[quidnunc]

I don't know why the Brits are bothering to have an election at all since everybody already knows the outcome.

The Labour Party will be returned to power with a reduced majority and Tony Blair will continue as prime minister for a while, eventually to be replaced by Gordon Brown.

But, I suppose they have to go through the motions for the sake of appearences.

[The Iguana]

This analysis loses much of its punch once you realize its infected with the Journal's standard open-borders fixation.

The Tories immigration stance is not why they're polling poorly.

[Constantine XIII]

Things started going down hill when they threw out Margaret Thatcher.

Yep. That's pretty much what did it.

[kpp_kpp]

>
> The unbearable futility of being a British Conservative
>

we figured that out back in the late 1700's

[Rate_Determining_Step]

Although I don't know the intricacies of British politics, I would think Blair's ascension is somewhat of a perfect storm deal. He's adept on the world stage and that seems like a (justly) important deal with Brits.

Once Labor puts forth some dolt like Neil Kinnock again, the Tories will be back in power in short order!

Helps to have a charismatic and confident candidate.