance, there is some detail in the fact that we have these two different sets of elections going. i want to show you how. let's take a look at redditch. the seat in redditch were last up for election in 2016. the

conservatives have held redditch and what's so interesting here is what they have hounded by. you can see they have hounded by. you can see the sea to change here. tories are up the sea to change here. tories are up seven and labour down seven. in terms of the share of the vote, i'm going fast here, look at that, the conservative share is up 27% in redditch and they have clearly been a massive beneficiary of the huge drop in the uk to vote. 2016 is important because we need to bear in mind that then labour and the conservatives were roughly the same in terms of their share of the vote and given that we have seen a strong conservative performance this time round and we know the opinion polls show that the conservatives were ahead of labour, they have really surged ahead in counsels like this, where the seats were last up in 2016. now, the slightly different

story in the 2017 councils. northumberland was last up for election in 2017. this is a whole council election and some of the district councils are just a third of the council seats which are up. this was the entire council. this is a conservative gain and is a very good results for the party and has gone from no overall control to conservative and ijust gone from no overall control to conservative and i just want to show you again the change in the share of the vote. slightly different story because it is in fact a labourer who has put on a% and the conservatives just 1%, but 1% allowed them to gain the seat that they needed to control the seat that they needed to control the council, but it is not that really sort of strong push that we saw in redditch. we have been crunching the numbers a little bit behind—the—scenes with the result is that we have got in. so what i'm showing you here is the difference in the performance in these elections in the councils that were fought in 2016 and that will last

fought in 2016 and that will last fought in 2016 and that will last fought in 2017 and you can see in the 2016 results, we have, labour is slightly ahead of conservatives in terms of their share of the vote and in the 2017 councils, actually the conservatives are way ahead of labour in terms of the share of the vote. but the devil is always in the change in the share and look at that. in 2016, the conservatives had zoomed up 10% and labour have dropped a%. you keep is down by 12% and in 2017, the conservatives have lost a little in terms of the share of the vote. what this means in terms of translating it into actual seeds and actual councils is that we can expect to see the conservatives picking up seats and councils in the 2016 baseline councils, but possibly rather less so in 2017. there will be a variation in the results there.

we will catch up withjohn curtice later with some analysis. thank you. we'll be waiting a minute to hear from lord adonis because first we are going over to ben brown for the news. here's a summary of the bbc news. labour has described the loss of its parliamentary seat of hartlepool to the conservatives in a by—election as "absolutely shattering". the new mp isjill mortimer, who's the first tory in 56 years to represent the former labour stronghold. she has a resounding majority of 6,9a0. the labour leader, sir keir starmer, was asked about the loss of the hartlepool constituency this morning as he left home, but he has yet to comment. the conservatives have also made gains across local councils in england. they've taken control of four local authorities, and gained 61 council seats —

while labour have lost 67. ——and gained 62 council seats — while labour have lost 67. 20 councils have declared their results so far — votes are still being counted in the elections for 12a. counting in the scottish parliamentary election began this morning. voters were choosing 129 msps to be elected to the scottish parliament — but covid restrictions meant there was no overnight vote counting this year. we're expecting the first results shortly. the final results are expected on saturday. counting has also begun in the welsh elections to the senedd. 60 seats are up for grabs and some voters reported queues outside polling stations. most results are expected this afternoon and into the early evening. results in four wales police and crime commissioner elections are due on sunday. thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation has recommended that most adults under the age of a0 should be offered an alternative vaccine to the astrazeneca jab, after concerns about blood clots. the age threshold is being raised

as a precautionary measure. the prevalence of covid—19 infections has decreased in every nation in the uk, except northern ireland where the office for national statistcs say it has "remained level". the 0ns infection survey suggests that about 57,000 people in the uk would have tested positive for coronavirus in the week to 2nd may — that equates to fewer than one in 1,000 people. we'll find out today how international travel will restart for england. the transport secretary grant shapps will give a press conference later to announce how the government will open it up. holidays abroad are currently banned, but a traffic light system of rules will take effect on the 17th of may — with countries classed as green, amber or red. travellers to green countries will not need to quarantine on their return, but they will need to take a covid test before going and coming back.

arrivals from amber countries will need to quarantine at home on return to the uk and as well as taking the same tests before departure and return. red—list countries have the strictest rules. only uk and ireland residents will be able to come in from those countries, and travellers will have to quarantine for ten days in a government approved hotel at their own expense — in addition to the testing regime. and we'll have full coverage of that press conference by the transport secretary this evening at 5pm on the bbc news channel. firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a 19—storey block of flats in poplar in east london. parts of the eighth, ninth and tenth floors of the building have been badly burned. there are over 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines at the scene. london ambulance service say they have treated a number of people at the scene.

let's go back now to elections 2021. we welcome you back and if you're justjoining us, thank you, we are covering all of the election is happening in scotland, wales and england. it is a huge set of elections, the biggest test of public opinion since the last general election and certainly before the next one. it will tell us lots about what's going on. one of the main stories is labour suffered a terrible defeat in hartlepool by—election, one of its old strongholds. but north—east of england is really following a pattern of turning its back on labour and backing the conservatives. 0ne labour and backing the conservatives. one of labour and backing the conservatives. 0ne ofjeremy

corbyn's main backers was mccluskey, general secretary of the unite union. he's been speaking on the political thinking podcast and this is what he's had to say. abs, political thinking podcast and this is what he's had to say. a terrible result and — is what he's had to say. a terrible result and l— is what he's had to say. a terrible result and i hope _ is what he's had to say. a terrible result and i hope keir— is what he's had to say. a terrible result and i hope keir starmer- result and i hope keir starmer learns the correct lesson from this. he was elected a year ago on a radical programme. he said he wanted to make the moral case for socialism, he wanted a united party. unfortunately, he's failed in all of those areas because we are now in a situation in hartlepool is the manifestation of it, where people don't know what his vision is, people don't know what labour stands for any more. if people don't know what the alternative to the status quo is, they won't fight or they will stick with what they've got.

keir starmer has to press the reset button. i keir starmer has to press the reset button. , ., ., ,, ., button. i “ust wanted to say i know that button. ijust wanted to say i know that results _ button. ijust wanted to say i know that results have _ button. ijust wanted to say i know that results have been _ button. ijust wanted to say i know that results have been coming i button. ijust wanted to say i know that results have been coming in l that results have been coming in since _ that results have been coming in since this— that results have been coming in since this morning and clearly there are a _ since this morning and clearly there are a lot _ since this morning and clearly there are a lot more to go and it's early days, _ are a lot more to go and it's early days, but— are a lot more to go and it's early days, but a — are a lot more to go and it's early days, but a very encouraging set of results _ days, but a very encouraging set of results so — days, but a very encouraging set of results so far. i think that's really— results so far. i think that's really because we've been focusing as a government on our priorities, people's— as a government on our priorities, people's priorities, bouncing back from _ people's priorities, bouncing back from the — people's priorities, bouncing back from the pandemic as far as we can, getting _ from the pandemic as far as we can, getting through it. it's been very good _ getting through it. it's been very good to— getting through it. it's been very good to be here at seven trent talking — good to be here at seven trent talking to _ good to be here at seven trent talking to them about the 500 kick start as _ talking to them about the 500 kick start as they are employing, which is i think— start as they are employing, which is i think what everyone wants to see as _ is i think what everyone wants to see as we — is i think what everyone wants to see as we go through towards the end of the _ see as we go through towards the end of the road _ see as we go through towards the end of the road map, making sure we are getting _ of the road map, making sure we are getting people into work, getting the economy bouncing back strongly in the _ the economy bouncing back strongly in the way— the economy bouncing back strongly in the way i — the economy bouncing back strongly in the way i know it well. i will say a — in the way i know it well. i will say a bit — in the way i know it well. i will say a bit more later on in hartlepool.—

say a bit more later on in hartle-ool. ~ , ., hartlepool. why are you offering the alternative to _ hartlepool. why are you offering the alternative to astrazeneca _ hartlepool. why are you offering the alternative to astrazeneca to - hartlepool. why are you offering the alternative to astrazeneca to the i alternative to astrazeneca to the under _ alternative to astrazeneca to the under 40s? _ alternative to astrazeneca to the under 40s?— alternative to astrazeneca to the under 40s? , . ,._ ., under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if ou've under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if you've got — under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if you've got a _ under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if you've got a choice _ under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if you've got a choice and _ under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if you've got a choice and a - under 40s? the jcvi are saying that if you've got a choice and a variety i if you've got a choice and a variety ofiabs_ if you've got a choice and a variety ofiabs and — if you've got a choice and a variety ofjabs and you've got somebody under— ofjabs and you've got somebody under 40. — ofjabs and you've got somebody underao, then on ofjabs and you've got somebody under 40, then on the whole, give them _ under 40, then on the whole, give them pfizer— under 40, then on the whole, give them pfizer or one of the other ones _ them pfizer or one of the other ones it— them pfizer or one of the other ones it is— them pfizer or one of the other ones it is a _ them pfizer or one of the other ones. it is a preference, not an absolute — ones. it is a preference, not an absolute ruling.— ones. it is a preference, not an absolute rulint. . ., ., . , absolute ruling. what other concerns on the indian — absolute ruling. what other concerns on the indian variant? _ absolute ruling. what other concerns on the indian variant? we've - absolute ruling. what other concerns on the indian variant? we've got i absolute ruling. what other concerns on the indian variant? we've got to l on the indian variant? we've got to be very careful _ on the indian variant? we've got to be very careful about _ on the indian variant? we've got to be very careful about that - on the indian variant? we've got to be very careful about that and i on the indian variant? we've got to be very careful about that and we l be very careful about that and we are giving — be very careful about that and we are giving a huge amount obviously to make _ are giving a huge amount obviously to make sure that when we do find outbreaks— to make sure that when we do find outbreaks of the indian variant, that we — outbreaks of the indian variant, that we do— outbreaks of the indian variant, that we do surge testing and door—to—door testing and isolate it. and also— door—to—door testing and isolate it. and also have very tough controls on transport, _ and also have very tough controls on transport, on people coming in.

thanks. — transport, on people coming in. thanks, everybody. that transport, on people coming in. thanks, everybody.— transport, on people coming in. thanks, everybody. that was the prime minister _ thanks, everybody. that was the prime minister in _ thanks, everybody. that was the prime minister in coventry. i thanks, everybody. that was the | prime minister in coventry. giving thanks, everybody. that was the i prime minister in coventry. giving a signal he's going to be heading to hartlepool to celebrate probably with his team there, the new conservative mp. so, wejust with his team there, the new conservative mp. so, we just cut out of len mccluskey, with apologies, but he was making the point that he doesn't think keir starmer is taking the party in the right direction and the party in the right direction and the kind of values and policies that were being put forward byjeremy corbyn, he thinks, would be rather more valuable and beneficial for the party at this stage. kirsty. in coming from len mccluskey party at this stage. kirsty. i�*i coming from len mccluskey from one side of the party and we've also got incoming from lord adonis, he was senior adviser to tony blair. he is said keir starmer, nice man without political skill at the highest level, and he calls on him to go. did you have this in your back

pocket ready or did you just decide on this today after the results that have come in? i(eir on this today after the results that have come in?— have come in? keir starmer's spokesman — have come in? keir starmer's spokesman said _ have come in? keir starmer's spokesman said the - have come in? keir starmer's spokesman said the result i have come in? keir starmer's. spokesman said the result was shattering and the labour vote went down _ shattering and the labour vote went down by _ shattering and the labour vote went down by a _ shattering and the labour vote went down by a quarter in hartlepool since _ down by a quarter in hartlepool since the — down by a quarter in hartlepool since the 2019 election, and of course — since the 2019 election, and of course that was the worst result for 60 years _ course that was the worst result for 60 years that labour had had under jeremy— 60 years that labour had had under jeremy corbyn. i think all labour people. — jeremy corbyn. i think all labour people, and we all like keir starmer~ _ people, and we all like keir starmer. he had a difficult succession from jeremy corbyn who led the _ succession from jeremy corbyn who led the labour party to a great disaster. — led the labour party to a great disaster, onlyjust over a year ago. so we _ disaster, onlyjust over a year ago. so we all— disaster, onlyjust over a year ago. so we all wished him well but the verdict _ so we all wished him well but the verdict of— so we all wished him well but the verdict of the people is the verdict of the _ verdict of the people is the verdict of the people and the golden rule of politics— of the people and the golden rule of politics is— of the people and the golden rule of politics is you can't avoid the verdict — politics is you can't avoid the verdict of— politics is you can't avoid the verdict of the people. i think what we've _ verdict of the people. i think what we've got— verdict of the people. i think what we've got to grapple with is what this means. clearly the public is unpersuaded that labour has the leadership, policies, or critique or energy— leadership, policies, or critique or energyand— leadership, policies, or critique or energy and dynamism in terms of its view of— energy and dynamism in terms of its view of the _ energy and dynamism in terms of its view of the future of the country. we all _ view of the future of the country. we all need to consider that. yes,

but the problem _ we all need to consider that. yes, but the problem is _ we all need to consider that. yes, but the problem is you _ we all need to consider that. ya: but the problem is you need to consider it but actually there is no obvious answer. you'll be saying something on one side which is entirely different from whatjohn mcdonnell and len mccluskey have been saying. jeremy corbyn out after 1a months, you want keir starmer out after 12 months, who is the next leader? ., ., _, , ., leader? you need to consider what works because _ leader? you need to consider what works because that _ leader? you need to consider what works because that is _ leader? you need to consider what works because that is what - leader? you need to consider what| works because that is what matters in politics — works because that is what matters in politics. jeremy corbyn clearly doesn't — in politics. jeremy corbyn clearly doesn't work. this marxist, far left experiment — doesn't work. this marxist, far left experiment led the labour party to catastrophe. if you look at the last 11 elections we had in this country, the pattern— 11 elections we had in this country, the pattern is clear. defeat, defeat, _ the pattern is clear. defeat, defeat, defeat, defeat, tony blair, tony blair, — defeat, defeat, defeat, tony blair, tony blair, tony blair, defeat, defeat, — tony blair, tony blair, defeat, defeat, defeat, defeat. so, the right— defeat, defeat, defeat. so, the right thing to do is to learn the lessons — right thing to do is to learn the lessons from the only thing that has worked _ lessons from the only thing that has worked which is a modernising, centrist, — worked which is a modernising, centrist, dynamic labour party which .oes centrist, dynamic labour party which goes for— centrist, dynamic labour party which goes for a _ centrist, dynamic labour party which

goes for a modernising message on the economy, modernising in terms of public— the economy, modernising in terms of public services but accepts that people — public services but accepts that people have very strong values, that they are _ people have very strong values, that they are strongly patriotic, that they are strongly patriotic, that they don't want to play fast and loose _ they don't want to play fast and loose with the defence of the country _ loose with the defence of the country. all of those things get that new — country. all of those things get that new compound, which is what made _ that new compound, which is what made labour so successful under tony blair and _ made labour so successful under tony blair and i _ made labour so successful under tony blairand i think made labour so successful under tony blair and i think it's possible to come _ blair and i think it's possible to come back— blair and i think it's possible to come back and it can only be done with real— come back and it can only be done with real conviction leadership. what _ with real conviction leadership. what people will not vote for is leaders — what people will not vote for is leaders who they think split the difference. whatever you think about borisjohnson, people know what he stands _ borisjohnson, people know what he stands for~ _ borisjohnson, people know what he stands for. he couldn't have been clearer— stands for. he couldn't have been clearer about what he thinks in terms — clearer about what he thinks in terms of— clearer about what he thinks in terms of brexit and the future of the country. what does labour stand for? that— the country. what does labour stand for? that is— the country. what does labour stand for? that is the big void at the centre — for? that is the big void at the centre of— for? that is the big void at the centre of politics at the moment. even _ centre of politics at the moment. even on — centre of politics at the moment. even on the europe issue, what labour— even on the europe issue, what labour had _ even on the europe issue, what labour had said it descends its pro—europeanism of the past, it sort of accepts— pro—europeanism of the past, it sort of accepts borisjohnson but it doesn't — of accepts borisjohnson but it doesn't fully accept that so it's in a no _ doesn't fully accept that so it's in a no man's— doesn't fully accept that so it's in a no man's land and i'm afraid in a no man's— a no man's land and i'm afraid in a no man's land— a no man's land and i'm afraid in a no man's land in politics you simply

-et no man's land in politics you simply get cut— no man's land in politics you simply get cut down. no man's land in politics you simply get cut down-— get cut down. well, the problem is that presumably — get cut down. well, the problem is that presumably you _ get cut down. well, the problem is that presumably you would - get cut down. well, the problem is that presumably you would like i get cut down. well, the problem is that presumably you would like to l that presumably you would like to claim it tony blair, that's not going to happen. so where is your best chance? do you have to look at the two men who are bucking the trend just now, sadiq khan in london and probably andy burnham in greater manchester, a former mp. neither of them obviously in westminster. is that the best way forward? they seem to have not been alexia necessary of total success but they seem to know what people want in their own area —— the elyxir. what people want in their own area -- the elyxir-_ -- the elyxir. this is potentially curtains for _ -- the elyxir. this is potentially curtains for the _ -- the elyxir. this is potentially curtains for the labour - -- the elyxir. this is potentially curtains for the labour party i -- the elyxir. this is potentially i curtains for the labour party unless it's possible — curtains for the labour party unless it's possible to turn it around. i don't _ it's possible to turn it around. i don't think— it's possible to turn it around. i don't think my labour colleagues should _ don't think my labour colleagues should be — don't think my labour colleagues should be restricted to people currently members of the house of commons — currently members of the house of commons in looking at the next leader~ — commons in looking at the next leader. what they should look at is a person. _ leader. what they should look at is a person. a — leader. what they should look at is a person, a leader who can really articulate — a person, a leader who can really articulate a — a person, a leader who can really articulate a bold, credible,

exciting _ articulate a bold, credible, exciting and popular vision for the future _ exciting and popular vision for the future. particularly post—covid—19. growth. _ future. particularly post—covid—19. growth, jobs, the future of our young — growth, jobs, the future of our young people, what those leaving school— young people, what those leaving school at — young people, what those leaving school at the moment, many of whom have had _ school at the moment, many of whom have had their education wrecked under— have had their education wrecked under covid, what feature there is for them — under covid, what feature there is for them. this is what people want to hear~ _ for them. this is what people want to hear. they obviously give boris johnson _ to hear. they obviously give boris johnson credit for the vaccinations. but politics — johnson credit for the vaccinations. but politics isn't about giving people — but politics isn't about giving people bouquet is for the past, it's about— people bouquet is for the past, it's about having a compelling, exciting vision _ about having a compelling, exciting vision for— about having a compelling, exciting vision for the future. what my labour— vision for the future. what my labour colleagues need to look at it who can _ labour colleagues need to look at it who can offer that compelling, exciting — who can offer that compelling, exciting dynamic vision for the future? — exciting dynamic vision for the future? we shouldn't restrict ourselves to the house of commons. saying _ ourselves to the house of commons. saying it _ ourselves to the house of commons. saying it could be curtains for labour is an incredibly strong statement. and who might be good for labour in scotland isn't necessarily going to be good for labour in england. you're facing both ways. in my experience, leaders who are popular— my experience, leaders who are popular in — my experience, leaders who are popular in the red wall are also

popular— popular in the red wall are also popular in _ popular in the red wall are also popular in the red wall are also popular in the south of england, in scotland _ popular in the south of england, in scotland and england. i think this excessive — scotland and england. i think this excessive segmentation of the electorate has done british politics a lot of— electorate has done british politics a lot of harm. if you look at boris johnson — a lot of harm. if you look at boris johnson, the conservatives are popular— johnson, the conservatives are popular across most of england which is the _ popular across most of england which is the predominant part of the uk apart— is the predominant part of the uk apart from — is the predominant part of the uk apart from some of the inner cities. that's— apart from some of the inner cities. that's the _ apart from some of the inner cities. that's the message coming through from these elections. of course, the relationship — from these elections. of course, the relationship between scotland and england _ relationship between scotland and england is very difficult and we are awaiting _ england is very difficult and we are awaiting scottish results. a leader who can _ awaiting scottish results. a leader who can unify england across classes and across _ who can unify england across classes and across age ranges and across regions, — and across age ranges and across regions, that is the absolute bedrock— regions, that is the absolute bedrock on which labour needs to advance — bedrock on which labour needs to advance. ., ~ bedrock on which labour needs to advance. ., ,, , ., , . bedrock on which labour needs to advance. ., ~ , ., , . ., advance. thank you very much, lord adonis. advance. thank you very much, lord adonis- some _ advance. thank you very much, lord adonis. some pretty— advance. thank you very much, lord adonis. some pretty trenchant i advance. thank you very much, lord | adonis. some pretty trenchant views there from lord _ adonis. some pretty trenchant views there from lord adonis, _ adonis. some pretty trenchant views there from lord adonis, who - adonis. some pretty trenchant views there from lord adonis, who really l there from lord adonis, who really is spelling out his sense of what is going wrong with labour right now.

so as kirsty was saying to us, this criticism is coming notjust from the jeremy criticism is coming notjust from thejeremy corbin left a section of labour, but it is coming from other parts of the party as well, which may be rather alarming for keir starmer at this point. vicki is with me. despite the fact that hartlepool was a dreadful result, i'm slightly surprised by the extent to which this kind of internal, well, let's just say vigorous debate, yes, should be to say that? instead of warfare? this vigorous debate has just ignited within hours of that happening. yes, because the hartlepool results, there are some mps saying as to why some labour candidates. mps saying as to why some labour candidates-— candidates. there were issues but actually what _ candidates. there were issues but actually what all _ candidates. there were issues but actually what all of _ candidates. there were issues but actually what all of this _ candidates. there were issues but actually what all of this is - candidates. there were issues butj actually what all of this is showing is that labour was my problems are

far more deep—rooted than losing some council seats and losing a by—election. this goes back to, you could say that the pandemic has stopped this debate happening for the last year. actually, thejeremy corbyn leaving the scene hasn't resolved all of the issues. it's far deeper than that. but what is the answer? we are hearing from both sides on one side saying that we have to go back and make the case for socialism and back tojeremy corbyn's agenda and then you have people like lord mandelson and lauren are about the opposite and saying that there must be a broader coalition. it was really interesting listening to lord mandelson who was talking about why people vote for governments and it is because they think they're going to help them. it's pretty basic stuff. and that can involve more money for your area, it can involve better public services or better public fundus services or better public fundus services and also talked about labour not making a cultural connection with this bedrock support and that is a different issue and i

think that's probably a tougher 1a3 keir starmer. this idea that the values that labour has earned the same and lord adonis said patrick chisholm. 0ne labour mp said there was flag—waving and how it doesn't work and others are saying that you have to show that you believe in your country and that you are patriotic. it is a fundamental problem here for labour that they can't agree on solutions. we all know it has been a disastrous period and stretching back and number of issues and years. they have had many bad election defeats and i have listened to labour mps talking about this for a long time and i haven't really heard anyone come the answer. sir keir starmer, his first step, his team would say is thatjeremy corbyn's leadership was a problem and it alienates them even more from some of those seats in the north and northeast of england. he wanted to show that the party was under a different manager and they would say they have done that, it has been slightly more difficult because of

the pandemic and the policy platform was going to come later. what this shows that you can't go into these elections without really much of a policy platform and that was the complaint from loss of labour mps that they are not really showing what stand for. bud that they are not really showing what stand for.— what stand for. and especially worrying- _ what stand for. and especially worrying- we _ what stand for. and especially worrying. we will— what stand for. and especially worrying. we will talk - what stand for. and especially worrying. we will talk about i worrying. we will talk about lancashire in a moment because interesting tests for labour there as well. we willjoin the ride in the second. interesting that from left and right they do agree on one thing and that is potentially an existential crisis for labour and are drawn into that today and it is certainly an upsurge of questions as to whether keir starmer is the right person to lead the party. judging from what has been said in the last week or so, including from what has been said in the last week orso, including by from what has been said in the last week or so, including by circular, paving the way for possible disappointing results, ithink paving the way for possible disappointing results, i think is it possible that they will be taken aback by the ferocity of the response so far? i

aback by the ferocity of the response so far?— aback by the ferocity of the response so far? i think they will be disappointed, _ response so far? i think they will be disappointed, they _ response so far? i think they will be disappointed, they were i response so far? i think they will i be disappointed, they were expecting at was not to be brilliant but i think they are going to be more alarmed that there are worse than they were expecting. whether this means that sir keir starmer is going to face a leadership challenge, no, i don't think we are at that stage, partly because of what we have been saying. the problems are far more deep—rooted than that. it's notjust about the leader. people say how you can have a lawyer from about the leader. people say how you can have a lawyerfrom north london and they're looking to peel from people in the north of england? maybe he could. it's about policy is more than anything else. people think he's a talented enough politician and that he could quite easily be a competent prime minister. but again, it is about much, much more than that and they have to start getting their message across and the problem is one labour mp said that people are not slamming the door in our faces any more and thatis the door in our faces any more and that is a pretty low bar and people have to be listening to them and a message when it comes to what you are going to offer voters and the labour partyjust isn't there at the

moment. labour party “ust isn't there at the moment. , , ~ labour party “ust isn't there at the moment. , , ,, ., ,., labour party “ust isn't there at the moment. , , ,, ., , , moment. just thinking about tests for labour and _ moment. just thinking about tests for labour and especially - moment. just thinking about tests for labour and especially in i moment. just thinking about tests for labour and especially in the i for labour and especially in the local elections as well, let's go to pendant and talk to a ride smith. we are talking about a part of england there which clearly presents labour with a pretty stiff challenge and if we go back over the last few decades, we have no problem seeing labour being able to gain votes impressively in that region. where are we now? how do you see it, that one? �* ., are we now? how do you see it, that one? �* . ., , , one? i'm at pendle and this is where the votes have _ one? i'm at pendle and this is where the votes have been _ one? i'm at pendle and this is where the votes have been counted - one? i'm at pendle and this is where the votes have been counted for i the votes have been counted for pendle borough council and you talk they're about labourcontrol over they�* re about labourcontrol over this they're about labourcontrol over this area and of this county but the used to have overall control of this council until 2019. despite having the greatest number of seats in that

election. so this is actually a top conservative target. and there have been changes here as well, boundary changes that mean the total number of seats is reduced down from a9 to 33. it's going to be interesting to see what happens here today. the verification of the is taking place, we expect wards to be at announced by half past two and this is a top conservative target in the north west. ~ ., conservative target in the north west. . ., ., conservative target in the north west. ., ., , conservative target in the north west. . ., , .,~' , west. what our local party workers sa int west. what our local party workers saying today? _ west. what our local party workers saying today? are _ west. what our local party workers saying today? are you _ west. what our local party workers saying today? are you able - west. what our local party workers saying today? are you able to i west. what our local party workers i saying today? are you able to engage the feeling, the kind of confidence or lack of it among officials there at the count, mairead? everybody feels confident _ at the count, mairead? everybody feels confident but _ at the count, mairead? everybody feels confident but nobody - at the count, mairead? everybody feels confident but nobody reallyl feels confident but nobody really knows what is going to happen and i was speaking to some people just up the road before we came here today and they were telling me that they voted for the liberal democrats and they feel they have done a good job for them locally and that is talking

about their local councillors and another woman said to me that she was pleased by the conservatives and she wanted to give them her vote this time round. so it really remains to be seen what happens today. remains to be seen what happens toda . a , remains to be seen what happens toda. , ., .,. ., ., today. many thanks once again, mairead. another _ today. many thanks once again, mairead. another perspective . today. many thanks once again, i mairead. another perspective about the conservative and labour battle and again some of the same issues coming up in terms of what people are voting for and whether they are local issues or are they clouded by the pandemic itself. it's a fascinating mix of things. they will be in different balances and in different areas. we were talking earlier about the fact that this set of elections in england is a bumper crop because of course the ones that were meant to happen last year had to be delayed because we are talking about two sets really being put together and that is really giving

us a bit of a challenge in terms of judging, what are we judging against, 2016 or 2017? and it raises lots of factors about what we are able to do in terms of saying has a certain party gained or has a certain party gained or has a certain party gained or has a certain party lost. in the key words, which tell us what is going on, the analysis is quite interesting. look at this. the change since 2016 in key words and this is where we are right now. labour down four, the conservatives up labour down four, the conservatives up to ten. and if you look along the charter, lib dems down 12. some strong suggestion that the exit vote has gone from ukip and back up to the conservatives. if you look at the conservatives. if you look at the key wards and the changes from 2017, the different benchmark of the tories are down one. this is interesting. different areas electing councillors between 2016

and 2017 and labourjust down a fraction. mac down a bit and the greens up for. that tells us something about the areas that we are talking about. i'm going to bring injohn curtis and john, this key word analysis is fascinating. how would you describe the way that we would analyse days in 2016 and 17? and what they tell tellest were the areas? ~ ., �* 17? and what they tell tellest were the areas? . . �* ., ., the areas? what we're doing at the moment as — the areas? what we're doing at the moment as we _ the areas? what we're doing at the moment as we will _ the areas? what we're doing at the moment as we will do _ the areas? what we're doing at the moment as we will do something i the areas? what we're doing at the i moment as we will do something more complicated the mum later on, but what we're doing at the moment is taking the vows that we have had in so and what we have had our 200 wards were tasted contested in 2016... we are adding them up and we are comparing them with the results last time. the crucial thing however is that the political circumstances in which the 2016 local elections were fought are very different from the circumstances in which the 2017 local elections were fought. the

2017 local elections were actually took place after theresa may had decided off the back of what the opinion polls had said to call the election of the general election. the local elections one so good for the conservatives, but still very clearly pointing toward something like a conservative double digit lead in the national mood. the year previously, in 2016 however, the polls were pretty much neck and neck and maybe slightly conservative in the lead and a bit more than that may be. that reminds you of what the opinion polls have been saying more recent lea ks. opinion polls have been saying more recent leaks. they have been saying that the conservatives are six or seven or eight points ahead and we are a sombre hurt in that between probably. circumstances of 2016 and 17. you can see why there is a swing to the conservatives since 2016 in

those places where the last election was in 2016, but there isn't any sign of a swing to the conservative in those places where the seats are up in those places where the seats are up for grabs by this in 2017. it's different baselines. it's crucial. 0n different baselines. it's crucial. on top of that,. this is true. this is irrespective of whether we're looking at the 2016 seats for the 2017 seats. if it is a remain area, labour are not doing so badly, in some instances doing well and if it's the leave area, the conservatives are doing jolly well indeed. that means therefore that in our 20 seven councils in those places were reminded well in the 2016 referendum, expect to see labour make gains, even though we have sought power been reporting on off a lot of serious losses for the labour party elsewhere, ie were there a lots of bugs and voters and

falling down badly.— there a lots of bugs and voters and falling down badly. taking a through those keywords _ falling down badly. taking a through those keywords which _ falling down badly. taking a through those keywords which is _ falling down badly. taking a through those keywords which is extremely i those keywords which is extremely useful, we will be talking to douglas ross who was the leader of the scottish conservative party. what guidance would you give us in terms of the conservative's expectations in scotland for the scottish parliament seats? in truth, i think the conservatives _ scottish parliament seats? in truth, i think the conservatives are - i think the conservatives are basically hoping to hold their own, which means basically still coming in with around 21 or 22% of the vote and crucially to remain ahead of the labour party and therefore still be the principal voice of unionism north of the border. the labour party have been trying to catch the conservatives up but the poles have been relatively discouraging. expect also mr ross to talk a great deal about tactical voting and that could be quite crucial. in the afternoon we will talk a lot about the very small number of opposition held seats that we simply need to pick up

and one of the things that unionists are relying on is that for example, if you're a conservative supporter in dumbarton for example, where labour had a small lead, but you might vote for labour in that constituency and equally, if you're a labour voter in another area which is narrowly how the conservatives then some of those labour voters will turn to conservatives. that is one of the thing we can't tell from national polls but weak —— and tell. the conservatives want to keep second place, but along the way they want to maximise the activeness of votes. , ., . , want to maximise the activeness of votes. , ., ., , ., ., votes. john, many thanks and we will talk atain votes. john, many thanks and we will talk again later _ votes. john, many thanks and we will talk again later on. _ votes. john, many thanks and we will talk again later on. john _ votes. john, many thanks and we will talk again later on. john promising i talk again later on. john promising lots more chat this afternoon i am looking forward to it. there will be plenty of us to look at. we're going to talk now to douglas ross, who was leader of the scottish conservative party and he joins leader of the scottish conservative party and hejoins us leader of the scottish conservative party and he joins us from leader of the scottish conservative party and hejoins us from elgin. douglas, thank you forjoining us. there is a delay so i'll keep my question is quite brief. how do you

sense things are going for you in scotland todayjudging by what party colleagues are telling you? well. scotland todayjudging by what party colleagues are telling you?— colleagues are telling you? well, i can kee- colleagues are telling you? well, i can keep my _ colleagues are telling you? well, i can keep my answers _ colleagues are telling you? well, i can keep my answers brief - colleagues are telling you? well, i can keep my answers brief that i colleagues are telling you? well, i can keep my answers brief that we are quite behind in terms of accounting, certainly here it's taking a lot longer because the social distancing, less staff, that's the message i'm getting from many parts of scotland is that it's taking longer to count. it will be some time yet before we get a picture of how it's looking. jackson carlaw, the — picture of how it's looking. jackson carlaw, the last — picture of how it's looking. jackson carlaw, the last leader, _ picture of how it's looking. jackson carlaw, the last leader, resigned l carlaw, the last leader, resigned when _ carlaw, the last leader, resigned when the — carlaw, the last leader, resigned when the tories got 23% of the vote. when _ when the tories got 23% of the vote. when you _ when the tories got 23% of the vote. when you do the same thing? in the opinion— when you do the same thing? in the opinion polls, i should say.— opinion polls, i should say. kirsty, i'm ttoin opinion polls, i should say. kirsty, i'm going to _ opinion polls, i should say. kirsty, i'm going to wait _ opinion polls, i should say. kirsty, i'm going to wait until _ opinion polls, i should say. kirsty, i'm going to wait until the - opinion polls, i should say. kirsty, i'm going to wait until the votes i i'm going to wait until the votes are counted. we are being patient here in murray and across scotland.

people turned out in greater numbers yesterday and we respect their right to democracy and base our decisions on what they return in terms of the parliament of 129 msps and the final declarations at some point tomorrow. would it be fair to say you want an absolute _ would it be fair to say you want an absolute fan of boris johnson, you've — absolute fan of boris johnson, you've been critical of him in the past? _ you've been critical of him in the past? i_ you've been critical of him in the past? i wonder whether it's helped your campaign that he chose not to come _ your campaign that he chose not to come north— your campaign that he chose not to come north of the border. yet he went— come north of the border. yet he went to _ come north of the border. yet he went to hartlepool three times. well, _ went to hartlepool three times. well, i— went to hartlepool three times. well, i would say that this campaign has been about the scottish conservatives, our message in scotland and what we would do in parliament. it's going to be crucial to people across scotland that we deliver a parliament focused on improving the lives of people in moray, across the highlands and islands and every part of scotland. will be focused on that after the results as well. brute will be focused on that after the results as well.— will be focused on that after the results as well. we are looking at tuite a results as well. we are looking at quite a high _ results as well. we are looking at quite a high turnout, _ results as well. we are looking at quite a high turnout, is _ results as well. we are looking at quite a high turnout, is that i results as well. we are looking at i quite a high turnout, is that coming from _ quite a high turnout, is that coming from the _ quite a high turnout, is that coming from the snp or from tories? well,

we don't know _ from the snp or from tories? well, we don't know yet _ from the snp or from tories? well, we don't know yet because, - from the snp or from tories? well, we don't know yet because, as i i from the snp or from tories? -ii we don't know yet because, as i say, we don't know yet because, as i say, we are a long way into the count but haven't seen many ballot boxes open here in moray. i would expect a long day today and tomorrow before we know the outcome but i think it is encouraging and positive. people have been engaged during this campaign to turn out in good numbers right across scotland. fit" right across scotland. our correspondent _ right across scotland. our correspondent has - right across scotland. 0ur correspondent has been reporting from _ correspondent has been reporting from a _ correspondent has been reporting from a conservative source that the hi-h from a conservative source that the high turnout is pointing also in the constituencies to a landslide for the snp — constituencies to a landslide for the snp. that's a tory source. well, tory sources — the snp. that's a tory source. well, tory sources and _ the snp. that's a tory source. well, tory sources and i'm _ the snp. that's a tory source. well, tory sources and i'm sure _ the snp. that's a tory source. well, tory sources and i'm sure snp i tory sources and i'm sure snp sources will be saying something else. honestly, these sources can wait a few more hours and then we will get some results and be able to base our conclusions on actual results. , , ., , ., base our conclusions on actual results. , ., , ., ., results. just on the question of our

results. just on the question of your tactics. — results. just on the question of your tactics, on _ results. just on the question of your tactics, on the _ results. just on the question of your tactics, on the one - results. just on the question of your tactics, on the one hand i results. just on the question of i your tactics, on the one hand they need _ your tactics, on the one hand they need music— your tactics, on the one hand they need music from labour was that this was about— need music from labour was that this was about the issues that really mattered, for example education, child poverty and so on. but looking at your— child poverty and so on. but looking at your campaign on the way you ran it, at your campaign on the way you ran it. it's _ at your campaign on the way you ran it, it's definitely the case that you put— it, it's definitely the case that you put the constitution front and centre _ you put the constitution front and centre. whatever you thought about these _ centre. whatever you thought about these other issues, you put that front— these other issues, you put that front and — these other issues, you put that front and centre. that you think will be — front and centre. that you think will be the _ front and centre. that you think will be the one that pays off in terms — will be the one that pays off in terms of— will be the one that pays off in terms of taking tactical votes from labour— terms of taking tactical votes from labour supporters who believe you can defend the union better than labour— can defend the union better than labour can? can defend the union better than labour can?— can defend the union better than labour can? ~ _, , ., labour can? well, the constitution was tut labour can? well, the constitution was put front _ labour can? well, the constitution was put front and _ labour can? well, the constitution was put front and centre _ labour can? well, the constitution was put front and centre in - labour can? well, the constitution was put front and centre in this i was put front and centre in this campaign by the snp and their desire to divide scotland all over again. scottish conservatives had a clear, ambitious plan for what we can do in the next parliament if we can get rid of the threat of another independence referendum. that's why we focused on education, the nhs, infrastructure projects. there's a lot we can do in the next parliament

if we can be focused on a recovery. douglas ross, we will be speaking to you again _ douglas ross, we will be speaking to you again. thank you very much. thank— you again. thank you very much. thank you — you again. thank you very much. thank you. what i would like to do now is to bring injoe tanner, a former adviser to borisjohnson, who former adviser to boris johnson, who is former adviser to borisjohnson, who is in south—east london. and a former labour party adviser from the evening standard in north london. thank you for waiting to talk to us. joe tanner, do you think that the pattern we've seen so far today is going to be sustained?— pattern we've seen so far today is going to be sustained? well, there's a lot of different _ going to be sustained? well, there's a lot of different elections _ going to be sustained? well, there's a lot of different elections to - a lot of different elections to happen in terms of the results to come out and i think there is an interesting picture emerging. let's face it, we've got some different places, even ironically the fact you are speaking to two guests both based in london and we are talking about what happened in the north

says a lot about the different opinions and views of different people across the country. interestingly, i have read a lot over the last few weeks about the interest of independence and it was interesting to see in the hartlepool result, a lot of votes going to independent candidates. and whether there will be more of that meath in london for example. i think it's going to be a mixed bag. it is still very early days in scotland as douglas was saying. it's very clear that we probably all underestimated how people vote. if you look back at all the comments made after 2019, there were lots of things said about lessons that had to be learnt and in reality we haven't moved much further forward from that discussion then. jae further forward from that discussion then. , ., . , further forward from that discussion then. ., , , , further forward from that discussion then. . , , , ., then. joe tanner, “ust picking up on what lord adonis i

then. joe tanner, just picking up on what lord adonis said, _ then. joe tanner, just picking up on what lord adonis said, which i then. joe tanner, just picking up on what lord adonis said, which was i what lord adonis said, which was that actually keir starmer is a busted — that actually keir starmer is a busted flush, but he doesn't know how to _ busted flush, but he doesn't know how to do — busted flush, but he doesn't know how to do political strategy at the highest _ how to do political strategy at the highest level. would you say that it's down — highest level. would you say that it's down to the london mayor's performance rather than down to keir starmer? _ performance rather than down to keir starmer? i _ performance rather than down to keir starmer? ~ performance rather than down to keir starmer? ,, ,,. ., ., , , starmer? i think sadiq khan has been his own man- — starmer? i think sadiq khan has been his own man- i— starmer? i think sadiq khan has been his own man. i think— starmer? i think sadiq khan has been his own man. i think you _ starmer? i think sadiq khan has been his own man. i think you can - starmer? i think sadiq khan has been his own man. i think you can see i his own man. i think you can see that in quite a lot of these elections. if you look at douglas in scotland, in terms of the conservatives, if you look at the way andy burnham has operated in manchester and sadiq khan in london, there is a sense of these elections, where we've got devolved administrations, there is a degree of individuals, and boris himself did that in london. i think this is a much bigger issue than keir starmer. the fact is that this kind of election, these results show you can't just of election, these results show you can'tjust replace a figure at the top of the tree, that isn't solving the problems. the problems are that

for many years, and i think fundamentally i'm not sure people identify with parties in the way we used to think they did. i think people have moved on and i think there was a lot of arrogance about parties assuming that the votes in an area where there is and it was just about getting out the vote. i think we've moved on and people are identifying with parties in different ways, they vote on different ways, they vote on different issues and we had a crazy year, so can we reallyjudge exactly where we are in terms of why people voted? lots of people who voted for brexit were said to have lent their vote to the tories in 2019 and in reality, boris delivered on that so maybe those people feel, he's a man of his word, i'm happy to vote tory again. we don't know for sure and we can speculate on the reasons. i think it's a bigger issue than just keir starmer on his own. a lot of blame is being put at his door but lots of people in the labour movement are scratching their heads

saying we probably didn't do enough after 2019. �* , , ., saying we probably didn't do enough after 2019. . , , . ., ., after 2019. ayesha hazarika, when ou look after 2019. ayesha hazarika, when you look at — after 2019. ayesha hazarika, when you look at labour's _ after 2019. ayesha hazarika, when you look at labour's performance i after 2019. ayesha hazarika, when | you look at labour's performance in somewhere like hartlepool, i wonder whether you think this is about a public that is in a sense saying either thank you for brexit, if that's how they think, or whether they are simply crediting a party for spending lots of money in that region of a good vaccine roll—out? what is your sense of the factors at play? i what is your sense of the factors at tla ? ~' what is your sense of the factors at .13 7 ~ �* , what is your sense of the factors at play? i think it's probably a combination _ play? i think it's probably a combination of _ play? i think it's probably a combination of all- play? i think it's probably a combination of all of i play? i think it's probably a combination of all of those | play? i think it's probably a - combination of all of those things. i think— combination of all of those things. i think a _ combination of all of those things. i think a lot — combination of all of those things. i think a lot of— combination of all of those things. i think a lot of commentators i combination of all of those things. i think a lot of commentators andl i think a lot of commentators and politicians — i think a lot of commentators and politicians are _ i think a lot of commentators and politicians are saying _ i think a lot of commentators and politicians are saying brexit - i think a lot of commentators and politicians are saying brexit is - politicians are saying brexit is done — politicians are saying brexit is time no— politicians are saying brexit is time no one _ politicians are saying brexit is done. no one cares _ politicians are saying brexit is done. no one cares about- politicians are saying brexit is done. no one cares about it l politicians are saying brexit is . done. no one cares about it any more _ done. no one cares about it any more i— done. no one cares about it any more i disagree. _ done. no one cares about it any more. idisagree, i— done. no one cares about it any more. i disagree, i think- done. no one cares about it any more. i disagree, i think brexitl more. i disagree, i think brexit overlays— more. i disagree, i think brexit overlays a _ more. i disagree, i think brexit overlays a lot _ more. i disagree, i think brexit overlays a lot of _ more. i disagree, i think brexit overlays a lot of the _ more. i disagree, i think brexit overlays a lot of the electoral. more. i disagree, i think brexit. overlays a lot of the electoral map now, _ overlays a lot of the electoral map now. not _ overlays a lot of the electoral map now. notjust— overlays a lot of the electoral map now. notjust in— overlays a lot of the electoral map now, not just in terms _ overlays a lot of the electoral map now, notjust in terms of- overlays a lot of the electoral map now, not just in terms of the - overlays a lot of the electoral mapl now, not just in terms of the actual substance — now, not just in terms of the actual substance of— now, not just in terms of the actual substance of brexit _ now, not just in terms of the actual substance of brexit but _ now, not just in terms of the actual substance of brexit but in- now, not just in terms of the actual substance of brexit but in terms . now, not just in terms of the actual substance of brexit but in terms of| substance of brexit but in terms of what _ substance of brexit but in terms of what its _ substance of brexit but in terms of what its values _ substance of brexit but in terms of what its values are, _ substance of brexit but in terms of what its values are, particularly. what its values are, particularly the sort — what its values are, particularly the sort of— what its values are, particularly the sort of cultural _ what its values are, particularly the sort of cultural values - what its values are, particularlyl the sort of cultural values rather

than _ the sort of cultural values rather than particular... _ the sort of cultural values rather than particular... i— the sort of cultural values rather than particular... ithink- the sort of cultural values rather than particular... i think the - than particular... i think the vaccine _ than particular... i think the vaccine roll—out _ than particular... i think the vaccine roll—out has - than particular... i think the i vaccine roll—out has definitely helped — vaccine roll—out has definitely helped as _ vaccine roll—out has definitely helped as well. _ vaccine roll—out has definitely helped as well. we _ vaccine roll—out has definitely helped as well. we are - vaccine roll—out has definitelyl helped as well. we are coming vaccine roll—out has definitely - helped as well. we are coming out of lockdown, _ helped as well. we are coming out of lockdown, the — helped as well. we are coming out of lockdown, the country— helped as well. we are coming out of lockdown, the country is _ helped as well. we are coming out of lockdown, the country is having - helped as well. we are coming out of lockdown, the country is having a - lockdown, the country is having a bit of _ lockdown, the country is having a bit of a _ lockdown, the country is having a bit of a feel— lockdown, the country is having a bit of a feel good, _ lockdown, the country is having a bit of a feel good, but _ lockdown, the country is having a bit of a feel good, but i— lockdown, the country is having a bit of a feel good, but i think- lockdown, the country is having a bit of a feel good, but i think we i bit of a feel good, but i think we have _ bit of a feel good, but i think we have to — bit of a feel good, but i think we have to confront _ bit of a feel good, but i think we have to confront an _ bit of a feel good, but i think we l have to confront an uncomfortable truth _ have to confront an uncomfortable truth that — have to confront an uncomfortable truth that the _ have to confront an uncomfortable truth that the labour— have to confront an uncomfortable truth that the labour party - have to confront an uncomfortable truth that the labour party which i have to confront an uncomfortablei truth that the labour party which is a lot of— truth that the labour party which is a lot of people _ truth that the labour party which is a lot of people in _ truth that the labour party which is a lot of people in former— truth that the labour party which is a lot of people in former labour- a lot of people in former labour heartlands— a lot of people in former labour heartlands really _ a lot of people in former labour heartlands really like _ a lot of people in former labour heartlands really like boris- heartlands really like boris johnson _ heartlands really like boris johnson. they— heartlands really like boris johnson. they have - heartlands really like boris johnson. they have a - heartlands really like boris- johnson. they have a connection heartlands really like boris— johnson. they have a connection with him and _ johnson. they have a connection with him and i'm _ johnson. they have a connection with him and i'm finding _ johnson. they have a connection with him and i'm finding that— johnson. they have a connection with him and i'm finding that connection l him and i'm finding that connection with the _ him and i'm finding that connection with the labour— him and i'm finding that connection with the labour party. _ him and i'm finding that connection with the labour party.— with the labour party. sorry to interru -t with the labour party. sorry to interrupt but _ with the labour party. sorry to interrupt but we _ with the labour party. sorry to interrupt but we may - with the labour party. sorry to interrupt but we may be - with the labour party. sorry to interrupt but we may be closel with the labour party. sorry to l interrupt but we may be close to with the labour party. sorry to - interrupt but we may be close to a declaration in orkney. this is it an interesting test for the liberal democrats. what should we be looking out for in the result from orkney, kirsty? what will it tell us about the state of play in this part of scotland? i the state of play in this part of scotland? ~ ~ , the state of play in this part of scotland? ~' ~ , ., , scotland? i think orkney would see an entrenchment _ scotland? i think orkney would see an entrenchment of _ scotland? i think orkney would see an entrenchment of the _ scotland? i think orkney would see an entrenchment of the liberal - an entrenchment of the liberal

democrat position, i would think. interesting to see if snp make in raids _ interesting to see if snp make in raids. orkney is very particular in that often— raids. orkney is very particular in that often edinburgh can seem just as distant— that often edinburgh can seem just as distant as london —— in raids. constituencv _ as distant as london —— in raids. constituency returning officer for the orkney islands constituency declare the total number of votes cast in a scottish parliamentary election on the 6th of may 2021 was 11,621. the total number of ballot papers rejected was 25. the ballot papers rejected was 25. the ballot papers were rejected for the following reasons, lack of official mark or unique identifying mark, zero. voting for more than one candidate, one. writing or mark by which the voter could be identified, zero. unmarked or void for uncertainty, 24. i'd returning

officer also declared that the total number of votes given to each candidate was as follows. scottish conservative and unionist party, 699. scottish labour party, 290. scottish national party, 3369. scottish national party, 3369. scottish liberal democrats, 7238. therefore i give public notice that liam scott mcarthur is duly elected as member of the scottish parliament for the orkney islands constituency.

applause at the liberal democrats have held onto the _ at the liberal democrats have held onto the orkney islands. liberal democrats there are sitting on 62%. snp, _ democrats there are sitting on 62%. snp, 25%~ _ democrats there are sitting on 62%. snp, 25%. let's see if there's been much _ snp, 25%. let's see if there's been much change in that boat. let's have a look— much change in that boat. let's have a look at _ much change in that boat. let's have a look at the — much change in that boat. let's have a look at the share of the vote. so, the swing _ a look at the share of the vote. so, the swing from the liberal democrats to the _ the swing from the liberal democrats to the snp, 4.8%, but the liberal democrats — to the snp, 4.8%, but the liberal democrats safely back, earlier mcarthur _ democrats safely back, earlier mcarthur safely back for the orkney islands _ mcarthur safely back for the orkney islands so _ mcarthur safely back for the orkney islands so no big surprise, nothing necessarily— islands so no big surprise, nothing necessarily that could indicate any change _ necessarily that could indicate any change in — necessarily that could indicate any change in the broader political picture — change in the broader political picture except to say liberal democrats are still in the game in a nrinor— democrats are still in the game in a minor wav— democrats are still in the game in a minor way at— democrats are still in the game in a minor way at the moment at least in

terms _ minor way at the moment at least in terms of— minor way at the moment at least in terms of where they are showing on the constituency. they are not really— the constituency. they are not really in — the constituency. they are not really in the race in scotland. interesting. at least we've now got a result, the declaration we've covered which is a relief after we've been there for some four hours, although we had other results to discuss. on orkney, unless i'm wrong, i think that wasjim wallace's seat for many years as an msp, very familiar lib dem at westminster too. there is a strong liberal democrat heritage in terms of orkney and without wishing to be disrespectful, i don't think the kind of liberal democrat performance we've seen there, just a guide he was, is something we are likely to see replicated throughout scotland. orkney is a bit of a special case, is that a fair summary? it orkney is a bit of a special case, is that a fair summary?- orkney is a bit of a special case, is that a fair summary? it is. it is an outlier- _ is that a fair summary? it is. it is an outlier- l _ is that a fair summary? it is. it is an outlier. i won't _ is that a fair summary? it is. it is an outlier. i won't say _

is that a fair summary? it is. it is an outlier. i won't say it - is that a fair summary? it is. it is an outlier. i won't say it is... - an outlier. i won't say it is... people — an outlier. iwon't say it is... people will— an outlier. i won't say it is... people will stick to what they know. jim wallace was a very assiduous local— jim wallace was a very assiduous local mp — jim wallace was a very assiduous local mp when he was there and as an msp i _ local mp when he was there and as an msp i think— local mp when he was there and as an msp i think the same could be said for the _ msp i think the same could be said for the liberal democrat incumbent, very much— for the liberal democrat incumbent, very much a — for the liberal democrat incumbent, very much a local person for local issues _ very much a local person for local issues rather than taking the big picture _ issues rather than taking the big picture in — issues rather than taking the big picture in scotland.— picture in scotland. given that we've seen — picture in scotland. given that we've seen that _ picture in scotland. given that we've seen that declaration i picture in scotland. given that l we've seen that declaration now which is one in the bag and there's plenty more to go in scotland, 129 seats in the scottish parliament, say 128 to go and that is a liberal democrat hold in the first declaration. i mentioned earlier we were sharply focused as well on the north—east part of wales, which is around wrexham, very, very strong competitive areas between labour and the conservatives. i want to go to wrexham now which went conservative

at the general election although it has decades and decades of labour tradition there, it is a big battle now between conservative and labour in wrexham. do you think we will get a declaration there anytime soon? well, welcome to wrexham and we are at the university and there are two cans taking place here today and thatis cans taking place here today and that is wrexham and clwyd south and there are two very familiar faces from welsh labour battling to get a hold of their seats and as lesley griffith and ken... both are prominent members of the last government and they represented their constituencies for over a decade each. both of these seats have been in the hands of welsh labour since the senate and so they

might be stupid to take the supporterfor might be stupid to take the supporter for granted but of course in the general election in 2019, the conservatives won both of these seats and we have seen as part of the collapse of labour was in redwall at that time. indeed, over the last two weeks we have seen a lot of campaigning going on and it has been ramping up. we have seen keir starmer visited the town and he has visited the brewery here or for the scottish parliamentary election in the aberdeen constituency i hereby give notice that the total number of votes. the hereby give notice that the total number of votes.— hereby give notice that the total number of votes. the poled for each candidate was _ number of votes. the poled for each candidate was as _ number of votes. the poled for each candidate was as follows. _ number of votes. the poled for each candidate was as follows. harriet. candidate was as follows. harriet cross, _ candidate was as follows. harriet cross, the — candidate was as follows. harriet cross, the scottish conservative and unionist _ cross, the scottish conservative and unionist party 9488. it davidson, scottish— unionist party 9488. it davidson, scottish liberal democrats, 2162. jackie _

scottish liberal democrats, 2162. jackie dunbar, scottish national party. _ jackie dunbar, scottish national party, snp, 18,514. lucas grant, scottish— party, snp,18,514. lucas grant, scottish trade unionist and socialist coalition, 240. heather herbert, — socialist coalition, 240. heather herbert, scottish labour party, 5505 _ herbert, scottish labour party, 5505 the — herbert, scottish labour party, 5505. the total valid votes was 35,909 — 5505. the total valid votes was 35,909. the total number of rejected votes _ 35,909. the total number of rejected votes was _ 35,909. the total number of rejected votes was 118. the reason for rejection _ votes was 118. the reason for rejection was as follows. lack of official _ rejection was as follows. lack of official marked our unique identifying mark — zero. voting for more _ identifying mark — zero. voting for more than — identifying mark — zero. voting for more than one cut candid— 14. writing — more than one cut candid— 14. writing or— more than one cut candid— 14. writing or mark by which the voter could _ writing or mark by which the voter could be _ writing or mark by which the voter could be identified — one. on mart or void _ could be identified — one. on mart or void for— could be identified — one. on mart or void for uncertainty — 103. could be identified — one. on mart or void for uncertainty —103. the total— or void for uncertainty —103. the total rejected votes was 118. the following candidate is duly elected to serve _ following candidate is duly elected to serve as a member of the scottish parliament— to serve as a member of the scottish parliament for the aberdeen constituency, jackie dunbar, scottish— constituency, jackie dunbar, scottish national party snp. i would

now welcome the successful candid. thank— now welcome the successful candid. thank you _ now welcome the successful candid. thank you very much.— thank you very much. let's look at that aberdeen _ thank you very much. let's look at that aberdeen downside _ thank you very much. let's look at that aberdeen downside vote - thank you very much. let's look at that aberdeen downside vote in i thank you very much. let's look at i that aberdeen downside vote in more detail. let's see if it tells us any more about the swing to the tories in that area. south wing for the snp but lets look at the vote in more detail. let's look of a share in the vote. the share of the vote for the snp is 52%. the conservative 26% and labour a 15%. look at the change in the vote. the change in the vote shows that the snp has gone down a little and the conservative vote has gone up substantially and labour are down and that we can show from that is that the snb to conservative is a 6.2% swing and that starts to give us some indication of what might happen to the tory vote in scotland. kirsty, when we look at the figures there, in terms of that conservative

vote and the swing from snb to the conservatives, i'mjust vote and the swing from snb to the conservatives, i'm just putting it in context because as you say, the result wasn't in doubt in terms of the snb's strength of there, but is that the kind of area that we think would make a big difference in the scottish parliament? if we saw a swing of 6.2%, we would see some, in one or two areas certainly, some rather different results, wouldn't we? , . ., rather different results, wouldn't we? , . y., ., . , rather different results, wouldn't we? ., . i, we? yes and you would actually see the conservatives _ we? yes and you would actually see the conservatives picking _ we? yes and you would actually see the conservatives picking up - we? yes and you would actually see the conservatives picking up a i we? yes and you would actually see the conservatives picking up a list i the conservatives picking up a list votes as well. and also we have to remember that the aberdeen area is a different kettle of fish as well because it was more brexit leaning and it voted strongly against scottish independence in the first referendum on independence and it has always been a different kind of place in the north east and we can talk a bit more about that with our

corresponded nick eardley. nick, that result, a swing to the conservatives, but could have been tactical. , _, . conservatives, but could have been tactical. , . , tactical. yes, it could have been and i tactical. yes, it could have been and i think— tactical. yes, it could have been and i think the _ tactical. yes, it could have been and i think the conservatives i tactical. yes, it could have been| and i think the conservatives will be buoved — and i think the conservatives will be buoyed by that but their fear more _ be buoyed by that but their fear more broadly is that the snp vote on the constituencies in other areas is actually— the constituencies in other areas is actually going up and i think what is going _ actually going up and i think what is going to — actually going up and i think what is going to come down to with constituencies is a battle between snp turnout and tactical voting by the unionist parties and that could be very— the unionist parties and that could be very very thin margins. it the unionist parties and that could be very very thin margins.- the unionist parties and that could be very very thin margins. it can be thin margins— be very very thin margins. it can be thin margins in _ be very very thin margins. it can be thin margins in places _ be very very thin margins. it can be thin margins in places like - thin margins in places like edinburgh central and aberdeen west, but it's not, as you say, disturb the notion that the snp is going to do very well in the constituencies. yes, and the snp will win the vast majority— yes, and the snp will win the vast majority but it is how many? this take _ majority but it is how many? this take you — majority but it is how many? this take you through the trash that we are hearing from the parties. the snp are — are hearing from the parties. the snp are confident because they think

their vote _ snp are confident because they think their vote is up. snp are confident because they think theirvote is up. in edinburgh southern. _ theirvote is up. in edinburgh southern, which is a labour seat, the snp _ southern, which is a labour seat, the snp had an ion, tactical voting seems _ the snp had an ion, tactical voting seems to— the snp had an ion, tactical voting seems to have gone up but there are other— seems to have gone up but there are other areas— seems to have gone up but there are other areas in the middle like east lothian, _ other areas in the middle like east lothian, which is another snb target, — lothian, which is another snb target, where it is too close to call at — target, where it is too close to call at the _ target, where it is too close to call at the moment and it is within a few— call at the moment and it is within a few hundred votes. i really think that the _ a few hundred votes. i really think that the difference between when the snp has _ that the difference between when the snp has got the vote out it looks to be in _ snp has got the vote out it looks to be in a _ snp has got the vote out it looks to be in a good position, when the unionist — be in a good position, when the unionist party seems to have agreed that there _ unionist party seems to have agreed that there was one candidate who is more _ that there was one candidate who is more likely— that there was one candidate who is more likely to win, they are doing 0k. more likely to win, they are doing ok i_ more likely to win, they are doing ok i spoke — more likely to win, they are doing ok. i spoke to one senior tory in the last— ok. i spoke to one senior tory in the last hour who told me that they are really— the last hour who told me that they are really worried that the snp is heading — are really worried that the snp is heading for a landslide. that is interesting. to pick up in edinburgh central— interesting. to pick up in edinburgh central because to put that in terms of personalities. ruth central because to put that in terms of personalities.— of personalities. ruth davis and women are _ of personalities. ruth davis and women are much _ of personalities. ruth davis and women are much more - of personalities. ruth davis and i women are much more formidable opponent had she stayed but i know she is taking the king's schillinger should go to the house of lords, some think nicola sturgeon never forgets to inform parliament about.

the person who would be coming in as angus robertson and was a key figure and is a leader at westminster and he would be a key figure and would probably go straight into a job and actually will be probably a key ally of nicola sturgeon's and somewhat with a party for perhaps? i of nicola sturgeon's and somewhat with a party for perhaps?— with a party for perhaps? i think that's right- _ with a party for perhaps? i think that's right. he _ with a party for perhaps? i think that's right. he someone i with a party for perhaps? i think that's right. he someone linked | with a party for perhaps? i think. that's right. he someone linked to with a party for perhaps? i think- that's right. he someone linked to a potential— that's right. he someone linked to a potential future of leadership and there _ potential future of leadership and there is— potential future of leadership and there is a — potential future of leadership and there is a lot of talk about him getting — there is a lot of talk about him getting my grasso's old job as a constitution secretary in the scottish _ constitution secretary in the scottish cabinet. in constitution secretary in the scottish cabinet.— constitution secretary in the scottish cabinet. , , . scottish cabinet. in these difficult times ahead- _ scottish cabinet. in these difficult times ahead. absolutely. - scottish cabinet. in these difficult times ahead. absolutely. that i scottish cabinet. in these difficult| times ahead. absolutely. that will be a aood times ahead. absolutely. that will be a good result _ times ahead. absolutely. that will be a good result for— times ahead. absolutely. that will be a good result for the _ times ahead. absolutely. that will be a good result for the snp. i times ahead. absolutely. that will be a good result for the snp. butl times ahead. absolutely. that will i be a good result for the snp. but we would _ be a good result for the snp. but we would watch out for this afternoon as we _ would watch out for this afternoon as we get — would watch out for this afternoon as we get this drip feed of constituents coming in is that if there _ constituents coming in is that if there are — constituents coming in is that if there are two or three seats which there are two or three seats which the snp _ there are two or three seats which the snp didn't hold before that they can start _ the snp didn't hold before that they can start to take over the next few hours. _ can start to take over the next few hours. then — can start to take over the next few hours, then in the words of one senior— hours, then in the words of one senior snp_ hours, then in the words of one senior snp strategist that i was speaking to, the majority way will be on _ speaking to, the majority way will be on. vote— speaking to, the ma'ority way will be on. ~ . ., ., , speaking to, the ma'ority way will beon.~ . ., .,, _ be on. we are going to bring in lucy white now —

be on. we are going to bring in lucy white now. eastwood _ be on. we are going to bring in lucy white now. eastwood is _ be on. we are going to bring in lucy white now. eastwood is a _ be on. we are going to bring in lucy white now. eastwood is a three i be on. we are going to bring in lucy white now. eastwood is a three way| white now. eastwood is a three way margin right now.— margin right now. yes. it is apparently _ margin right now. yes. it is apparently a _ margin right now. yes. it is apparently a conservative l margin right now. yes. it is| apparently a conservative in margin right now. yes. it is i apparently a conservative in sp margin right now. yes. it is - apparently a conservative in sp that sits here _ apparently a conservative in sp that sits here and — apparently a conservative in sp that sits here and it— apparently a conservative in sp that sits here and it has— apparently a conservative in sp that sits here and it has always - apparently a conservative in sp that sits here and it has always been i sits here and it has always been conservative. _ sits here and it has always been conservative. part _ sits here and it has always been conservative. part of— sits here and it has always been conservative. part of the - sits here and it has always been conservative. part of the last i sits here and it has always been i conservative. part of the last time in 2016. _ conservative. part of the last time in 2016. it — conservative. part of the last time in2016. it was— conservative. part of the last time in 2016, it was a _ conservative. part of the last time in 2016, it was a three _ conservative. part of the last time in 2016, it was a three horse - conservative. part of the last time in 2016, it was a three horse race. j in 2016, it was a three horse race. labour, _ in 2016, it was a three horse race. labour, the — in 2016, it was a three horse race. labour, the conservatives- in 2016, it was a three horse race. labour, the conservatives and i in 2016, it was a three horse race. labour, the conservatives and thej labour, the conservatives and the snp all— labour, the conservatives and the snp all polling _ labour, the conservatives and the snp all polling above _ labour, the conservatives and the snp all polling above 30%. - labour, the conservatives and the snp all polling above 30%. the i snp all polling above 30%. the current — snp all polling above 30%. the current smp _ snp all polling above 30%. the current smp is— snp all polling above 30%. the current smp is jackson - snp all polling above 30%. the current smp is jackson carlo i snp all polling above 30%. thei current smp is jackson carlo and snp all polling above 30%. the i current smp is jackson carlo and he was the _ current smp is jackson carlo and he was the leader— current smp is jackson carlo and he was the leader of— current smp is jackson carlo and he was the leader of the _ current smp is jackson carlo and he was the leader of the scottish - was the leader of the scottish conservatives— was the leader of the scottish conservatives for— was the leader of the scottish conservatives for a _ was the leader of the scottish conservatives for a time - was the leader of the scottish conservatives for a time last. was the leader of the scottish i conservatives for a time last year though _ conservatives for a time last year though and _ conservatives for a time last year though. and hoping _ conservatives for a time last year though. and hoping that - conservatives for a time last year though. and hoping that his- conservatives for a time last year though. and hoping that his long| though. and hoping that his long relationship _ though. and hoping that his long relationship with— though. and hoping that his long relationship with the _ though. and hoping that his long relationship with the area - though. and hoping that his long relationship with the area will i though. and hoping that his long| relationship with the area will get him over— relationship with the area will get him over the _ relationship with the area will get him over the edge _ relationship with the area will get him over the edge of— relationship with the area will get him over the edge of this - relationship with the area will get him over the edge of this time i him over the edge of this time around — him over the edge of this time around the _ him over the edge of this time around. the current _ him over the edge of this time around. the current mp- him over the edge of this time around. the current mp for- him over the edge of this time| around. the current mp for the him over the edge of this time i around. the current mp for the area for the _ around. the current mp for the area for the equivalent— around. the current mp for the area for the equivalent westminster i around. the current mp for the areal for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp _ for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp mp — for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp mp and _ for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp mp and they— for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp mp and they will— for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp mp and they will be - for the equivalent westminster seats is an snp mp and they will be hoping 'ust is an snp mp and they will be hoping just like _ is an snp mp and they will be hoping just like nicola — is an snp mp and they will be hoping just like nicola that _ is an snp mp and they will be hoping just like nicola that they _ is an snp mp and they will be hoping just like nicola that they could - just like nicola that they could take this — just like nicola that they could take this seat _ just like nicola that they could take this seat and _ just like nicola that they could take this seat and potentiallyi take this seat and potentially returned _ take this seat and potentially returned the _ take this seat and potentially returned the first _ take this seat and potentially returned the first snp - take this seat and potentially returned the first snp mp i take this seat and potentially returned the first snp mp for take this seat and potentially i returned the first snp mp for this area and — returned the first snp mp for this area and i— returned the first snp mp for this area and i could _ returned the first snp mp for this area and i could change _ returned the first snp mp for this area and i could change the - returned the first snp mp for this. area and i could change the picture across— area and i could change the picture across scotland _ area and i could change the picture across scotland for— area and i could change the picture across scotland for who _ area and i could change the picture across scotland for who has - area and i could change the picture across scotland for who has the i across scotland for who has the balance — across scotland for who has the balance of— across scotland for who has the

balance of power. _ across scotland for who has the balance of power. this - across scotland for who has the balance of power. this is- across scotland for who has the balance of power. this is a i across scotland for who has the balance of power. this is a veryj balance of power. this is a very affluent — balance of power. this is a very affluent area _ balance of power. this is a very affluent area and _ balance of power. this is a very affluent area and i _ balance of power. this is a very affluent area and i wonder- balance of power. this is a veryi affluent area and i wonder there balance of power. this is a very. affluent area and i wonder there if we might— affluent area and i wonder there if we might see _ affluent area and i wonder there if we might see that— affluent area and i wonder there if we might see that coalescing i affluent area and i wonder there if we might see that coalescing of. affluent area and i wonder there if. we might see that coalescing of the union— we might see that coalescing of the union vote~ — we might see that coalescing of the union vote. �* ., we might see that coalescing of the union vote. . ., ., , . union vote. around the conservative candidate and _ union vote. around the conservative candidate and of— union vote. around the conservative candidate and of course _ union vote. around the conservative candidate and of course that - union vote. around the conservative candidate and of course that is i candidate and of course that is jackson carlo, a former leader, rather than the labour about holding up. —— vote. rather than the labour about holding pp- -- vote-— up. -- vote. yes, we are a long way from the _ up. -- vote. yes, we are a long way from the declaration _ up. -- vote. yes, we are a long way from the declaration and _ up. -- vote. yes, we are a long way from the declaration and we - up. -- vote. yes, we are a long way from the declaration and we think . from the declaration and we think that could — from the declaration and we think that could be _ from the declaration and we think that could be for _ from the declaration and we think that could be for pm. _ from the declaration and we think that could be for pm. we - from the declaration and we think that could be for pm. we don't i from the declaration and we think i that could be for pm. we don't have any turnout — that could be for pm. we don't have any turnout officially _ that could be for pm. we don't have any turnout officially yet _ that could be for pm. we don't have any turnout officially yet but - that could be for pm. we don't have any turnout officially yet but we i that could be for pm. we don't have any turnout officially yet but we do i any turnout officially yet but we do know _ any turnout officially yet but we do know it _ any turnout officially yet but we do know it is — any turnout officially yet but we do know it is high _ any turnout officially yet but we do know it is high and _ any turnout officially yet but we do know it is high and traditionally i any turnout officially yet but we do know it is high and traditionally it i know it is high and traditionally it is high _ know it is high and traditionally it is high in — know it is high and traditionally it is high in this— know it is high and traditionally it is high in this area. _ know it is high and traditionally it is high in this area. it— know it is high and traditionally it is high in this area. it is- know it is high and traditionally it is high in this area. it is about i is high in this area. it is about 68%_ is high in this area. it is about 68% of— is high in this area. it is about 68% of the _ is high in this area. it is about 68% of the last _ is high in this area. it is about 68% of the last time - is high in this area. it is about 68% of the last time the i is high in this area. it is about| 68% of the last time the backs is high in this area. it is about i 68% of the last time the backs king in 2016— 68% of the last time the backs king in 2016 and — 68% of the last time the backs king in 2016 and at— 68% of the last time the backs king in 2016 and at the _ 68% of the last time the backs king in 2016 and at the moment, - 68% of the last time the backs king i in 2016 and at the moment, everybody is being _ in 2016 and at the moment, everybody is being very— in 2016 and at the moment, everybody is being very cautious _ in 2016 and at the moment, everybody is being very cautious that _ in 2016 and at the moment, everybody is being very cautious that i _ in 2016 and at the moment, everybody is being very cautious that i speak- is being very cautious that i speak to and _ is being very cautious that i speak to and it _ is being very cautious that i speak to and it looks _ is being very cautious that i speak to and it looks like _ is being very cautious that i speak to and it looks like i'm _ is being very cautious that i speak to and it looks like i'm in - is being very cautious that i speak to and it looks like i'm in an- is being very cautious that i speakl to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in— to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in us— to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in us because _ to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in us because i— to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in us because i am _ to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in us because i am because i to and it looks like i'm in an empty hall in us because i am because of| hall in us because i am because of the covid — hall in us because i am because of the covid rules— hall in us because i am because of the covid rules and _ hall in us because i am because of the covid rules and we _ hall in us because i am because of the covid rules and we are - hall in us because i am because of the covid rules and we are not i the covid rules and we are not allowed — the covid rules and we are not allowed to— the covid rules and we are not allowed to aim _ the covid rules and we are not allowed to aim to _ the covid rules and we are not allowed to aim to fill- the covid rules and we are not allowed to aim to fill in - the covid rules and we are not allowed to aim to fill in where| the covid rules and we are not - allowed to aim to fill in where they are doing _ allowed to aim to fill in where they are doing the — allowed to aim to fill in where they are doing the counting. _ allowed to aim to fill in where they are doing the counting. that - allowed to aim to fill in where they are doing the counting. that is - are doing the counting. that is happening _ are doing the counting. that is happening on _ are doing the counting. that is happening on either— are doing the counting. that is happening on either side - are doing the counting. that is happening on either side at. are doing the counting. that is| happening on either side at the moment — happening on either side at the moment we _ happening on either side at the moment we go _ happening on either side at the moment. we go to _ happening on either side at the moment. we go to speak- happening on either side at the moment. we go to speak to . happening on either side at the - moment. we go to speak to people and see how— moment. we go to speak to people and see how there's— moment. we go to speak to people and see how there's feeling _ moment. we go to speak to people and see how there's feeling about _ moment. we go to speak to people and see how there's feeling about it - moment. we go to speak to people and see how there's feeling about it and - see how there's feeling about it and there _ see how there's feeling about it and there is_ see how there's feeling about it and there is cautious _ see how there's feeling about it and there is cautious optimism - see how there's feeling about it and there is cautious optimism at- see how there's feeling about it and there is cautious optimism at the i there is cautious optimism at the moment— there is cautious optimism at the moment from _ there is cautious optimism at the moment from the _ there is cautious optimism at the moment from the conservativesl there is cautious optimism at the i moment from the conservatives but this is— moment from the conservatives but this is a _ moment from the conservatives but this is a key, — moment from the conservatives but this is a key, key— moment from the conservatives but this is a key, key target _ moment from the conservatives but this is a key, key target for- moment from the conservatives but this is a key, key target for the -

this is a key, key target for the snp _ this is a key, key target for the snp and — this is a key, key target for the snp and we _ this is a key, key target for the snp and we will— this is a key, key target for the snp and we will have - this is a key, key target for the snp and we will have to - this is a key, key target for the snp and we will have to wait . this is a key, key target for the l snp and we will have to wait and this is a key, key target for the - snp and we will have to wait and see what happens — snp and we will have to wait and see what happens this _ snp and we will have to wait and see what happens this afternoon. - snp and we will have to wait and see what happens this afternoon. thankl what happens this afternoon. thank ou ve what happens this afternoon. thank you very much- _ what happens this afternoon. thank you very much- it — what happens this afternoon. thank you very much. it is _ what happens this afternoon. thank you very much. it is number- what happens this afternoon. thank you very much. it is number eight i what happens this afternoon.- you very much. it is number eight on the snp's target list.— the snp's target list. thanks indeed. the snp's target list. thanks indeed- we _ the snp's target list. thanks indeed. we saw _ the snp's target list. thanks indeed. we saw that - the snp's target list. thanks indeed. we saw that result l the snp's target list. thanks - indeed. we saw that result from orkney and we saw that the swing of some 6.2% it was from the snp to the conservatives. let's bring sirjohn curtis again. john, that swing, what did you make of it and what could that mean if we saw it replicated? i think we need to have a bit of a health warning about both of the constituencies we have seen so far. orkney is of course unusual in being the one part of britain, along with the one part of britain, along with the shetlands which has been a liberal democrat for virtually the post—2nd world war period. aberdeen, that result at first glance is indeed disappointing for the conservatives. the smp down by four points in the conservatives up by

eight. there are two reasons for not necessarily wanting to extrapolate from that and first of all it's the constituency or former constituency of mark mcdonald who had to resign as an snp minister and then was thrown out of the party because of indiscretions and secondly, this is a relatively pro leave part of scotland. yes, we are going back to the mac to divide again. in the referendum by scottish standards the difference was high. the one thing we know the characteristics of the conservative vote is that it has become much more pro leave in scotland since 2016 and in much the same way as it has in england. if i could think of anywhere where the conservative vote would be going up, and frankly, this is one of the bowls. and this could be true in general of the north east of scotland. forthe general of the north east of scotland. for the moment to be honest we don't have much of a clue as to exactly where we are going in

the wake of these two results. flan as to exactly where we are going in the wake of these two results. can i the wake of these two results. can i 'ust the wake of these two results. can i just extend — the wake of these two results. can i just extend that? _ the wake of these two results. can i just extend that? the _ the wake of these two results. can i just extend that? the conservative and pro—elite elements to wales and to the north east of wales? we were talking to my colleague in wrexham and she was explaining a little bit about that region for us. is that the same calculation for you? yes. the same calculation for you? yes, there are a — the same calculation for you? yes, there are a number _ the same calculation for you? yes, there are a number of _ the same calculation for you? yes, there are a number of crucial - there are a number of crucial marginal constituencies that labour are trying to defend that in that corner of wales the vale of clwyd etc and one would anticipate certainly given what we saw happen in 2019 but the labour party would find it relatively difficult to hold onto these constituencies and in general in wales. but certainly in these kinds of areas. large... john, i've not these kinds of areas. large... john, we got to — these kinds of areas. large... john, i've got to interrupt _ these kinds of areas. large... john, i've got to interrupt you _ these kinds of areas. large... john, i've got to interrupt you as - these kinds of areas. large... john, i've got to interrupt you as we - these kinds of areas. large... john, i've got to interrupt you as we are l i've got to interrupt you as we are having a declaration. i i've got to interrupt you as we are having a declaration.— having a declaration. i think the 're having a declaration. i think

they're ready. _ having a declaration. i think they're ready. i— having a declaration. i think they're ready. ithink- having a declaration. i think they're ready. i think this i having a declaration. i think they're ready. i think this is| they're ready. i think this is montgomery- _ they're ready. i think this is montgomery. speaks - they're ready. i think this is montgomery. speaks in - they're ready. i think this is - montgomery. speaks in welsh. as the constituency returning officer for the montgomeryshire constituency of senedd company i do declare that the number of votes recorded for each candidate is as follows. elizabeth alexander, welsh liberal democrats. 4207. kate dearden, welsh labour. 3576. when

wigley evans, the welsh independence party. 157. russell ian george, welsh conservative candidates. 12,000 and 13. oliver lewis, reform the uk. 549. elwyn graham vaughan, the uk. 549. elwyn graham vaughan, the party of wales. 4000 485. ian

russell george. 50. the party of wales. 4000 485. ian russell george.— russell george. so, we are having the figures — russell george. so, we are having the figures just — russell george. so, we are having the figures just confirmed - russell george. so, we are having the figuresjust confirmed by - russell george. so, we are having the figures just confirmed by the l the figures just confirmed by the returning officer and i am intrigued ijy returning officer and i am intrigued by this result and look at this conservative vote and this by the way has been a conservative seat in the welsh senedd since 2011. before that it was the lib dems seat for three or four sessions i that it was the lib dems seat for three orfour sessions i think that it was the lib dems seat for three or four sessions i think and it has been strong lib dem tablet territory. and at westminster at one stage. let's look at that. conservative, russell george, 12,013. the liberal democrats in third place on 4207. labour in fourth on 3500. that is ourfirst on 4207. labour in fourth on 3500. that is our first welsh result. i want to look at the share very quickly. 48% of the conservatives. i

think this will confirm when we see the difference that the tories have put on 6%. plaid have put on 8%. the lib dems with a sharp full to 11% in what was a stronghold for them at one point. labour up 8%. that could be the mark drakeford effect. what is the swing? the swing is conservative to plaid cymru reflecting that plaid went up 8%. my colleague is keeping an eye on all of these results in cardiff and what did you make of that? a very strong conservative performance.— conservative performance. that's ri . ht. conservative performance. that's right. interesting _ conservative performance. that's right. interesting to _ conservative performance. that's right. interesting to see - conservative performance. that's right. interesting to see that - conservative performance. that's right. interesting to see that the | right. interesting to see that the conservatives are making ground in montgomeryshire. it isn't a big surprise they won, it was a pretty safe seat. they've been expecting a

bit of increased support. interesting that their support has been building and it will be encouraging for them, although obviously but the conservatives are really hoping is to try and make gains from labour. a question will be, is this a sign to suggest they may be on course to win further seats in some of those more marginal seats? particular further seats in some of those more marginal seats? particularfurther north in the north—east. or is this just a sign they are making games but actually not enough to clinch it in other areas? it actually not enough to clinch it in other areas?— actually not enough to clinch it in other areas? if we see that kind of beast, other areas? if we see that kind of beast. and — other areas? if we see that kind of beast. and m _ other areas? if we see that kind of beast, and i'm assuming - other areas? if we see that kind of beast, and i'm assuming that - other areas? if we see that kind of beast, and i'm assuming that ukipi beast, and i'm assuming that ukip and the brexit party in the past having done quite well in areas like this, some of that will have gone back to the conservatives. if we look toward some of those seats where the battle is different and is on to do with the conservatives and plaid cymru or the lib dems, it is

to do with conservatives and labour, does that tell us something? is that 8% rise to do with what some people are calling at covid bounce? it's a horrible phrase but it's to do with political benefit out of the way it's been handled. i political benefit out of the way it's been handled.— it's been handled. i think the labour's increase _ it's been handled. i think the labour's increase is - it's been handled. i think the l labour's increase is interesting here. labour has seen a big bounce in their support in this campaign. their leader mark drakeford has had his profile massively boosted by the pandemic because he has been at the forefront of a lot of the covid coverage. he's been leading tv conferences on the handling of the pandemic, polling suggesting higher support for his handling of the pandemic in wales compared to boris johnson's handling in london. interesting to note that labour have been gaining ground in places like

montgomeryshire. they went really ever on the radarfor montgomeryshire. they went really ever on the radar for them. montgomeryshire. they went really ever on the radarfor them. this has been very much previously a race between conservatives and liberal democrats but interestingly, here plaid cymru have overtaken the liberal democrats. they are fighting a very local battle in this election to hold on to their only seat they've been defending in this election which is brecon and radnorshire. the fact they slipped to third place in montgomeryshire won't be a particularly positive sign for them either. but won't be a particularly positive sign for them either. but brecon and radnorshire — sign for them either. but brecon and radnorshire seat, _ sign for them either. but brecon and radnorshire seat, i'm _ sign for them either. but brecon and radnorshire seat, i'm just _ sign for them either. but brecon and radnorshire seat, i'm just thinking, | radnorshire seat, i'm just thinking, what will be lib dems be thinking now given what they've seen in montgomeryshire, given their previous strength there? what do you think about their chances of holding on to brecon and radnorshire? that’s on to brecon and radnorshire? that's riuht. i

on to brecon and radnorshire? that's right- lthink— on to brecon and radnorshire? that's right. i think this — on to brecon and radnorshire? that's right. i think this result _ on to brecon and radnorshire? that's right. i think this result would - right. i think this result would have made them nervous. it is an increase of their share and increase of their share. this will certainly worry the liberal democrats in terms of holding onto that seat in brecon and radnor. rememberthe of holding onto that seat in brecon and radnor. remember the way the welsh election system works means that if they were to lose that seat in brecon and radnorsh but still pick up a significant share in the area, they might be in for a chance of compensating that by picking up a seat on the regional list. their leaderjane dodds standing there so it could be she manages to pick up a seat if they do lose brecon and radnorshire but i think the montgomeryshire result won't be particularly heartening for them. interesting to note they've been a bit quiet today. obviously it is early days and it's hard to call anything but we are already hearing anything but we are already hearing a lot from different parties about how they are feeling. it tends to be if they are putting out much

information about how they are thinking orfeeling, it could be a sign they're a bit nervous about the accounts. . ~ sign they're a bit nervous about the accounts. . ,, , ., g , ., accounts. thank you. just to remind ou accounts. thank you. just to remind you because — accounts. thank you. just to remind you because we _ accounts. thank you. just to remind you because we mentioned - accounts. thank you. just to remind you because we mentioned it - accounts. thank you. just to remind | you because we mentioned it briefly, for those of you just wondering how that system works, there are 60 members of the welsh senedd, 40 elected in montgomery as a constituency member and then 20 on regional lists. the system has been constructed in a way where if you pick up a lot of votes that don't win a seat you might be rewarded in this kind of semi—proportional system, on the list. it is a system thatis system, on the list. it is a system that is meant to counterbalance. lots of contests going on today of different types, notjust local authorities and mayoral contests, police and crime commissioners and

there are over 30 of them. i'm just going to ask rita to talk to us about one of them, this is cleveland and it's an interesting one. this about one of them, this is cleveland and it's an interesting one.— and it's an interesting one. this is and it's an interesting one. this is a really stunning _ and it's an interesting one. this is a really stunning result _ and it's an interesting one. this is a really stunning result for - and it's an interesting one. this is a really stunning result for the - a really stunning result for the conservatives. this is ourfirst police and crime commissioners result and it is a conservative gain for a post that has been labourfor the last two elections. steve turner has won this post with 74,000 votes. he's overturned the previous labour majority of 16,500. it's a really outstanding gain by the conservatives. the turnout is really interesting, that is a good turnout. last time it was a of 19.5% say there has clearly been interest in this contest. let me take you through some of the figures. he won on first round. the election works

in that if nobody gets 50% there is a run—off between the first two candidates. there was no run—off required, the conservative candidate got 54%. a very clear and decisive win. that is the share change, 31% increase in the conservatives' share. in the swing is of 20%. sobering news for the labour party and again, just remembering where cleveland is in the north—east of england, further evidence if it's needed of the labour vote simply not holding up in these elections. right now we buy clive lewis —— can be joined by clive lewis. he resigned

over a second referendum, they got it right, didn't they? i’m over a second referendum, they got it right, didn't they?— it right, didn't they? i'm afraid i disauree it right, didn't they? i'm afraid i disagree with _ it right, didn't they? i'm afraid i disagree with your _ it right, didn't they? i'm afraid i disagree with your analysis. - it right, didn't they? i'm afraid i | disagree with your analysis. this it right, didn't they? i'm afraid i i disagree with your analysis. this is more _ disagree with your analysis. this is more deep, — disagree with your analysis. this is more deep, complex and profound than simply— more deep, complex and profound than simply looking back to a brexit vote _ simply looking back to a brexit vote in — simply looking back to a brexit vote. i'm sure that was a gateway for many _ vote. i'm sure that was a gateway for many voters but look at the turnout. — for many voters but look at the turnout, look at his not coming out. 15% down— turnout, look at his not coming out. 15% down on— turnout, look at his not coming out. 15% down on the general election in hartlepool— 15% down on the general election in hartlepool for example. i think it's more _ hartlepool for example. i think it's more complicated than simply looking at brexit. _ more complicated than simply looking at brexit, looking at who the leader of the _ at brexit, looking at who the leader of the labour party is. this is a far deeper— of the labour party is. this is a far deeper structural concern that i think— far deeper structural concern that i think myself and many others are waking _ think myself and many others are waking up — think myself and many others are waking up to and are beginning to talk about, which is the fact the labour— talk about, which is the fact the labour party that has existed for the last— labour party that has existed for the last hundred years and the database — the last hundred years and the database and those who supported the electoral— database and those who supported the electoral coalitions are no longer there. _ electoral coalitions are no longer there, they are dissipating. the tories _ there, they are dissipating. the tories have politically realigned themselves. dominic cummings has

been boasting about that today. boris _ been boasting about that today. boris johnson been boasting about that today. borisjohnson has been boasting about that today. boris johnson has allowed that to happen, — boris johnson has allowed that to happen, he said that and labour hasn't~ — happen, he said that and labour hasn't~ it's— happen, he said that and labour hasn't. it's notjust labour. i'm listening — hasn't. it's notjust labour. i'm listening there to liberal democrats and the _ listening there to liberal democrats and the greens. they might make some -ains and the greens. they might make some gains but _ and the greens. they might make some gains but for— and the greens. they might make some gains but for everyone in this country— gains but for everyone in this country who consider themselves progressive, this isn't good news today _ progressive, this isn't good news today. whether you're up or down, the bottom — today. whether you're up or down, the bottom line is we have an almost hegemonic— the bottom line is we have an almost hegemonic conservative party which is dominating politics. it has politically realigned itself and we are struggling in its wake. progressives across all political spectrums need to wake up to that and acknowledge that the political voting _ and acknowledge that the political voting system we have in this country— voting system we have in this country overwhelmingly favoured the tories _ country overwhelmingly favoured the tories before and overwhelmingly favours _ tories before and overwhelmingly favours them now. if we don't work out our _ favours them now. if we don't work out our strategy these guys will be in power _ out our strategy these guys will be in power for a lot longer. you out our strategy these guys will be in power for a lot longer.— in power for a lot longer. you say it's not simply — in power for a lot longer. you say it's not simply about _ in power for a lot longer. you say it's not simply about the - in power for a lot longer. you say l it's not simply about the leadership at the leadership sets the course of the party. we've had ed miliband,

jeremy corbyn, keir starmer now. it might be symbolic to change keir starmer but look at someone like jess phillips. why not change the whole style of the leadership, why not change the sex of the leadership if anything else? what is the direction you can set? if you look at something like the council elections in the north and the midlands and essex and hartlepool, you don't have a strategy that appeals to a new type of working—class voters. in a way, labour is still attached to this idea of the big block vote of old industries. they don't have a narrative to deal with the new realities which is about an older population that wants to have a lovely house and two cars and all these things. the lovely house and two cars and all these things-— lovely house and two cars and all these things. the first part of your cuestion these things. the first part of your question was. _ these things. the first part of your question was, who _ these things. the first part of your

question was, who should - these things. the first part of your question was, who should be - these things. the first part of your. question was, who should be leading labour~ _ question was, who should be leading labour~ it— question was, who should be leading labour. it isn't about here but it's about— labour. it isn't about here but it's about how — labour. it isn't about here but it's about how i_ labour. it isn't about here but it's about how. i don't care what the leader— about how. i don't care what the leader sounds like. this whole thing about— leader sounds like. this whole thing about electability, on paper boris johnson _ about electability, on paper boris johnson shouldn't be electable given who he _ johnson shouldn't be electable given who he is— johnson shouldn't be electable given who he is and how he operates and yet this— who he is and how he operates and yet this definition of electability, this beauty pageant that we have every _ this beauty pageant that we have every time in the labour party about who this _ every time in the labour party about who this mythical person is. yes, it is important — who this mythical person is. yes, it is important what you say and how you say— is important what you say and how you say it — is important what you say and how you say it but also what your strategy _ you say it but also what your strategy is. and how you're going to win. strategy is. and how you're going to win and _ strategy is. and how you're going to win. and how you're going to rebuild _ win. and how you're going to rebuild i_ win. and how you're going to rebuild. iagree. some win. and how you're going to rebuild. i agree. some of, win. and how you're going to rebuild. iagree. some of, the leadership will have to answer tough questions _ leadership will have to answer tough questions about why we are where we are. questions about why we are where we are you _ questions about why we are where we are you can't— questions about why we are where we are. you can'tjust simply blame 2019~ _ are. you can'tjust simply blame 2019 this— are. you can'tjust simply blame 2019. this goes back a lot longer, it is more — 2019. this goes back a lot longer, it is more complex thanjust brexit

2019. _ it is more complex thanjust brexit 2019. 2017, — it is more complex thanjust brexit 2019, 2017, even 1997. we don't have to think— 2019, 2017, even 1997. we don't have to think very— 2019, 2017, even 1997. we don't have to think very hard about how we're going _ to think very hard about how we're going to _ to think very hard about how we're going to build a completely different culture on the centre—left. that's something keir starmer— centre—left. that's something keir starmer is — centre—left. that's something keir starmer is going to have to think about— starmer is going to have to think about very— starmer is going to have to think about very hard and clearly. i want to ask you — about very hard and clearly. i want to ask you about _ about very hard and clearly. i want to ask you about the _ about very hard and clearly. i want to ask you about the kind - about very hard and clearly. i want to ask you about the kind of- to ask you about the kind of electoral politics we have at the moment. given that you'll know what len mccluskey said and lord adonis, you don't agree then that simply removing keir starmer from the equation is going to change anything?— equation is going to change an hint? ., . anything? not if the beauty pageant 'ust carries anything? not if the beauty pageant just carries on- _ anything? not if the beauty pageant just carries on. clearly, _ anything? not if the beauty pageant just carries on. clearly, there - anything? not if the beauty pageant just carries on. clearly, there was i just carries on. clearly, there was an estimation made that if you are notjeremy— an estimation made that if you are notjeremy corbyn, this is an estimation made that if you are not jeremy corbyn, this is the equation _ not jeremy corbyn, this is the equation i _ not jeremy corbyn, this is the equation i think has manifested itself, _ equation i think has manifested itself, if— equation i think has manifested itself, if you're notjeremy equation i think has manifested itself, if you're not jeremy corbyn and adding — itself, if you're not jeremy corbyn and adding sir keir starmer and boris— and adding sir keir starmer and borisjohnson will and adding sir keir starmer and boris johnson will inflate because the electorate will see through him and you'll— the electorate will see through him and you'll make political gains. if that's— and you'll make political gains. if that's your— and you'll make political gains. if that's your analysis then clearly it's not— that's your analysis then clearly it's not working. this goes far

deeper— it's not working. this goes far deeper and is it's not working. this goes far deeperand is far it's not working. this goes far deeper and is far more complex than simply— deeper and is far more complex than simply banging a drum and talking about— simply banging a drum and talking about electability. you need to have about electability. you need to have a vision, _ about electability. you need to have a vision, yes, that is something we don't _ a vision, yes, that is something we don't have — a vision, yes, that is something we don't have yet and we need to see it very quickly — don't have yet and we need to see it very quickly. you need to have some kind of— very quickly. you need to have some kind of policy platform. we could be two years _ kind of policy platform. we could be two years away from the general election — two years away from the general election. you also need a broader, deeper— election. you also need a broader, deeper strategy which is about how you win _ deeper strategy which is about how you win. the policies will get you into the — you win. the policies will get you into the ballpark but how do you then _ into the ballpark but how do you then win — into the ballpark but how do you then win and change the system to make _ then win and change the system to make sure — then win and change the system to make sure we are the dominant political— make sure we are the dominant political force, progressives and not the — political force, progressives and not the tories. 0ne political force, progressives and not the tories. one of the things well— not the tories. one of the things well be — not the tories. one of the things we'll be seeing a lot of it is people _ we'll be seeing a lot of it is people talking about how labour gets back to _ people talking about how labour gets back to where it was in 1997. let people talking about how labour gets back to where it was in 1997.- back to where it was in 1997. let me curtail... back to where it was in 1997. let me curtail- -- the _ back to where it was in 1997. let me curtail... the question _ back to where it was in 1997. let me curtail... the question on _ back to where it was in 1997. let me curtail... the question on policy - curtail... the question on policy and electoral reform. what you seem to be suggesting is there is an issue with labour winning on a first past the post system. it issue with labour winning on a first past the post system.— issue with labour winning on a first past the post system. it always has been. this past the post system. it always has been- this is _ past the post system. it always has been. this is the _

past the post system. it always has been. this is the point, _ past the post system. it always has been. this is the point, how- past the post system. it always has been. this is the point, how does l been. this is the point, how does labour— been. this is the point, how does labour get — been. this is the point, how does labour get back to its winning ways? but if— labour get back to its winning ways? but if you _ labour get back to its winning ways? but if you understand that over the last century... i mark imark numberthe i mark number the returning officer for the _ i mark number the returning officer for the parliamentary constituency within— for the parliamentary constituency within the — for the parliamentary constituency within the highlands and islands region— within the highlands and islands region give notice that the number of votes _ region give notice that the number of votes recorded for each candidate at the _ of votes recorded for each candidate at the said _ of votes recorded for each candidate at the said election is as follows — alan _ at the said election is as follows — alan alistair seamus, scottish national— alan alistair seamus, scottish national party snp, 7454. gavin burke _ national party snp, 7454. gavin burke and — national party snp, 7454. gavin burke and hagar.

scottish conservative and unionist, 2116. scottish conservative and unionist, 2116 sean — scottish conservative and unionist, 2116. sean fraser scottish labour party— 2116. sean fraser scottish labour party 4013. neil mitchison, scottish liberal democrats 353. the total number of ballot papers

counted _ the total number of ballot papers counted was 14,000 493 and of the turnout _ counted was 14,000 493 and of the turnout was 66.4%. 86 ballot papers were rejected. and i declare... that result is coming to us from stornoway and the state the snp took first in 2007, has been returned for the snp would alistair allen. the list look at the all—important share of the vote. the snp on 51%, labour on 28 and the conservatives on 15% and let's look at the change in that. edging it down, the snp .1% down, labour up to

and of the conservatives up 3% and independence up 4%. the swing from snp to labour is 1.4%. the snp to labour there and that is a safe victory for the snp. again, kirsty, we are talking about constituencies... , with a particular kind of character and i'm just thinking that to make a more kind of stablejudgment just thinking that to make a more kind of stable judgment as to what the likely outcome would be at the end of the day when 129 seats are filled in the scottish parliament, we will have to see notjust that seat we saw in aberdeen earlier but we need to see what's going on in parts of edinburgh and glasgow as well. and that would be to see where the balance of vote is. and the battle royal when it comes, which will be between nicola sturgeon for the snp and the labour opponent. that will give us an idea as to

which way the forces will be flowing. absolutely. and of course and a sour. the that residual family identify ability would help him. nicola sturgeon is bucking those votes ahead if i can make an inroad into that would be a good story for him as a leaderfirst into that would be a good story for him as a leader first ahead into that would be a good story for him as a leaderfirst ahead of things we talking about this morning about keir starmer. kirsty list because there and we are joined by a former conservative adviser to sajid javid and john maturing than a former labour adviser good to have you with us. first of all, can start with you. we will be noting these conservative successes not least in

hartlepool and elsewhere and we have been asking our guests that we should have an honest assessment of what led to the performance.- what led to the performance. where do ou what led to the performance. where do you stand — what led to the performance. where do you stand on _ what led to the performance. where do you stand on that? _ what led to the performance. where do you stand on that? i _ what led to the performance. where do you stand on that? i think - what led to the performance. where do you stand on that? i think the i do you stand on that? i think the truth is that this is notjust a question of the bride is a dividing line and it's notjust about the prime minister and the vaccination programme. there has been a long line of effort going into northern seats and northern regions and i think having devolution and having candidates who have worked hard in those areas has a lot to do with the fact that the tory brand has changed over a long period of time. i think it's a lot more complicated than just sort of brexit or ukip collapse or labour and just sort of brexit or ukip collapse or labourand are doing just sort of brexit or ukip collapse or labour and are doing well. the turnout 70.896. _ or labour and are doing well. the turnout 70.8%. the total number of

votes _ turnout 70.8%. the total number of votes cast _ turnout 70.8%. the total number of votes cast for each candidate in this constituency is as follows. katie _ this constituency is as follows. katie gordon, scottish liberal democrats 29 surrey, to 2987. scottish _ democrats 29 surrey, to 2987. scottish conservative and unionist party. _ scottish conservative and unionist party, 4153. douglas mcallister, scottish— party, 4153. douglas mcallister, scottish national, sorry scottish labour— scottish national, sorry scottish labour party, 12,513, marie mcnair, scottish— labour party, 12,513, marie mcnair, scottish national party, 17,787. john— scottish national party, 17,787. john alexander robertson, 220. the total number of rejected votes were 107. total number of rejected votes were 107~ the _ total number of rejected votes were 107. the reasons for rejection are as follows — 107. the reasons for rejection are as follows. 0ne 107. the reasons for rejection are as follows. one of an official mark, none, _ as follows. one of an official mark, none. voting — as follows. one of an official mark, none, voting for more than one candidate, _ none, voting for more than one candidate, 15, writing or mark by which _ candidate, 15, writing or mark by which voter— candidate, 15, writing or mark by which voter could be identified, one and on _ which voter could be identified, one and on march or void or uncertainty...

and on march or void or uncertainty. . .— and on march or void or uncertainty... and on march or void or uncertain . , _, uncertainty... so that is the count at west dunbartonshire _ uncertainty... so that is the count at west dunbartonshire and - uncertainty... so that is the count at west dunbartonshire and the l uncertainty... so that is the count l at west dunbartonshire and the wet result in clydebank where it looks as if labour has done better than before, but it is a firm snp victory there and we are waiting for the dumbarton vote which is a much closer affair. dumbarton vote which is a much closeraffair. let's dumbarton vote which is a much closer affair. let's look at that result in clydebank in detail. in terms of the share of the vote, the snp are on 47% of the vote, we have labour on 33%, conservatives on a level —— 11 and liberal democrats on eight. and the snp is a marginally down on 2%, labour is very well up, is a really interesting result for labour and conservatives down on by 7%. and the important thing to look at there is that it's a labour, it's at there is that it's a labour, it's a good result for labour and a swing for labour is 5.8%. labour will take heart from that in what was for many, many decades and absolutely cast iron labour constituency. thank

ou. we'll cast iron labour constituency. thank you- we'lljust _ cast iron labour constituency. thank you. we'lljust now— cast iron labour constituency. thank you. we'lljust now in _ cast iron labour constituency. thank you. we'lljust now in a _ cast iron labour constituency. thank you. we'lljust now in a good - you. we'lljust now in a good position to pick up on that result because salama and john are with us. john, can i start with you this time and with apologies for some of the cutting you off�*sjohn, labour in scotland, what is your reading of things at this very early stage and would you see the swing from the snp and labourare would you see the swing from the snp and labour are signalling something or where are you? it and labour are signalling something or where are you?— or where are you? it feels to me as thou:h or where are you? it feels to me as though the — or where are you? it feels to me as though the impact _ or where are you? it feels to me as though the impact of— or where are you? it feels to me as though the impact of anas - or where are you? it feels to me as though the impact of anas sarwar l or where are you? it feels to me as i though the impact of anas sarwar and labour's _ though the impact of anas sarwar and labour's fortunes has been good. most— labour's fortunes has been good. most commentators would say that he won the _ most commentators would say that he won the campaign with a fresh voice and a _ won the campaign with a fresh voice and a fresh — won the campaign with a fresh voice and a fresh approach and some charisma — and a fresh approach and some charisma from the labour party in scotland — charisma from the labour party in scotland. his challenge was always to be _ scotland. his challenge was always to be second to supplant tory party and to _ to be second to supplant tory party and to start — to be second to supplant tory party and to start build something for the future _ and to start build something for the future and — and to start build something for the future and he had a biden —esque apollo _ future and he had a biden —esque apollo -- — future and he had a biden —esque apollo —— approach and he was always

about— apollo —— approach and he was always about healing and not trying to divide — about healing and not trying to divide the country about past referendums but about building for the future — referendums but about building for the future and i think standing on those _ the future and i think standing on thoseissues the future and i think standing on those issues of recovery, building back, _ those issues of recovery, building back, jobs. — those issues of recovery, building back, jobs, growth, productivity. these _ back, jobs, growth, productivity. these are— back, jobs, growth, productivity. these are big things and they will be the _ these are big things and they will be the central theme for keir starmer— be the central theme for keir starmer and his team for the next few years — starmer and his team for the next few years in — starmer and his team for the next few years in the uk because the only question— few years in the uk because the only question in— few years in the uk because the only question in british politics was the pandemic— question in british politics was the pandemic is fully under control and managed. — pandemic is fully under control and managed, the only question is growth and the _ managed, the only question is growth and the only question is productivity, otherwise with a decline — productivity, otherwise with a decline in— productivity, otherwise with a decline in public services and standards of living.— decline in public services and standards of living. john, can i mention to — standards of living. john, can i mention to you _ standards of living. john, can i mention to you the _ standards of living. john, can i mention to you the issues -- i standards of living. john, can i - mention to you the issues -- mike mention to you the issues —— mike knows well from john curtis? this is the first central bout in clydebank, a safe one for snp. the snp would be worried about the fact that labour's vote is up by ten points while their own is down by two and there is as much as a seven point drop in the

conservative vote which may be a sign of tactical voting in favour of the second placed labour candidate. again, that pattern of voting might cause some indigestion in snp headquarters. i cause some indigestion in snp headquarters-— cause some indigestion in snp headuuarters. ~ headquarters. i think it might well do. the headquarters. i think it might well do- the snp _ headquarters. i think it might well do. the snp made _ headquarters. i think it might well do. the snp made a _ headquarters. i think it might well do. the snp made a strategic- headquarters. i think it might well| do. the snp made a strategic error when _ do. the snp made a strategic error when they— do. the snp made a strategic error when they allowed themselves to think that if they got a majority, then— think that if they got a majority, then we — think that if they got a majority, then we are demanding a referendum. referendum is a choice for the westminster parliament. but a high bar when— westminster parliament. but a high bar when they were polling high... they— bar when they were polling high... they may— bar when they were polling high... they may well fall below that bar and if _ they may well fall below that bar and if i _ they may well fall below that bar and if i was in the snp at the moment— and if i was in the snp at the moment i_ and if i was in the snp at the moment i would be worried that we're not going _ moment i would be worried that we're not going to _ moment i would be worried that we're not going to meet the targets we set and it— not going to meet the targets we set and it will— not going to meet the targets we set and it will give borisjohnson not going to meet the targets we set and it will give boris johnson a very— and it will give boris johnson a very easy— and it will give boris johnson a very easy riposte when he pushes it back on— very easy riposte when he pushes it back on them and when he's asked for a second _ back on them and when he's asked for a second referendum. for labour, it was all— a second referendum. for labour, it was all it— a second referendum. for labour, it was all it could be a long haul to

recover— was all it could be a long haul to recover the _ was all it could be a long haul to recover the 2015 defeat in westminster and the subsequent defeats— westminster and the subsequent defeats in the scottish parliament. this is— defeats in the scottish parliament. this is the — defeats in the scottish parliament. this is the beginning of turning the corner. _ this is the beginning of turning the corner. but— this is the beginning of turning the corner, but this is a long haul for scottish— corner, but this is a long haul for scottish politics, like uk politics, was reframed by the referendum. in england _ was reframed by the referendum. in england it _ was reframed by the referendum. in england it was the brexit referendum. when they shoot once, they are _ referendum. when they shoot once, they are unmoored and they're available — they are unmoored and they're available for other people. this flux that— available for other people. this flux that we are in, every scottish election— flux that we are in, every scottish election has a new story and every scottish— election has a new story and every scottish election from 2014 has a new story— scottish election from 2014 has a new story and as a another twist in the tale _ new story and as a another twist in the tale. , ., v new story and as a another twist in the tale. �*, , , the tale. john, it's kirsty here. if i can the tale. john, it's kirsty here. if i can take _ the tale. john, it's kirsty here. if i can take your— the tale. john, it's kirsty here. if i can take your eye _ the tale. john, it's kirsty here. if i can take your eye south. - the tale. john, it's kirsty here. ifi i can take your eye south. you're saying that that is actually an optimistic sign for anas sarwar but of course there is nothing of the case at all for keir starmer. i don't know if you heard lord donaldson and clive lewis. is it the

strategy that is missing? is that the strategy and we have a deluge behind us, where is the problem? is it simply about reshuffling your cabinet or changing leadership? lntlul’hgt cabinet or changing leadership? what is it? lord donaldson is a good friend — is it? lord donaldson is a good friend of— is it? lord donaldson is a good friend of mine. what he said is not 'ust friend of mine. what he said is not just unhelpful, it's wrong. now is not the _ just unhelpful, it's wrong. now is not the time to change the leader. the pandemic has put british politics— the pandemic has put british politics into the deep freeze. we won't _ politics into the deep freeze. we won't really know what real politics are likened the other side of it. hartlepool, yes, a very, very bad vote _ hartlepool, yes, a very, very bad vote for— hartlepool, yes, a very, very bad vote for labour. the last act of the 2019 _ vote for labour. the last act of the 2019 election of the realignment then, _ 2019 election of the realignment then, not— 2019 election of the realignment then, not the first act of 2024 election _ then, not the first act of 2024 election. things will become clear towards _ election. things will become clear towards the end of the year but the real fallout economically is and where — real fallout economically is and where the unemployment is and the thin- where the unemployment is and the thing is _ where the unemployment is and the thing is we — where the unemployment is and the thing is we have had, since 2010,

consistent— thing is we have had, since 2010, consistent tory governments and one of the _ consistent tory governments and one of the tricks _ consistent tory governments and one of the tricks of boris johnson which is one _ of the tricks of boris johnson which is one achieved and labour needs to understand — is one achieved and labour needs to understand this, is to persuade that the country— understand this, is to persuade that the country it is a new government and the _ the country it is a new government and the borisjohnson party is not the tory— and the borisjohnson party is not the tory party. but the economic record _ the tory party. but the economic record of— the tory party. but the economic record of the borisjohnson party is pretty— record of the borisjohnson party is pretty poor~ — record of the borisjohnson party is pretty poor. the growth rates in britain — pretty poor. the growth rates in britain and the productivity in britain, — britain and the productivity in britain, they are what will drive future — britain, they are what will drive future prosperity and spending. i think— future prosperity and spending. i think the — future prosperity and spending. i think the issue and the battle of the economic future and that as i think— the economic future and that as i think were — the economic future and that as i think were similar keir starmer... john. _ think were similar keir starmer... john, england stop you there. let's have a look at these images because the prime minister is visiting hartlepool and there he is with the new conservative mp, jill mortimer who is the new mp for hartlepool, the first woman to represent the hartlepool constituency, which was formed in 1974, though the older constituency of hartlepool existed before that after the second world war. she is also the second

conservative to represent this constituency and this is mrjohnson, who has turned up, he was in coventry that —— commentaryjust who has turned up, he was in coventry that —— commentary just a small while ago. now he is our reporters having a rapid trot around the path and will turn around to see mrjohnson coming back. just keeping a little eye on it and for the prime minister may well say something when he approaches the camera. let's have a look now. yes, here they are. they are just chatting and having the traditional congratulatory walk but they will both be well aware of the symbolic significance of this by—election and not only because it's a win for them because of what it's a win for them because of what it says. let's see what the prime minister is saying.— it says. let's see what the prime minister is saying. very, very good. i 'ust want minister is saying. very, very good. ljust want to _ minister is saying. very, very good. ljust want to say — minister is saying. very, very good. i just want to say a _ minister is saying. very, very good. i just want to say a massive - minister is saying. very, very good. i just want to say a massive thank. i just want to say a massive thank you to, first of all to the people of hartlepool for placing their confidence in us, in the conservatives and i want to congratulate gill on this fantastic campaign, she has been a wonderful

candidate and fought very, very hard and i think she will be a wonderful mp. and for me, what this means is that i think that it's a mandate for us to continue to deliver, notjust for the people of hartlepool and not just for the people of the north east but across the whole of the country and i think it a lesson out of this whole election campaign and election and local election campaign across the whole of the uk is that the public want politicians to get on with focusing on their needs and their priorities. so coming through their priorities. so coming through the pandemic and making sure that we then build back better and you can see some of the evidence of the economic confidence that the bank of england has been talking about, the prospect of a really strong rebound in the second half of the year. i think people want us to focus on

that. i think here in hartlepool there are clearly people, this is place of voting for brexit and we got brexit done and then we were able to do other things thanks to that. and it's thanks to... i'm just going on and i want to finish this point if i can. it's fine to brexit that we have been able to go ahead with the free and the whole of teesside and to do things like take back control of our borders and were able to deal with the european super league and of course we were able to do things a bit differently when it has come to the vaccine roll—out that has been so important and to be able to deliver that faster than other european countries. it's about delivery, it's about getting on and i think that's the mandate that people have given us and congratulations to jill. you said at the weekend a win here

was a massive, massive challenge, but wasn't really, given that labour held this seat in 2019 because of a massive exit party vote, 25% of constituents voting for the brexit party, and those 10,000 voters have come to you, you have picked them up, so really about brexit rather than about you? this up, so really about brexit rather than about you?— than about you? this is a constituency _ than about you? this is a constituency that - than about you? this is a constituency that has - than about you? this is a constituency that has i i than about you? this is a i constituency that has i think than about you? this is a - constituency that has i think been in the hands of labour since its beginnings, and i think what the selection shows is that people want a party and a government that is focused on them, focused on delivering change, and that is what jill has been campaigning on, and thatis jill has been campaigning on, and that is why i go on about the advantages of the things we are doing. so when you look at the idea of the freeport, the economic campus in darlington, not very far away, the prospect of a high skilled jobs coming here, iwas the prospect of a high skilled jobs coming here, i was having a look at

this incredible ge turbine factory, building colossal wind turbines just down the road, that is part of the vision that we have for the north—east as a centre of the green industrial revolution, and i think people understand that, they can see that, and those of the kind ofjobs that, and those of the kind ofjobs that not only pay well, they have high skills, but they give you a fantastic sense of doing something worthwhile. band fantastic sense of doing something worthwhile. �* , ., worthwhile. and you said in the 2019, worthwhile. and you said in the 2019. after — worthwhile. and you said in the 2019, after the _ worthwhile. and you said in the 2019, after the 2019 _ worthwhile. and you said in the 2019, after the 2019 election, | 2019, after the 2019 election, people in the redwall had led to their vote, people in the redwall had led to theirvote, do people in the redwall had led to their vote, do you think something else has happened to make a shift, is that your hope? i else has happened to make a shift, is that your hope?— is that your hope? i think what happened _ is that your hope? i think what happened in — is that your hope? i think what happened in 2019 _ is that your hope? i think what happened in 2019 was - is that your hope? i think what happened in 2019 was the - is that your hope? i think what i happened in 2019 was the people mandated us to get brexit done and to begin the process of uniting and levelling up, and i think that what has happened now as they can see that we did get brexit done, and to certain extent they can see be delivered on that, and i think what people want us to do now is to get on with delivering on everything else. so number one is continuing the vaccine roll—out, making sure that we go from jabs, jabs, jabs to

jobs, jobs, jobs, have a strong economic recovery, but we have a very ambitious plan for this country, every government has tried it to some extent, but i don't think any government has tried it as wholeheartedly as this government is trying, that is uniting the levelling up, and of the basic idea is that there is genius and talent and enthusiasm and flair and imagination everywhere in the country. but opportunity is not evenly distributed. that is the basic idea and that is what we are trying to change. abs, basic idea and that is what we are trying to change-— basic idea and that is what we are trying to change. a few months ago, our trying to change. a few months ago, your prospects _ trying to change. a few months ago, your prospects were _ trying to change. a few months ago, your prospects were not _ trying to change. a few months ago, your prospects were not looking - trying to change. a few months ago, your prospects were not looking so l your prospects were not looking so good, poor personal ratings, behind in the polls, and then came the vaccine roll—out, has it saved you? i think it has been very important for our country that we are able to get through covid as fast as we can. i think we have got to always bear in mind that this thing is not over,

i think the epidemiology is very encouraging at the moment, but we have to continue to be cautious and, you know, we will continue with the cautious but irreversible steps of the roll—out. i cannot see any reason now to delay any of the steps we have got ahead of us, but that is going to be our programme, and make sure we proceed in accordance with the scientific evidence. the sure we proceed in accordance with the scientific evidence.— the scientific evidence. the indian variant. . . the scientific evidence. the indian variant... does _ the scientific evidence. the indian variant... does anybody _ the scientific evidence. the indian variant... does anybody else - the scientific evidence. the indiani variant... does anybody else want the scientific evidence. the indian l variant... does anybody else want a cuestion? variant... does anybody else want a question? the _ variant... does anybody else want a question? the indian _ variant... does anybody else want a question? the indian variant, - variant... does anybody else want a question? the indian variant, nowl variant... does anybody else want a question? the indian variant, now a variant of concern, _ question? the indian variant, now a variant of concern, do _ question? the indian variant, now a variant of concern, do you - question? the indian variant, now a variant of concern, do you plan - question? the indian variant, now a variant of concern, do you plan to l variant of concern, do you plan to make any changes as a consequence of that? ~ ., make any changes as a consequence of that? . ., . make any changes as a consequence of that? . . . ., make any changes as a consequence of that? ~ . . ., , that? what we are doing there is makin: that? what we are doing there is making sure _ that? what we are doing there is making sure that _ that? what we are doing there is making sure that we _ that? what we are doing there is making sure that we are - that? what we are doing there is i making sure that we are absolutely ruthless in the surge testing, the door—to—door tracking of any contacts, at the moment, we are looking carefully at the way the

indian variant seems to function. we do not see any evidence that it is resistant to the vaccines, or in any way more dangerous. 0k. resistant to the vaccines, or in any way more dangerous.— resistant to the vaccines, or in any way more dangerous. 0k. and 'ust to be clear to the — way more dangerous. 0k. and 'ust to be clear to the public, * way more dangerous. 0k. and 'ust to be clear to the public, you _ way more dangerous. 0k. and 'ust to be clear to the public, you do _ way more dangerous. 0k. and just to be clear to the public, you do not - be clear to the public, you do not think it could scupper your irreversible path out of lockdown? we don't see that, we don't have that evidence at the moment. the prime minister _ that evidence at the moment. the prime minister borisjohnson, prime minister boris johnson, visiting prime minister borisjohnson, visiting hartlepool to congratulate the lady on the right, jill mortimer, who is the new conservative mp, first conservative mp for hartlepool, the first woman to represent hartlepool in the house of commons. so it is a very symbolic result in more ways than one, and of course, it is yet another game for the conservatives in parliamentary terms, anyway, in an area that has been traditionally exceptionally solid behind labour. so it presents labour with all kinds of problems, and just underlines the issue that labour is facing. so there is the

prime minister, in a slightly windy hartlepool, but enjoying obviously what is for them a good deal of news. watching that with me, i think this pair of guests who joined us have probably been adopted more than any other guests on the programme so far, so i'm apologising beforehand. i willjust ask far, so i'm apologising beforehand. i will just ask you, what far, so i'm apologising beforehand. i willjust ask you, what do you make of the prime minister's message there? i make of the prime minister's message there? ~ . , , there? i think it was interesting, because of— there? i think it was interesting, because of course _ there? i think it was interesting, because of course it _ there? i think it was interesting, because of course it was - there? i think it was interesting, l because of course it was incredibly cautious, and i think the interviewer from cautious, and i think the interviewerfrom sky cautious, and i think the interviewer from sky there touched on something that the prime minister and probably the entirety of the conservative party is very hopeful about, which is that states like hartlepool, who did lend a vote on brexit, seem like they are trusting the conservative party in a way that didn't exist before, and will actually redraw the political map more permanently than was expected

previously. so there is a little bit more depth to conservative support. just picking up on something john had said previously, yes, he is absolutely right, the question is going to be economic once we are out of the pandemic, but given a conservative chancellor's reaction and interventionist position when the pandemic came around, it feels like the screw to be a deeper shift in the conservative party as well. so it leaves the labour party very little room to manoeuvre in terms of differentiating itself from the conservatives, which i think will be overly interesting dynamic that is going to play out i think across councils, as we are going to see today, to potentially write the way up today, to potentially write the way up to a 2024 general election. fin up to a 2024 general election. on the scottish issue of that central belt seat where labour have put on six percentage points, i think it is, and the possibility we are

hearing that an edinburgh southern, labour might have done pretty well, anyway, could that be a resurgence in the central belt, john? j anyway, could that be a resurgence in the central belt, john?— in the central belt, john? i think so, i in the central belt, john? i think so. i think— in the central belt, john? i think so, i think one _ in the central belt, john? i think so, i think one of _ in the central belt, john? i think so, i think one of the _ in the central belt, john? i think so, i think one of the interesting things— so, i think one of the interesting things happening politically in scotland in the last three or four months. — scotland in the last three or four months, we sought really with alex salmond's — months, we sought really with alex salmond's party alba, you finally saw some — salmond's party alba, you finally saw some cracks in the nationalist coalition, — saw some cracks in the nationalist coalition, which was really extensive, and actually contains quite _ extensive, and actually contains quite a — extensive, and actually contains quite a lot — extensive, and actually contains quite a lot of tension within it, and i_ quite a lot of tension within it, and i think— quite a lot of tension within it, and i think there is a working out of the _ and i think there is a working out of the tension in the nationalist coalition— of the tension in the nationalist coalition as it fragments a bit, it now has— coalition as it fragments a bit, it now has the three wings of the green party. _ now has the three wings of the green party. snp— now has the three wings of the green party, snp and alba, and people are voting _ party, snp and alba, and people are voting tactically, so you are unifying _ voting tactically, so you are unifying behind the candidate who can win, _ unifying behind the candidate who can win, and actually you have the sense _ can win, and actually you have the sense that — can win, and actually you have the sense that labour has a generation coming _ sense that labour has a generation coming through of strong campaigners, because danieljohnson campaigners, because daniel johnson in campaigners, because danieljohnson in edinburgh southern is a very

powerful— in edinburgh southern is a very powerful campaigner, he has been a very effective parliamentarian, and it looks _ very effective parliamentarian, and it looks as— very effective parliamentarian, and it looks as though that style and substance in labour's candidates really _ substance in labour's candidates really matters. we sought matter before _ really matters. we sought matter before with iain gray and west lothian, — before with iain gray and west lothian, jackie baillie, perhaps this new— lothian, jackie baillie, perhaps this new generation coming through with anas _ this new generation coming through with anas sarwar as the leader is the sense — with anas sarwar as the leader is the sense that labour has got the message — the sense that labour has got the message that scotland does notjust one identikit candidates, it wants people _ one identikit candidates, it wants people from their locality, so i think— people from their locality, so i think there are definitely green shoots— think there are definitely green shoots for labour there.- think there are definitely green shoots for labour there. thank you very much — shoots for labour there. thank you very much both _ shoots for labour there. thank you very much both of _ shoots for labour there. thank you very much both of you _ shoots for labour there. thank you very much both of you for- shoots for labour there. thank you very much both of you for your - very much both of you for your endless patience in the last half hour or so, endless patience in the last half hour orso, but endless patience in the last half hour or so, but for your interest contributions as well, thank you so much. let's have a look at the scottish parliamentary position. snp, three seats, no change. liberal democrats, looking back up to orkney there, no change. let's go to our

correspondent. nick, what do you make of what has just been unfolding in the central belt and in clydebank?— in the central belt and in clydebank? in the central belt and in cl debank? , ., , clydebank? there seem to be some areas where — clydebank? there seem to be some areas where labour _ clydebank? there seem to be some areas where labour think _ clydebank? there seem to be some areas where labour think they - clydebank? there seem to be some areas where labour think they are l areas where labour think they are doing pretty well. across glasgow, there seems to have been an uptake in their vote. i would be slightly cautious, though, about that translated into seats, because like the result we just saw in clydebank, it seems like unionist voters have got behind labour there, but they were nowhere near beating the snp. there's only one seat where they are brilliantly in glasgow, and that is rutherglen. —— where they are really in play in glasgow. labour needs to focus on the list, that is where we could potentially do quite well, but the conservatives still think they are getting the main unionist votes there. but coming back to the point i made earlier about this being a battle now between snp turn out and unionist tactical voting, and when we start to get some of the seats we get in the next few hours, i think we will get a real picture of how

thatis we will get a real picture of how that is playing out. talk we will get a real picture of how that is playing out.— we will get a real picture of how that is playing out. talk a bit more about turnout. _ that is playing out. talk a bit more about turnout. it _ that is playing out. talk a bit more about turnout. it looks _ that is playing out. talk a bit more about turnout. it looks to - that is playing out. talk a bit more about turnout. it looks to be - about turnout. it looks to be visually high. _ about turnout. it looks to be visually high. i _ about turnout. it looks to be visually high. i have - about turnout. it looks to be visually high. i have just - about turnout. it looks to be visually high. i have just had about turnout. it looks to be i visually high. i have just had a look at edinburgh central, 72% —— really high. up 8% from last time. that is a considerable jump, really high. up 8% from last time. that is a considerablejump, it seems that what is happening across the country. some of it as postal votes, because i am sure there are a lot of people returning them, one that when people registered the stone. but it also feels like the debate on their partly about the constitution has fired people up. it constitution has fired people up. it has, the other thing about that as we are consistently nursing in scotland higher in elections. there is a kind of energised political debate in scotland. thank you very much for that, don't go away. patrick harvie, the co—leader of the scottish green party, is in glasgow, hello, patrick. scottish green party, is in glasgow, hello. patrick-— scottish green party, is in glasgow, hello, patrick._ the | hello, patrick. good afternoon. the limited results _ hello, patrick. good afternoon. the limited results in _ hello, patrick. good afternoon. the limited results in scotland, - hello, patrick. good afternoon. the limited results in scotland, what i hello, patrick. good afternoon. thei limited results in scotland, what do you make of them? what are you hearing on the ground? i you make of them? what are you hearing on the ground?— you make of them? what are you hearing on the ground? i think on that last point —

hearing on the ground? i think on that last point you _ hearing on the ground? i think on that last point you were - hearing on the ground? i think on that last point you were just - that last point you were just discussing _ that last point you were just discussing with _ that last point you were just discussing with nick, - that last point you were just discussing with nick, turn i that last point you were just i discussing with nick, turn out that last point you were just - discussing with nick, turn out to be not as— discussing with nick, turn out to be not as something _ discussing with nick, turn out to be not as something that _ discussing with nick, turn out to be not as something that every- not as something that every political— not as something that every political party, _ not as something that every political party, i— not as something that every political party, i hope, - not as something that every political party, i hope, will. political party, i hope, will welcome _ political party, i hope, will welcome come _ political party, i hope, will welcome come and - political party, i hope, will welcome come and i- political party, i hope, will welcome come and i want| political party, i hope, will. welcome come and i want to political party, i hope, will- welcome come and i want to thank political party, i hope, will— welcome come and i want to thank in particular— welcome come and i want to thank in particular the — welcome come and i want to thank in particular the people _ welcome come and i want to thank in particular the people who _ welcome come and i want to thank in particular the people who had - welcome come and i want to thank in particular the people who had to - particular the people who had to wait a _ particular the people who had to wait a long — particular the people who had to wait a long time _ particular the people who had to wait a long time in— particular the people who had to wait a long time in the _ particular the people who had to wait a long time in the queues. i particular the people who had to i wait a long time in the queues. my own local— wait a long time in the queues. my own local polling _ wait a long time in the queues. my own local polling station _ wait a long time in the queues. my own local polling station last - own local polling station last night. — own local polling station last night. in _ own local polling station last night. inthe— own local polling station last night, in the last _ own local polling station last night, in the last few - own local polling station last night, in the last few hours, | own local polling station last - night, in the last few hours, was queueing — night, in the last few hours, was queueing out _ night, in the last few hours, was queueing out of— night, in the last few hours, was queueing out of the _ night, in the last few hours, was queueing out of the building - night, in the last few hours, was queueing out of the building andi queueing out of the building and round _ queueing out of the building and round the — queueing out of the building and round the back— queueing out of the building and round the back of— queueing out of the building and round the back of the _ queueing out of the building and round the back of the building. i round the back of the building. people — round the back of the building. people who— round the back of the building. people who were _ round the back of the building. people who were in _ round the back of the building. people who were in the - round the back of the building. people who were in the queue| round the back of the building. i people who were in the queue by 1000 _ people who were in the queue by 1000 were — people who were in the queue by 10.00 were having _ people who were in the queue by 10.00 were having to— people who were in the queue by 10.00 were having to wait- people who were in the queue by 10.00 were having to wait a - people who were in the queue by 10.00 were having to wait a long i 10.00 were having to wait a long time _ 10.00 were having to wait a long time to— 10.00 were having to wait a long time to get— 10.00 were having to wait a long time to get in— 10.00 were having to wait a long time to get in and _ 10.00 were having to wait a long time to get in and vote, - 10.00 were having to wait a long time to get in and vote, so - 10.00 were having to wait a long time to get in and vote, so i - 10.00 were having to wait a long i time to get in and vote, so i really want _ time to get in and vote, so i really want to— time to get in and vote, so i really want to thank— time to get in and vote, so i really want to thank people _ time to get in and vote, so i really want to thank people for - time to get in and vote, so i really want to thank people for sticking i want to thank people for sticking with it _ want to thank people for sticking with it and — want to thank people for sticking with it and taking _ want to thank people for sticking with it and taking part _ want to thank people for sticking with it and taking part in - with it and taking part in potentially _ with it and taking part in potentially the - with it and taking part in potentially the most - with it and taking part in - potentially the most important election— potentially the most important election scotland _ potentially the most important election scotland has - potentially the most important election scotland has ever - potentially the most important i election scotland has ever seen. just on _ election scotland has ever seen. just on that— election scotland has ever seen. just on that very _ election scotland has ever seen. just on that very point, - election scotland has ever seen. just on that very point, one - election scotland has ever seen. i just on that very point, one polling station at balerno and the west of edinburgh, they did not finish getting the votes through —— the voters through until 11.30 last night. that was notjust pandemic measures, that is a reflection of the turnout. when it comes to turnout and it comes to the greens, is an increased vote for the snp in the constituencies, does this favour

you in the list? give me some sense of where you think you are in the list. {lit of where you think you are in the list. , ., of where you think you are in the list. ,., , list. of the limited box sampling that we have _ list. of the limited box sampling that we have been _ list. of the limited box sampling that we have been doing - list. of the limited box sampling that we have been doing so - list. of the limited box sampling that we have been doing so far, | list. of the limited box sampling i that we have been doing so far, we seem _ that we have been doing so far, we seem to _ that we have been doing so far, we seem to be — that we have been doing so far, we seem to be up. _ that we have been doing so far, we seem to be up, particularly- that we have been doing so far, we seem to be up, particularly in - that we have been doing so far, we seem to be up, particularly in the i seem to be up, particularly in the areas _ seem to be up, particularly in the areas where — seem to be up, particularly in the areas where we _ seem to be up, particularly in the areas where we have _ seem to be up, particularly in the areas where we have been - seem to be up, particularly in the areas where we have been most. areas where we have been most active. — areas where we have been most active. and _ areas where we have been most active. and we _ areas where we have been most active, and we have _ areas where we have been most active, and we have had - areas where we have been most. active, and we have had hundreds areas where we have been most- active, and we have had hundreds of new volunteers _ active, and we have had hundreds of new volunteers taking _ active, and we have had hundreds of new volunteers taking part - active, and we have had hundreds of new volunteers taking part in - active, and we have had hundreds of new volunteers taking part in the - new volunteers taking part in the most _ new volunteers taking part in the most active — new volunteers taking part in the most active campaign _ new volunteers taking part in the most active campaign we - new volunteers taking part in the most active campaign we have i new volunteers taking part in the i most active campaign we have ever run. most active campaign we have ever run so— most active campaign we have ever run so in— most active campaign we have ever run so in those _ most active campaign we have ever run. so in those areas, _ most active campaign we have ever run. so in those areas, we - most active campaign we have ever run. so in those areas, we have - most active campaign we have ever. run. so in those areas, we have seen an increase _ run. so in those areas, we have seen an increase in — run. so in those areas, we have seen an increase in our— run. so in those areas, we have seen an increase in our regional— run. so in those areas, we have seen an increase in our regional votes, - an increase in our regional votes, so we _ an increase in our regional votes, so we are — an increase in our regional votes, so we are feeling _ an increase in our regional votes, so we are feeling hopeful, - so we are feeling hopeful, optimistic. _ so we are feeling hopeful, optimistic, as— so we are feeling hopeful, optimistic, as we - so we are feeling hopeful, optimistic, as we are - so we are feeling hopeful, i optimistic, as we are going so we are feeling hopeful, - optimistic, as we are going to be saying _ optimistic, as we are going to be saying for— optimistic, as we are going to be saying for quite _ optimistic, as we are going to be saying for quite a _ optimistic, as we are going to be saying for quite a long _ optimistic, as we are going to be saying for quite a long time - optimistic, as we are going to be saying for quite a long time to. saying for quite a long time to come. — saying for quite a long time to come. it— saying for quite a long time to come. it is— saying for quite a long time to come, it is still— saying for quite a long time to come, it is still early- saying for quite a long time to come, it is still early days, . saying for quite a long time to| come, it is still early days, and saying for quite a long time to- come, it is still early days, and we still do _ come, it is still early days, and we still do not — come, it is still early days, and we still do not have _ come, it is still early days, and we still do not have the _ come, it is still early days, and we still do not have the robust- come, it is still early days, and we i still do not have the robust numbers we need _ still do not have the robust numbers we need to— still do not have the robust numbers we need to be — still do not have the robust numbers we need to be able _ still do not have the robust numbers we need to be able to _ still do not have the robust numbers we need to be able to predict - we need to be able to predict results — we need to be able to predict results but— we need to be able to predict results. but we _ we need to be able to predict results. but we are _ we need to be able to predict results. but we are hopeful, i we need to be able to predict. results. but we are hopeful, and certainly— results. but we are hopeful, and certainly very _ results. but we are hopeful, and certainly very grateful _ results. but we are hopeful, and certainly very grateful for - results. but we are hopeful, and i certainly very grateful for everyone who has _ certainly very grateful for everyone who has lent — certainly very grateful for everyone who has lent us— certainly very grateful for everyone who has lent us their— certainly very grateful for everyone who has lent us their support. - certainly very grateful for everyone i who has lent us their support. from any part— who has lent us their support. from any part of— who has lent us their support. from any part of the _ who has lent us their support. from any part of the political— who has lent us their support. from any part of the political spectrum. i any part of the political spectrum. and i_ any part of the political spectrum. and i think— any part of the political spectrum. and i think a — any part of the political spectrum. and i think a lot— any part of the political spectrum. and i think a lot of— any part of the political spectrum. and i think a lot of voters - any part of the political spectrum. and i think a lot of voters are - and i think a lot of voters are voting — and i think a lot of voters are voting with _ and i think a lot of voters are voting with not _ and i think a lot of voters are voting with not be _ and i think a lot of voters are voting with not be passed - and i think a lot of voters are voting with not be passed in. and i think a lot of voters are - voting with not be passed in mind, and maybe — voting with not be passed in mind, and maybe not— voting with not be passed in mind, and maybe not even _ voting with not be passed in mind, and maybe not even just _ voting with not be passed in mind, and maybe not even just the - and maybe not even just the constitution _ and maybe not even just the constitution in _ and maybe not even just the constitution in mind, - and maybe not even just the constitution in mind, but- and maybe not even just the constitution in mind, but a l and maybe not even just the - constitution in mind, but a much deeper— constitution in mind, but a much deeper set— constitution in mind, but a much deeper set of— constitution in mind, but a much deeper set of questions - constitution in mind, but a much deeper set of questions about i deeper set of questions about scotland's _ deeper set of questions about scotland's future. _ deeper set of questions about scotland's future. —— - deeper set of questions about scotland's future. —— not i deeper set of questions about scotland's future. —— notjustl deeper set of questions about i scotland's future. —— notjust the past _ scotland's future. —— notjust the past in _ scotland's future. —— notjust the past in mind _ scotland's future. —— notjust the past in mind. the _ scotland's future. —— notjust the past in mind. the challenges i scotland's future. —— notjust the past in mind. the challenges of. scotland's future. —— not just the i past in mind. the challenges of the climate _ past in mind. the challenges of the climate emergency, _ past in mind. the challenges of the climate emergency, the _ past in mind. the challenges of the climate emergency, the poverty-

past in mind. the challenges of the| climate emergency, the poverty and inequality— climate emergency, the poverty and inequality that — climate emergency, the poverty and inequality that we _ climate emergency, the poverty and inequality that we need _ climate emergency, the poverty and inequality that we need to _ climate emergency, the poverty and inequality that we need to take i climate emergency, the poverty andl inequality that we need to take much bolder— inequality that we need to take much bolder action— inequality that we need to take much bolder action on. _ inequality that we need to take much bolder action on. so _ inequality that we need to take much bolder action on.— bolder action on. so far in the parliament. — bolder action on. so far in the parliament, the _ bolder action on. so far in the parliament, the snp, - bolder action on. so far in the parliament, the snp, apart i bolder action on. so far in the i parliament, the snp, apart from bolder action on. so far in the - parliament, the snp, apart from what happened in 2011 when they did form a majority, has formed a minority administration on 63 seats, two short of a majority. and consistently, the greens have supported them in an informal arrangement. if it is the same going forward, are you going to put more pressure on the nicola sturgeon, do you think? i do pressure on the nicola sturgeon, do ou think? ., ., . you think? i do not agree with the wa ou you think? i do not agree with the way you have _ you think? i do not agree with the way you have characterised - you think? i do not agree with the way you have characterised that. l way you have characterised that. there _ way you have characterised that. there is — way you have characterised that. there is a — way you have characterised that. there is a kind _ way you have characterised that. there is a kind of— way you have characterised that. there is a kind of any— way you have characterised that. there is a kind of any informal. there is a kind of any informal arrangement _ there is a kind of any informal arrangement. what _ there is a kind of any informal arrangement. what we - there is a kind of any informal arrangement. what we do i there is a kind of any informal arrangement. what we do is l there is a kind of any informal- arrangement. what we do is examine what we _ arrangement. what we do is examine what we did _ arrangement. what we do is examine what we did when _ arrangement. what we do is examine what we did when there _ arrangement. what we do is examine what we did when there was - arrangement. what we do is examine what we did when there was a - arrangement. what we do is examine what we did when there was a labouri what we did when there was a labour lib dems _ what we did when there was a labour lib dems majority— what we did when there was a labour lib dems majority coalition _ what we did when there was a labour lib dems majority coalition is- what we did when there was a labour lib dems majority coalition is put- lib dems majority coalition is put forward _ lib dems majority coalition is put forward positive _ lib dems majority coalition is put forward positive ideas, _ lib dems majority coalition is put forward positive ideas, we - lib dems majority coalition is put| forward positive ideas, we always try to _ forward positive ideas, we always try to put — forward positive ideas, we always try to put the _ forward positive ideas, we always try to put the government - forward positive ideas, we always try to put the government underi try to put the government under pressure. — try to put the government under pressure. but _ try to put the government under pressure, but we _ try to put the government under pressure, but we do _ try to put the government under pressure, but we do it— pressure, but we do it constructively, - pressure, but we do it constructively, not i constructively, not opportunistically. i constructively, not i opportunistically. and i constructively, not - opportunistically. and i think constructively, not _ opportunistically. and i think of more _ opportunistically. and i think of more political— opportunistically. and i think of more political parties _ opportunistically. and i think of more political parties in - opportunistically. and i think of. more political parties in opposition it did _ more political parties in opposition it did that— more political parties in opposition it did that in— more political parties in opposition it did that in relation— more political parties in opposition it did that in relation to _ more political parties in opposition it did that in relation to a - it did that in relation to a minority— it did that in relation to a minority government, i it did that in relation to a l minority government, they it did that in relation to a - minority government, they would actually _ minority government, they would actually find — minority government, they would actually find they _ minority government, they would actually find they get _ minority government, they would actually find they get a _ minority government, they would actually find they get a lot - minority government, they would actually find they get a lot more i actually find they get a lot more done. _ actually find they get a lot more done. that _ actually find they get a lot more done. that is _ actually find they get a lot more done. that is why— actually find they get a lot more done. that is why scotland i actually find they get a lot more done. that is why scotland has. actually find they get a lot more | done. that is why scotland has a fairer_ done. that is why scotland has a

fairer tax— done. that is why scotland has a fairer tax system _ done. that is why scotland has a fairer tax system than _ done. that is why scotland has a fairer tax system than the - done. that is why scotland has a fairer tax system than the rest . done. that is why scotland has a| fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, — fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, it— fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, it is_ fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, it is why— fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, it is why we _ fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, it is why we have - fairer tax system than the rest of the uk, it is why we have free i fairer tax system than the rest of| the uk, it is why we have free bus travel— the uk, it is why we have free bus travel coming _ the uk, it is why we have free bus travel coming in _ the uk, it is why we have free bus travel coming in for— the uk, it is why we have free bus travel coming in for young - the uk, it is why we have free bus travel coming in for young people| the uk, it is why we have free bus. travel coming in for young people in scotland. _ travel coming in for young people in scotland. by — travel coming in for young people in scotland, by reverse _ travel coming in for young people in scotland, by reverse the _ travel coming in for young people in scotland, by reverse the injustice i scotland, by reverse the injustice that was — scotland, by reverse the injustice that was done _ scotland, by reverse the injustice that was done to _ scotland, by reverse the injustice that was done to young _ scotland, by reverse the injustice that was done to young people i scotland, by reverse the injustice . that was done to young people with degrees _ that was done to young people with degrees fiasco _ that was done to young people with degrees fiasco last _ that was done to young people with degrees fiasco last year, _ that was done to young people with degrees fiasco last year, and - degrees fiasco last year, and prevented _ degrees fiasco last year, and prevented infections- degrees fiasco last year, and prevented infections during i degrees fiasco last year, and . prevented infections during the pandemic— prevented infections during the pandemic and _ prevented infections during the pandemic and a _ prevented infections during the pandemic and a whole - prevented infections during the pandemic and a whole host - prevented infections during the pandemic and a whole host of i prevented infections during the - pandemic and a whole host of other measures— pandemic and a whole host of other measures that _ pandemic and a whole host of other measures that is _ pandemic and a whole host of other measures that is the _ pandemic and a whole host of other measures that is the result - pandemic and a whole host of other measures that is the result of- measures that is the result of constructive _ measures that is the result of constructive green— measures that is the result of constructive green work. - measures that is the result of constructive green work. we i measures that is the result of. constructive green work. we will continue — constructive green work. we will continue to— constructive green work. we will continue to do _ constructive green work. we will continue to do that, _ constructive green work. we will continue to do that, if _ constructive green work. we will continue to do that, if the - constructive green work. we will continue to do that, if the snp . continue to do that, if the snp again— continue to do that, if the snp again shortly— continue to do that, if the snp again shortly majority, - continue to do that, if the snp again shortly majority, every. again shortly majority, every potiticat _ again shortly majority, every political party _ again shortly majority, every political party should - again shortly majority, every political party should be - again shortly majority, every- political party should be focused on what they— political party should be focused on what they can — political party should be focused on what they can do _ political party should be focused on what they can do to _ political party should be focused on what they can do to make - political party should be focused on what they can do to make a - what they can do to make a difference _ what they can do to make a difference for— what they can do to make a difference for people - what they can do to make a difference for people in - what they can do to make a - difference for people in scotland instead — difference for people in scotland instead of— difference for people in scotland instead ofjust _ difference for people in scotland instead ofjust being _ difference for people in scotland . instead ofjust being opportunistic. -- why— instead ofjust being opportunistic. -- why we — instead ofjust being opportunistic. —— why we reversed _ instead ofjust being opportunistic. —— why we reversed the _ instead ofjust being opportunistic. —— why we reversed the injustice . —— why we reversed the injustice that was— —— why we reversed the injustice that was done _ —— why we reversed the injustice that was done to _ —— why we reversed the injustice that was done to young - —— why we reversed the injustice that was done to young people. i —— why we reversed the injustice i that was done to young people. but ou that was done to young people. you might say what you can do for people in scotland might also align with being opportunistic. the snp's position would be in terms of the recovery and the economy would be one where they did still go ahead with licences and so forth in the the north sea, where you have been absolutely clear about this in your manifesto, no more new licences in the north sea, the end for fossil fuels. . . . ,

the north sea, the end for fossil fuels. . . .y . , fuels. the climate emergency cuts across the constitution. _ fuels. the climate emergency cuts across the constitution. i - fuels. the climate emergency cuts across the constitution. i was - fuels. the climate emergency cuts| across the constitution. i was going to sa , is across the constitution. i was going to say. is that _ across the constitution. i was going to say. is that a _ across the constitution. i was going to say, is that a price _ across the constitution. i was going to say, is that a price you _ across the constitution. i was going to say, is that a price you would - to say, is that a price you would exact? �* , �* ., ., exact? i'm sorry we've got an announcement _ exact? i'm sorry we've got an announcement coming - exact? i'm sorry we've got an announcement coming here. | exact? i'm sorry we've got an| announcement coming here. i exact? i'm sorry we've got an - announcement coming here. i think you are _ announcement coming here. i think you are asking _ announcement coming here. i think you are asking about _ announcement coming here. i think you are asking about the _ announcement coming here. i think you are asking about the licences . announcement coming here. i thinkj you are asking about the licences in the north— you are asking about the licences in the north sea — you are asking about the licences in the north sea again. _ you are asking about the licences in the north sea again. this _ you are asking about the licences in the north sea again. this of- you are asking about the licences in the north sea again. this of course | the north sea again. this of course is a reserved — the north sea again. this of course is a reserved issue, _ the north sea again. this of course is a reserved issue, and _ the north sea again. this of course is a reserved issue, and at- the north sea again. this of course is a reserved issue, and at the - is a reserved issue, and at the nronrent, _ is a reserved issue, and at the nronrent, att— is a reserved issue, and at the moment, all the _ is a reserved issue, and at the moment, all the other- is a reserved issue, and at the| moment, all the other political parties. — moment, all the other political parties, whether— moment, all the other political parties, whether they- moment, all the other political parties, whether they supportl parties, whether they support independence _ parties, whether they support independence or— parties, whether they support independence or support - parties, whether they support independence or support slot| parties, whether they support. independence or support slot on staying — independence or support slot on staying in— independence or support slot on staying in the _ independence or support slot on staying in the uk— independence or support slot on staying in the uk are _ independence or support slot on staying in the uk are committed independence or support slot on . staying in the uk are committed to maximum — staying in the uk are committed to maximum oit— staying in the uk are committed to maximum oil and _ staying in the uk are committed to maximum oil and gas _ staying in the uk are committed to maximum oil and gas extraction. l staying in the uk are committed to. maximum oil and gas extraction. that is a false _ maximum oil and gas extraction. that is a false perspective, _ maximum oil and gas extraction. that is a false perspective, it _ maximum oil and gas extraction. that is a false perspective, it is _ maximum oil and gas extraction. that is a false perspective, it is giving - is a false perspective, it is giving fatse _ is a false perspective, it is giving false hope — is a false perspective, it is giving false hope to _ is a false perspective, it is giving false hope to people _ is a false perspective, it is giving false hope to people working - is a false perspective, it is giving false hope to people working in i false hope to people working in those _ false hope to people working in those industries _ false hope to people working in those industries who _ false hope to people working in those industries who actually. false hope to people working in i those industries who actually need investment— those industries who actually need investment in— those industries who actually need investment in the _ those industries who actually need investment in the alternatives. - those industries who actually need i investment in the alternatives. they need a _ investment in the alternatives. they need a transition _ investment in the alternatives. they need a transition that _ investment in the alternatives. they need a transition that is _ investment in the alternatives. they need a transition that is just - investment in the alternatives. they need a transition that is just what i need a transition that is just what is also _ need a transition that is just what is also rapid _ need a transition that is just what is also rapid. for— need a transition that is just what is also rapid. for us, _ need a transition that is just what is also rapid. for us, that - need a transition that is just what is also rapid. for us, that meansi need a transition that is just what . is also rapid. for us, that means no new ticences. — is also rapid. for us, that means no new licences, revoke _ is also rapid. for us, that means no new licences, revoke the _ is also rapid. for us, that means no. new licences, revoke the undeveloped ticences. _ new licences, revoke the undeveloped ticences. because _ new licences, revoke the undeveloped licences, because we _ new licences, revoke the undeveloped licences, because we have _ new licences, revoke the undeveloped licences, because we have far- new licences, revoke the undeveloped licences, because we have far more i licences, because we have far more fossil— licences, because we have far more fossil fuels— licences, because we have far more fossil fuels than _ licences, because we have far more fossil fuels than we _ licences, because we have far more fossil fuels than we can _ licences, because we have far more fossil fuels than we can afford - licences, because we have far more fossil fuels than we can afford to i fossil fuels than we can afford to ban if— fossil fuels than we can afford to ban if we — fossil fuels than we can afford to ban if we are _ fossil fuels than we can afford to ban if we are remotely— fossil fuels than we can afford to ban if we are remotely serious . fossil fuels than we can afford to - ban if we are remotely serious about our own— ban if we are remotely serious about our own survivat _ ban if we are remotely serious about our own survival and _ ban if we are remotely serious about our own survival and the _ ban if we are remotely serious about our own survival and the survival- ban if we are remotely serious about our own survival and the survival of. our own survival and the survival of the living _ our own survival and the survival of the living wortd _ our own survival and the survival of the living world around _ our own survival and the survival of the living world around us. - our own survival and the survival of the living world around us. —— - our own survival and the survival of the living world around us. —— thenj the living world around us. —— then we can— the living world around us. —— then we can afford — the living world around us. —— then we can afford to _ the living world around us. —— then we can afford to burn. _ the living world around us. —— then we can afford to burn. but - the living world around us. —— then we can afford to burn. but it-

the living world around us. —— then we can afford to burn. but it also . we can afford to burn. but it also means _ we can afford to burn. but it also means dramatic— we can afford to burn. but it also means dramatic investment - we can afford to burn. but it also means dramatic investment in i we can afford to burn. but it also. means dramatic investment in the alternative — means dramatic investment in the alternative industries— means dramatic investment in the alternative industries that - means dramatic investment in the alternative industries that will - alternative industries that will actually — alternative industries that will actually tast _ alternative industries that will actually last for _ alternative industries that will actually last for the _ alternative industries that will actually last for the long - alternative industries that willi actually last for the long term. that _ actually last for the long term. that is— actually last for the long term. that is what _ actually last for the long term. that is what scotland - actually last for the long term. that is what scotland needs, l actually last for the long term. that is what scotland needs, it actually last for the long term. . that is what scotland needs, it is in particular— that is what scotland needs, it is in particular what— that is what scotland needs, it is in particular what the _ that is what scotland needs, it is. in particular what the communities most _ in particular what the communities most retiant — in particular what the communities most reliant on _ in particular what the communities most reliant on the _ in particular what the communities most reliant on the oil— in particular what the communities most reliant on the oil and - in particular what the communities most reliant on the oil and gas- most reliant on the oil and gas industry— most reliant on the oil and gas industry needs. _ most reliant on the oil and gas industry needs. and _ most reliant on the oil and gas industry needs. and at - most reliant on the oil and gas industry needs. and at the - most reliant on the oil and gas- industry needs. and at the moment, it is only— industry needs. and at the moment, it is only the — industry needs. and at the moment, it is only the greens— industry needs. and at the moment, it is only the greens that _ industry needs. and at the moment, it is only the greens that are - it is only the greens that are saying — it is only the greens that are saying this, _ it is only the greens that are saying this, so _ it is only the greens that are saying this, so this - it is only the greens that are saying this, so this one - it is only the greens that arei saying this, so this one really it is only the greens that are - saying this, so this one really cuts across— saying this, so this one really cuts across the — saying this, so this one really cuts across the constitutional- saying this, so this one really cuts across the constitutional debate, i across the constitutional debate, and if— across the constitutional debate, and if scotland _ across the constitutional debate, and if scotland becomes - across the constitutional debate, - and if scotland becomes independent in the _ and if scotland becomes independent in the future, — and if scotland becomes independent inthe future, i— and if scotland becomes independent in the future, ithink— and if scotland becomes independent in the future, i think it _ and if scotland becomes independent in the future, i think it is _ and if scotland becomes independent in the future, i think it is very- in the future, i think it is very clearly— in the future, i think it is very clearly going _ in the future, i think it is very clearly going to _ in the future, i think it is very clearly going to require - in the future, i think it is very. clearly going to require change, in the future, i think it is very- clearly going to require change, but i clearly going to require change, but i only— clearly going to require change, but i only wish— clearly going to require change, but ionty wish that _ clearly going to require change, but i only wish that some _ clearly going to require change, but i only wish that some of— clearly going to require change, but i only wish that some of the - clearly going to require change, but i only wish that some of the uk - i only wish that some of the uk parties — i only wish that some of the uk parties who— i only wish that some of the uk parties who support _ i only wish that some of the uk parties who support scotland . i only wish that some of the uk - parties who support scotland staying in the _ parties who support scotland staying in the uk _ parties who support scotland staying in the uk were— parties who support scotland staying in the uk were even— parties who support scotland staying in the uk were even willing - parties who support scotland staying in the uk were even willing to - in the uk were even willing to address— in the uk were even willing to address and _ in the uk were even willing to address and acknowledge - in the uk were even willing to address and acknowledge the | in the uk were even willing to - address and acknowledge the urgency of this— address and acknowledge the urgency of this crisis — address and acknowledge the urgency of this crisis. . . ~ address and acknowledge the urgency of this crisis-— of this crisis. patrick harvie, thank you — of this crisis. patrick harvie, thank you very _ of this crisis. patrick harvie, thank you very much. - let's stay on the arena in scotland, i am going to say good afternoon to ian blackford, who is a member of the house of commons, of course, for the house of commons, of course, for the snp, the leader of the party at westminster. good afternoon. goad westminster. good afternoon. good afternoon. thanks _ westminster. good afternoon. good afternoon. thanks for _ westminster. good afternoon. good afternoon. thanks forjoining - westminster. good afternoon. good afternoon. thanks forjoining us. - afternoon. thanks for 'oining us. first of an, t afternoon. thanks for 'oining us. first of all, can h afternoon. thanks for 'oining us. first of all, can i _ afternoon. thanks for 'oining us. first of all, can i ask _ afternoon. thanks forjoining us. first of all, can i ask you - afternoon. thanks forjoining us. | first of all, can i ask you whether the reports we are getting from various parts of scotland about an

encouragingly high turnout are borne out on your part of the world? yes. out on your part of the world? yes, i think we out on your part of the world? yes, i think we are _ out on your part of the world? yes, i think we are getting _ out on your part of the world? yes i think we are getting reports from right across scotland that there has been a high turnout, and i think we are all pleased to see that, huw, we want to see the maximum number of people participating in our democracy, and of course the franchise has been extended, let's not forget that, too. 16 and 17—year—olds voting, that has been the case in a number of elections in scotland, asylum seekers for the first time, and we all want a participative democracy, we all want the maximum number of people to participate, and that is the right of every citizen to determine who should be elected to office. so this should be elected to office. so this should be elected to office. so this should be something to celebrate, because there certainly were concerns going into the election that the pandemic, the fact that people were not going to be campaigning in the same way, may have made it difficult to encourage people to come out to vote and that has been seen as something that is a false concern. has been seen as something that is a false concern-— false concern. there has been a long debate already _ false concern. there has been a long debate already on _ false concern. there has been a long debate already on the _ false concern. there has been a long debate already on the programme i debate already on the programme about the factors behind the voting,

and of course in scotland with its particular circumstances and questions about the constitutional future of the country, there is an added layer of significance to that debate as well. we have been talking in hartlepool about the covid factor, about how that has been handled, about the brexit factor, which clearly was significant in scotland, given that scotland voted to remain. how have those mixed in this debate?— this debate? they have been really siunificant this debate? they have been really significant factors, _ this debate? they have been really significant factors, and _ this debate? they have been really significant factors, and i _ this debate? they have been really significant factors, and i think - this debate? they have been really significant factors, and i think for l significant factors, and i think for us, what we have sought to do is talk about the leadership that the government in edinburgh has given the role of the first minister in leading us through the covid crisis over the course of the last 13, 1a months now, making sure we have got a government that has a plan for recovery into the next period, about trying to take people with us. and making sure in our programme, and particularly our programme for the first 100 days, we are investing in our communities, investing in growing the economy, that we are

supporting our front line workers, in particular are health workers, with a pay rise annually planning for the future. and i think, in amongst all of this, and there are of course has been a debate about the constitutional question, and we want people in scotland to have a right to have a say in their future, but what we have made clear throughout the course of this campaign is that we deal with the covid emergency first, and when it is safe to do so, over the course of the lifetime of the parliament, that it is great that the people of scotland have that decision on their future. what we want to see, and i was listening very carefully to a lot of the things patrick harvie was insane, and as much as i would agree with him on it, it is that debate about what kind of recovery, how we invest in jobs, about what kind of recovery, how we invest injobs, in our communities, the total society that people want to live in, and that is a debate for everybody... i to live in, and that is a debate for everybody- - -_ to live in, and that is a debate for everybody- - -— to live in, and that is a debate for everybody... i am 'ust stopping you for a everybody... i am 'ust stopping you fora sew — everybody... i am 'ust stopping you for a second, ian, — everybody. .. i am just stopping you for a second, ian, i _ everybody. .. i am just stopping you for a second, ian, i will— everybody... i am just stopping you for a second, ian, i will be - everybody... i am just stopping you for a second, ian, i will be back. . for a second, ian, i will be back. let's go to pass or not. ——

perthshire north. let's go to pass or not. -- perthshire north.- let's go to pass or not. -- perthshire north. ., , ., perthshire north. the votes for each candidate is — perthshire north. the votes for each candidate is as _ perthshire north. the votes for each candidate is as follows. _ perthshire north. the votes for each candidate is as follows. peter - candidate is as follows. peter barrett, — candidate is as follows. peter barrett, scottish liberal democrats, 1802 _ barrett, scottish liberal democrats, 1802. murdo fraser, scottish conservative and unionist party, 15.801 — conservative and unionist party, 15,807. donna marshall, scottish family— 15,807. donna marshall, scottish family party, 334. ryan smart, scottish— family party, 334. ryan smart, scottish labour party, 2324. john ramsey— scottish labour party, 2324. john ramsey swinney, scottish national party. _ ramsey swinney, scottish national party, 19,860. applause. the number of ballot papers rejected was as— the number of ballot papers rejected was as followed, or want of an official— was as followed, or want of an official mark, zero, voting for more

candidates — official mark, zero, voting for more candidates than motor was entitled to, nine~~~ — candidates than motor was entitled to, nine... . , , ., to, nine... that is the result of there in perthshire _ to, nine... that is the result of there in perthshire north, - to, nine... that is the result of there in perthshire north, and| to, nine... that is the result of| there in perthshire north, and a safe return forjohn swinney, deputy first minister, and the tory there murdo fraser is the tories' finance minister. let's now look at the share of the vote and the change, let's look at the change of that vote. so looking at the change, you can see that the snp have put on a percentage point, the conservatives are down, and labour is down 2%. so on the swing, we can see conservative to snp, 0.1%. a tiny swing towards the snp. another one for us in the bag, and what for you was notable, kirsty, in perthshire north? notable there and perthshire north? notable there and perthshire north was that murdo fraser did not make any inroads in the snp vote there. no coalescence round the conservatives in terms of being the

prounion party. in fact, there was literally no change in the vote, and that essentially is bucking the trend of what has been happening in the limited results we have had so far. and turnout was up again, as we mentioned. talking to ian blackford, who we lost because we went to that. apologies to ian, but thanks to him forjoining us. have a look at these pictures, because you know we were looking at borisjohnson in hartlepool earlier, and actuate their work two borises there. —— actually there were two borises there. giant inflatable bodice who has been thumbs up all the way, because a thumbs up for the tories in hartlepool today, not so much for the other parties. i am willing to put a five quid bet not that we might get bodice and the inflatable on some front pages tomorrow, i think that is a possibility. —— boris in the inflatable. abs,

think that is a possibility. -- boris in the inflatable. a classic olitical boris in the inflatable. a classic political scene, _ boris in the inflatable. a classic political scene, but _ boris in the inflatable. a classic political scene, but classically, | political scene, but classically, the person that won the famous victory at hartlepool, john mortimer, is silenced, which is always the way. she is the woman that won the by—election, but no word for her —— from her because the stage belongs to borisjohnson. the idea that it is he who is deliberately victory ralph and john mortimer. i deliberately victory ralph and john mortimer. ~' ., . mortimer. i think we noticed earlier, and _ mortimer. i think we noticed earlier, and i— mortimer. i think we noticed earlier, and i hope _ mortimer. i think we noticed earlier, and i hope we - mortimer. i think we noticed earlier, and i hope we are i mortimer. i think we noticed l earlier, and i hope we are not mortimer. i think we noticed - earlier, and i hope we are not being unkind this, because she did speak at the declaration, of course, in fairness, but when the prime minister turned up, she was basically nodding in agreement in the background, as the prime minister give his view on what has led to the victory, which in this instance, he said was the policies he had been pursuing. anyway, just a quick update, kirsty, and whatjohn curtice is telling us about the wards in the english local elections. we talked a lot about the seller. the average swing to the

conservatives is still 20%, while no net swing and other wards. that is the leave and remain element again, asjohn said earlier. then it he said in 2016,12% of the most asjohn said earlier. then it he said in 2016, 12% of the most cruel lead wards, 4% swing to the conservatives in the most pro—leave wards. conservatives in the most pro-leave wards. . conservatives in the most pro-leave wards. , ., ., ., wards. yes, looking at that, quite a stark difference _ wards. yes, looking at that, quite a stark difference between _ wards. yes, looking at that, quite a stark difference between 2016 - wards. yes, looking at that, quite a stark difference between 2016 and l stark difference between 2016 and 2017. we expect labour to do well in the county councils, even though the tories could still be ahead. taking these two different sets in here, these two different sets in here, the idea is that the last time in 2016 it was jeremy corbyn the idea is that the last time in 2016 it wasjeremy corbyn versus david cameron, so a very different proposition this time. interesting to see whether or not the tory vote in the 2016 elections and the 2017 elections still has an upward

trajectory. fist elections still has an upward trajectory-— elections still has an upward tra'ecto . �* . . . ~ trajectory. at this stage, i think, because we _ trajectory. at this stage, i think, because we are _ trajectory. at this stage, i think, because we are approaching - trajectory. at this stage, i think, because we are approaching a i trajectory. at this stage, i think, | because we are approaching a bit trajectory. at this stage, i think, i because we are approaching a bit of a change of channels on our junctions coming up, but we are keeping up our service to you, obviously, and ijust think it is worth pointing out at this moment, kirsty, to people who mightjust be joining us, what is coming up, because actually, although we have had a pretty busy four or five hours already, we have been discussing relatively few results, that very big result from hartlepool obviously, the by—election won by the conservatives, and some scottish suits and, just a few, when welsh suits and, just a few, when welsh suit so far, montgomery, somer was cancelled coming in, some police and crime commissioners, some city and regional mayors. all i'm saying to you at home, make a cup of tea, or something more attractive, and you have got a huge amount of results to come, and it's going to be flowing in from... it is 2.30 now, any time

from 3.00 onwards, we can look to dozens of results coming in between then and early evening, and that will really give us a proper signal as to what is going on.— as to what is going on. yeah, another snp _ as to what is going on. yeah, another snp hold _ as to what is going on. yeah, another snp hold there, - as to what is going on. yeah, another snp hold there, so l as to what is going on. yeah, another snp hold there, so i | as to what is going on. yeah, - another snp hold there, so i would say make the cup of tea very nearly television and if not in front of it, because actually the acceleration seats in scotland is going to be quite mapped over the next hour and a half, and nick will be next to me here to give the interpretation on some of those. we will be looking for swings to the conservatives from labour voters, and as we saw in clydebank, swings to labour because labour is seen that there is the most effective block to the idea of another independence referendum, keeping the union together.

we will be bringing you results throughout the afternoon, so stay with us to watch the political drama unfold.

good afternoon, everyone. good afternoon. welcome to our election coverage today. i'm here in london and kirsty wark is in edinburgh keeping an eye on things there. lots of results to come in this afternoon, if you have just joined us, you may not know that we have had a few results already, including a very big win for the conservatives in hartlepool and we have seen the prime minister celebrating that by—election victory there, the first conservative first female mp for hartlepool in the constituency�*s history. all of that coming up. and we will be talking to the key players in the parties, asking them how their campaigns have turned out. and talking about the various factors in all of these

campaigns. lots of results to come.