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General election: Party leaders cross country in final push for votes – live news General election: Party leaders cross country in final push for votes – live news
(32 minutes later)
Labour and the Conservatives in scramble for votes on the final day of campaigningLabour and the Conservatives in scramble for votes on the final day of campaigning
Boris Johnson’s campaign took a festive turn as he visited a South Wales firm which is said to be the Queen’s Christmas cracker supplier, the Press Association reports. He helped box up rolls of wrapping paper - a case of putting round tubes in a square hole - before joining staff at IG Design Group in pulling crackers. The PM read out the joke in one of the crackers, asking: “What can you make that cannot be seen? The answer is a noise.”
As PA reports, the noise of laughter was not heard, so the PM added: “What can you get done by Christmas? Brexit.” Some laughter was heard at this point, with Johnson commending those who got the “right answer”.
Discarded on the floor nearby was another of the pieces of paper from a cracker, which had as its charade prompt the movie The Good, The Bad And The Ugly”.
Here is Paul Williams, the Labour candidate in Stockton South, a Labour-held marginal, welcoming the fact that he has had an endorsement from his Lib Dem opponent. (See 12.23pm.)
This move has been backed by the Vote for a Final Say campaign, which wants a second referendum on Brexit. It has released this list of constituencies where it is urging the third-placed candidate to “step aside” for the person who has the best chance of beating the Tories.
(At this point candidates cannot “step aside”; the ballot papers have been printed, and names cannot be removed. But candidates can vote for other people, and urge their supporters to vote for other people.)
The comedian Steve Coogan has said Alan Partridge would have voted for Brexit. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, Coogan said:The comedian Steve Coogan has said Alan Partridge would have voted for Brexit. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, Coogan said:
Brexit was supposed to be all about taking back control. But, as my colleague Jennifer Rankin points out, one of the ironies of the current situation is that at the EU summit taking place tomorrow the person who might end up casting a vote on behalf of the UK will be Charles Michel, the former prime minister of Belgium who is the new president of the European council.Brexit was supposed to be all about taking back control. But, as my colleague Jennifer Rankin points out, one of the ironies of the current situation is that at the EU summit taking place tomorrow the person who might end up casting a vote on behalf of the UK will be Charles Michel, the former prime minister of Belgium who is the new president of the European council.
Jennifer sent me this explanation of how this will work in practice.Jennifer sent me this explanation of how this will work in practice.
From my colleague Heather Stewart, who is on the Boris Johnson battlebusFrom my colleague Heather Stewart, who is on the Boris Johnson battlebus
Earlier I quoted the Brexit party candidate in Doncaster North, Andy Stewart, saying he had been a victim of “racism of opinion”. (See 10.18am.) The Press Association has now filed his quotes. Stewart said, as a mixed-race man, he had seen racism first-hand. But he claimed the abuse he has witnessed in the past month as a Brexit party candidate had been quite different.Earlier I quoted the Brexit party candidate in Doncaster North, Andy Stewart, saying he had been a victim of “racism of opinion”. (See 10.18am.) The Press Association has now filed his quotes. Stewart said, as a mixed-race man, he had seen racism first-hand. But he claimed the abuse he has witnessed in the past month as a Brexit party candidate had been quite different.
Thanks for all your questionsThanks for all your questions
Our political team will answer any questions you have about the election results on Friday at 12.30pm.Our political team will answer any questions you have about the election results on Friday at 12.30pm.
You can ask your question via our form here.You can ask your question via our form here.
A few more questions from readers below:A few more questions from readers below:
Q: Will the Fixed-term Parliaments Act mean that we can expect all elections to be winter elections from now on or will that act be done away with should Boris get a majority? Avi Smith, 55, YorkshireQ: Will the Fixed-term Parliaments Act mean that we can expect all elections to be winter elections from now on or will that act be done away with should Boris get a majority? Avi Smith, 55, Yorkshire
Both the Conservatives and Labour have vowed to scrap the FTPA if they win a majority. Regardless, elections default to May under the act so the next election is unlikely to be December again.Both the Conservatives and Labour have vowed to scrap the FTPA if they win a majority. Regardless, elections default to May under the act so the next election is unlikely to be December again.
Q: Some former Tories are running their campaign as independents because they were expelled from the party. How are they faring overall and do they have a chance? It seems to me that in all the electoral reports their campaigns have been a bit overlooked. F Spaak, 40, PR consultant, Twente, the NetherlandsQ: Some former Tories are running their campaign as independents because they were expelled from the party. How are they faring overall and do they have a chance? It seems to me that in all the electoral reports their campaigns have been a bit overlooked. F Spaak, 40, PR consultant, Twente, the Netherlands
They are quite unlikely to win because all of them are running in seats with huge Tory majorities but some surveys suggest they could come second.They are quite unlikely to win because all of them are running in seats with huge Tory majorities but some surveys suggest they could come second.
Q: For those of us who have to work on Friday so need to sleep but also want to catch exciting election moments live, do you have any advice on whether it’s best to stay up late or get up early? Any specific times to look out for? Chloe, 50, self-employed, BristolQ: For those of us who have to work on Friday so need to sleep but also want to catch exciting election moments live, do you have any advice on whether it’s best to stay up late or get up early? Any specific times to look out for? Chloe, 50, self-employed, Bristol
It depends how excited you are and able to cope with sleep deprivation. The exit poll published at 10pm will give a good steer about the result. But to be sure which way the result is going you probably would need to stay awake for the first bellwether seats in the early hours of the morning. It will be clear by then whether the Tories are making gains in Labour’s northern heartlands that would give them a majority. By 6am, it should be obvious who has won or whether it looks like a hung parliament unless there really is only a few seats in it.It depends how excited you are and able to cope with sleep deprivation. The exit poll published at 10pm will give a good steer about the result. But to be sure which way the result is going you probably would need to stay awake for the first bellwether seats in the early hours of the morning. It will be clear by then whether the Tories are making gains in Labour’s northern heartlands that would give them a majority. By 6am, it should be obvious who has won or whether it looks like a hung parliament unless there really is only a few seats in it.
Corbyn says David Cameron once said we are all in it together.Corbyn says David Cameron once said we are all in it together.
But we are not, he says. There are 150 billionaires in the UK. Tax breaks have helped the rich, he says. We are a seriously divided society.But we are not, he says. There are 150 billionaires in the UK. Tax breaks have helped the rich, he says. We are a seriously divided society.
Corbyn urges activists to go “flat out” to get people voting.Corbyn urges activists to go “flat out” to get people voting.
Tomorrow is a chance to elect a government that people can trust, a government that won’t just be working for billionaires, but a government that will be working to improve the life chances of everyone, he says.Tomorrow is a chance to elect a government that people can trust, a government that won’t just be working for billionaires, but a government that will be working to improve the life chances of everyone, he says.
Corbyn has now finished, and the crowd is chanting: “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn.”Corbyn has now finished, and the crowd is chanting: “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn.”
Jeremy Corbyn is speaking at the Labour rally now.Jeremy Corbyn is speaking at the Labour rally now.
He says he is not here to deliver milk, or hide in a fridge.He says he is not here to deliver milk, or hide in a fridge.
He wants to lead a Labour government that will properly fund the NHS and social care, he says.He wants to lead a Labour government that will properly fund the NHS and social care, he says.
He praises Andy McDonald’s work as shadow transport secretary, particularly developing plans to bring rail services back into public ownership and to improve bus services.He praises Andy McDonald’s work as shadow transport secretary, particularly developing plans to bring rail services back into public ownership and to improve bus services.
On the NHS, he says he has been contacted by someone whose mum went into A&E on Monday, and who is now still waiting for a bed. And it is only December. What will the NHS crisis be like in January or Febuary.On the NHS, he says he has been contacted by someone whose mum went into A&E on Monday, and who is now still waiting for a bed. And it is only December. What will the NHS crisis be like in January or Febuary.
Corbyn says Boris Johnson’s comments on the supposed 40 new hospitals he will build have been “a complete piece of dishonesty”. He does a brief Johnson impression (ruffling his hair and harrumphing) when he mocks Johnson’s response to his first questions on this. He says Johnson eventually gave up claiming there would be 40 new hospitals.Corbyn says Boris Johnson’s comments on the supposed 40 new hospitals he will build have been “a complete piece of dishonesty”. He does a brief Johnson impression (ruffling his hair and harrumphing) when he mocks Johnson’s response to his first questions on this. He says Johnson eventually gave up claiming there would be 40 new hospitals.
Under Labour, the NHS would be “not for sale”, he says. The crowd chant the phrase.Under Labour, the NHS would be “not for sale”, he says. The crowd chant the phrase.
He says Labour figures have had to put up with unbelievable levels of abuse and character assassination during the 51 days of the election campaign. But he won’t do the same thing, he says.He says Labour figures have had to put up with unbelievable levels of abuse and character assassination during the 51 days of the election campaign. But he won’t do the same thing, he says.
Just over 15 minutes left to ask any questions you may have on the general election. Send them in to us here.Just over 15 minutes left to ask any questions you may have on the general election. Send them in to us here.
Q: Are elderly voters less likely to come out and vote in a cold, December election and could this affect the result? Danny, AmsterdamQ: Are elderly voters less likely to come out and vote in a cold, December election and could this affect the result? Danny, Amsterdam
We won’t have much recent past data as general elections are usually in May. The conventional wisdom is that winter elections hurt Labour because their traditional voters are less likely to own a car, but this seems outdated. If it were to snow, it seems more likely this would affect the Tories, whose voters are older, and whose “get out the vote” operation is weaker than Labour’s.We won’t have much recent past data as general elections are usually in May. The conventional wisdom is that winter elections hurt Labour because their traditional voters are less likely to own a car, but this seems outdated. If it were to snow, it seems more likely this would affect the Tories, whose voters are older, and whose “get out the vote” operation is weaker than Labour’s.
Q: This election has seen a rise of dirty tactics and dishonesty from most of the parties, especially the Conservatives. These include the the fake Fact Checking incident, false smears of other parties and all the lies within adverts on Facebook etc. How can this be allowed and how come not more is being done about this? Andrew, senior designer, LondonQ: This election has seen a rise of dirty tactics and dishonesty from most of the parties, especially the Conservatives. These include the the fake Fact Checking incident, false smears of other parties and all the lies within adverts on Facebook etc. How can this be allowed and how come not more is being done about this? Andrew, senior designer, London
Election laws are seriously wanting when it comes to advertising and social media use. It is essentially the Wild West as there is no regulation of it. It is illegal for people to make false statements about candidates but not for parties to present misinformation. The problem is that the winning party in an election has little incentive to make better laws.Election laws are seriously wanting when it comes to advertising and social media use. It is essentially the Wild West as there is no regulation of it. It is illegal for people to make false statements about candidates but not for parties to present misinformation. The problem is that the winning party in an election has little incentive to make better laws.
Ian Lavery, the Labour chair, is speaking at the Labour rally now. He gets the crowd singing “Prime Minister Corbyn” to the “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn tune”.Ian Lavery, the Labour chair, is speaking at the Labour rally now. He gets the crowd singing “Prime Minister Corbyn” to the “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn tune”.
Holding up a copy of the Labour manifesto, he says he calls it the “book of hope”.Holding up a copy of the Labour manifesto, he says he calls it the “book of hope”.
This election is not about Brexit, he says. He says it is about the type of society we want to live in.This election is not about Brexit, he says. He says it is about the type of society we want to live in.
Britain cannot afford another five years of the Tories, or another five days, he says.Britain cannot afford another five years of the Tories, or another five days, he says.
He says Boris Johnson should be kicked out of Downing Street “like a dog”.He says Boris Johnson should be kicked out of Downing Street “like a dog”.
Laura Pidcock, the shadow employment minister, is speaking at the Labour rally.Laura Pidcock, the shadow employment minister, is speaking at the Labour rally.
She says Labour has campaigned with integrity. Unlike the Tories, its has not resorted to lies, she says.She says Labour has campaigned with integrity. Unlike the Tories, its has not resorted to lies, she says.
She says there are still people who have not decided how to vote. Labour must show them a better world is possible.She says there are still people who have not decided how to vote. Labour must show them a better world is possible.
She says Labour is campaigning on behalf of the 14.3 million people in poverty, on behalf of the 4 million children in poverty, and on behalf of the Waspi women who are entitled to receive the money they’ve lost.She says Labour is campaigning on behalf of the 14.3 million people in poverty, on behalf of the 4 million children in poverty, and on behalf of the Waspi women who are entitled to receive the money they’ve lost.
You have been sending in your questions about the general election which I will be answering until 1.30pm. You can share your questions with us via our form here.You have been sending in your questions about the general election which I will be answering until 1.30pm. You can share your questions with us via our form here.
Q: 326 is the target number of seats for a majority, but it is generally accepted it can be a bit lower than this for a party to still have a working majority. What is the minimum number of seats the Conservatives can have and still realistically expect to govern without having to rely on other parties? Martin, 29, lecturer, WirralQ: 326 is the target number of seats for a majority, but it is generally accepted it can be a bit lower than this for a party to still have a working majority. What is the minimum number of seats the Conservatives can have and still realistically expect to govern without having to rely on other parties? Martin, 29, lecturer, Wirral
The Conservatives need around 320 seats because the DUP are unlikely to play ball because of Johnson’s Brexit deal that creates a border down the Irish Sea. No other parties are keen to work with them either. There are 650 MPs – around seven Sinn Fein who do not take up their seats and four non-voting speakers. Half of that is 319.5 so the Tories are aiming for 320 as their magic number.The Conservatives need around 320 seats because the DUP are unlikely to play ball because of Johnson’s Brexit deal that creates a border down the Irish Sea. No other parties are keen to work with them either. There are 650 MPs – around seven Sinn Fein who do not take up their seats and four non-voting speakers. Half of that is 319.5 so the Tories are aiming for 320 as their magic number.
Q: To what extent could young voter turnout sway the election result? Alice, 23, working in tech, Brussels, BelgiumQ: To what extent could young voter turnout sway the election result? Alice, 23, working in tech, Brussels, Belgium
It could be crucially important. Last time, Labour took Canterbury off the Tories in a shock result attributed to the student vote. Younger voters could make the difference in Labour targets such as Putney and Chingford. Different polls have different predictions for turnout among each age group which partially accounts for wildly varying leads for the Tories of between six and 15 points.It could be crucially important. Last time, Labour took Canterbury off the Tories in a shock result attributed to the student vote. Younger voters could make the difference in Labour targets such as Putney and Chingford. Different polls have different predictions for turnout among each age group which partially accounts for wildly varying leads for the Tories of between six and 15 points.