Cyber.cafe: Politics discussed on the internet in 1997 David Boothroyd 2026-09-20 | Cyber.cafe: Politics discussed on the internet in 1997
2010 Budget response from Vincent Cable David Boothroyd 2023-06-09 | In his response to Alistair Darling's pre-election budget (transmitted 26 March 2010), Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Vince Cable is unable to resist literally saying "I told you so" over the large budget deficit, but adds his prescription for the way forward. It is one which did not match up with the approach the Liberal Democrats ended up implementing in coalition with the Conservatives.
2010 Budget response from George Osborne David Boothroyd 2023-06-08 | Weeks before becoming Chancellor, but when there was still an election to come, Shadow Chancellor George Osborne responds to Alistair Darling's budget on 25 March 2010. After strongly denouncing government debts, he pledges to protect some spending - but information about the spending cuts to come in the following five years is vague.
2010 Budget broadcast by Alistair Darling David Boothroyd 2023-06-07 | Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling explains his 2010 budget. Although a general election is imminent, the constraints of the format (which was required to be a very traditional speech, with Darling not even using any illustrations) results in viewers getting a relatively dour impression. This broadcast was transmitted on 24 March 2010.
Lady Porter The Pursuit Of Power (Panorama) David Boothroyd 2023-05-29 | From 26 June 1989. The leader of Westminster's Conservative council, Lady Porter, was one of a new breed of town-hall Tories, who sought to roll back the frontiers of the local state. Her flamboyant style made her one of the best-known figures in municipal politics. But Lady Porter's reputation has been in the doldrums since the row over her policy of selling Westminster's cemeteries to developers for a pittance. Now as next year's local elections loom, Lady Porter must look to her majority. John Ware tells the story of her pursuit of power.
March 2010 Budget speech David Boothroyd 2023-05-23 | Alistair Darling opened his third budget on Wednesday 24 March 2010, as the UK emerged from the sharp recession after the world economic crisis. Although a general election had to be called within a month, the collapse in government revenues and what was then considered astronomical borrowing limited the ability for pre-election giveaways; instead the main announcement was a one off tax on bankers' bonus payments.David Cameron's speech is strong on electioneering attacks, while perhaps everyone should have paid more attention to Nick Clegg's strong argument for cuts in government spending.
Prime Ministers Question Time, 24 March 2010 David Boothroyd 2023-05-20 | This was Gordon Brown's penultimate appearance at Prime Minister's Questions, and came just before the Budget speech of Alistair Darling - which, as usual on such days, made it lower profile than usual. Some of the questions about lobbying came after a sting operation in which several retiring Labour MPs were secretly recorded offering to work for a fake lobbying company.The question at 28:25 is Ian Paisley's last contribution as a Member of Parliament and one of his last public appearances at Westminster (he spoke once and asked two supplementary questions in the House of Lords).
Death of Ashok Kumar David Boothroyd 2023-05-15 | Dr Ashok Kumar, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 1997, died suddenly on 15 March 2010. Here is the report on the BBC Ten'o'clock News (presented by Huw Edwards), featuring the Speaker's tribute, followed by coverage from Look North (presented by Sharon Barbour) featuring a report from Damian O'Neil.
2007 Budget speech and replies David Boothroyd 2023-04-29 | Gordon Brown's last budget was delivered on 21 March 2007, at a time when it was almost universally acknowledged he would become Prime Minister shortly afterwards. The most prominent feature was reducing the main rate of income tax from 22% to 20%, although this move was later criticised as the removal of the 10% starting rate he had introduced in 1999 resulted in increased tax some low paid workers. Also included are responses from Leader of the Opposition David Cameron, and Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell.
2009 Labour Queens Speech Broadcast David Boothroyd 2023-04-17 | Adapting a film prepared for the Labour Party Conference (youtube.com/watch?v=P74xsDeNw5A), the party's broadcast to align with the Queen's Speech in November 2009 ties the Gordon Brown government into the party's history. Transmitted 18 November 2009.
Helen Smith to have funeral David Boothroyd 2023-04-14 | Yorkshire nurse Helen Smith's mysterious death in Saudi Arabia in 1979 became a prolonged cause célèbre for her father Ron Smith (1928-2011). Demanding further inquiries, Ron Smith kept her body in cold storage at Leeds Mortuary. Finally in October 2009 he gave way to his ex-wife's request to allow a funeral service and cremation. Here is John Cundy's report for Look North, presented by Harry Gration and Christa Ackroyd.
The Hillhead By-Election David Boothroyd 2023-04-06 | Alastair Burnet presents a live byelection special covering the results of the Glasgow Hillhead byelection on 25 March 1982, adding a great deal of local knowledge based on having started his career in the constituency. Peter Sissons and Colin MacKay report from the count; the studio panel consists of David Owen ('Gang of Four' member and SDP MP for Plymouth Devonport), Jim Prior (Northern Ireland Secretary in Mrs Thatcher's Conservative government), Tony Benn (Labour MP for Bristol South East), and Donald Stewart (Scottish National Party MP for Western Isles and SNP Parliamentary leader).This programme was a joint effort of ITN and STV.
2009 Labour Party Political Broadcast David Boothroyd 2023-03-27 | Labour's Party Political Broadcast during the Labour Party conference was this dull affair, using three ordinary people's stories to show government policies are working. We see Brian Gilda (Chairman of Peoples Group) talking about getting through the recession, Seamus Williams (Labour activist from Watford) explaining educational maintenance allowances, and Emma (a mother from St Neots) praising the financial help to families.Transmitted 30 September 2009.
Gordon Browns 2009 conference speech David Boothroyd 2023-03-20 | At the time of uploading this is the last occasion on which a Labour Prime Minister has spoken to a Labour Party conference. For his appearance at the 2009 conference, Gordon Brown was introduced by his wife Sarah, and then delivered a speech which was intended to lead into the general election campaign. From 29 September 2009.
Westminster at War David Boothroyd 2023-03-16 | Shaun Ley presents, first, the recording of Neville Chamberlain's broadcast announcing the declaration of war on 3 September 1939. Then a repeat of Vincent Dowd's documentary (apparently made in 1994 but bearing a 1998 copyright date) in which surviving MPs from the wartime era were interviewed. Shown on BBC Parliament, 3 September 2009.The interviewed MPs:Horace Trevor Cox (1908-2005), Conservative MP for Stalybriddge and Hyde 1937-45Quintin Hogg (1907-2001), Conservative MP for Oxford 1938-50Peter Thorneycroft (1909-94), Conservative MP for Stafford 1938-45Somerset de Chair (1911-95), Conservative MP for South West Norfolk 1935-45Thomas Martin (1901-95), Conservative MP for Blaydon 1931-35 and later journalistIvor Thomas (1905-93), Labour (later Independent, later Conservative) MP for Keighley 1942-50Sir Alfred Beit (1903-94), Conservative MP for St Pancras South East 1931-45Beatrice Wright (1910-2003), Conservative MP for Bodmin 1941-455th Earl of Listowel (1906-97), Labour Peer 1931-97Robert Grant-Ferris (1907-97), Conservative MP for St Pancras North 1937-45Hugh Lawson (1912-97), Common Wealth MP for Skipton 1944-45
Bermondsey By-election Special David Boothroyd 2023-03-08 | Forty years on, the Bermondsey byelection of 24 February 1983 has a very different significance than it had at the time. Here is ITN's special programme which began at midnight on Thursday going into Friday, with the result already fairly clear. Alastair Burnet is the presenter, with Peter Sissons and ITN political editor Glyn Mathias at the count. The political panel in the studio consists of Shadow Education Secretary Neil Kinnock, Conservative Party Chairman Cecil Parkinson, and Liberal spokesman on social services Clement Freud. In the middle is a report from David Walter about whether candidates should have to find more nominees and put up a higher deposit.
MPTV: 20 years of Commons on Camera David Boothroyd 2023-03-03 | David Wilby presents a special programme looking at how parliamentary life has changed since television cameras were allowed to broadcast Parliament's daily business. Features interviews with Anthony Nelson, Austin Mitchell, Roger Gale, Betty Boothroyd, Vivian White and Frank Doran. Transmitted 21 November 2009.
Glasgow North East byelection special David Boothroyd 2023-02-27 | Glenn Campbell presents a special programme covering the results of the Glasgow North East byelection on 12 November 2009. He is helped by Prof John Curtice, and Catriona Renton at the count. To skip to the declaration, go to 2:55:00.Laura Kuenssberg leads the discussion with a political panel consisting of Jim Murphy (Scotland Secretary in Gordon Brown's Labour government), Nicola Sturgeon (Deputy First Minister in the Scottish National Party government), Murdo Fraser (Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives) and Alistair Carmichael (Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in the UK Parliament). BBC Scotland Political editor Brian Taylor has his own panel consisting of Prof Tom Devine (historian), Joan McAlpine (journalist), Alf Young (economist) and Margo MacDonald (Independent MSP).
Glasgow North East byelection: Polls closed David Boothroyd 2023-02-24 | Just after the polls closed, Laura Kuenssberg (for BBC Ten'o'clock News) and Caitriona Renton (for Reporting Scotland's late bulletin) report from the count for the Glasgow North East byelection at the SEC Centre in Glasgow.
Glasgow North East byelection: the other candidates David Boothroyd 2023-02-20 | 13 candidates were validly nominated in the Glasgow North East byelection of November 2009. Here, from 10 November, Reporting Scotland and Hayley Jarvis for Newsnight Scotland try to give brief profiles of the ones not from the four main parties. Some are from smaller parties: David Doherty (Scottish Green Party), Kevin McVey (Scottish Socialist Party), Tommy Sheridan (Solidarity), Charlie Baillie (British National Party), Louise McDaid (Socialist Labour Party).More unusual were John Smeaton (Independent - Jury Team) who had become famous for tackling a terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport in 2007, Mikey Hughes (Independent) who had been a contestant in the 2008 series of 'Big Brother', Mev Brown (Independent), and Colin Campbell ('The Individuals Labour and Tory' - TILT).Reporting Scotland is presented by Jackie Bird; Newsnight Scotland by Gordon Brewer.
Reporting Scotland: Glasgow North East byelection David Boothroyd 2023-02-18 | Two days before polling day, Brian Taylor for Reporting Scotland looked at the campaign in the Glasgow North East byelection following ex-Speaker Michael Martin's resignation. Featuring Labour candidate Willie Bain, SNP challenger David Kerr, future Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, and Liberal Democrat candidate Eileen Baxendale. Transmitted 9 November 2009.
Ministerial Broadcast: Callaghan calls election David Boothroyd 2023-02-14 | Following defeat of the Government on a motion of no confidence the previous night, on Thursday 29 March 1979 Prime Minister James Callaghan asked the Queen to dissolve Parliament. That evening he took a Ministerial broadcast to announce the election date: as the Daily Telegraph noted, his broadcast was "more party political than ministerial".
Never had it so good: Booktalk David Boothroyd 2023-02-02 | The conclusion of 'Never had it so good' night was a contemporary programme in which Mark D'Arcy talks to Charles Williams (Lord Williams of Elvel) about his biography of Harold Macmillan. First transmitted 9 October 2009.At the end, the night's host Anthony Howard sums up the era, and how it led into the major changes of the 1960s.
Never had it so good: Morning in the Streets David Boothroyd 2023-01-30 | Morning in the Streets is a famous BBC television documentary, directed by Denis Mitchell and Roy Harris for the BBC Northern Film Unit, and first broadcast on 25 March 1959. The Radio Times billing describes it as "An impression of life and opinion in the backstreets of a Northern City in the morning." It was filmed in Liverpool, Manchester and Salford; Thomas Henderson's score was specially composed. The film won the Prix Italia for best television documentary.
Never had it so good: Who Goes Home? David Boothroyd 2023-01-26 | 'Who Goes Home?' was a pioneering political discussion show, based on a panel of two MPs of different parties in nearby constituencies debating. As they were to be on home turf, it had to be live in a Friday evening slot. This edition originally broadcast on 12 June 1959 is from a Blackpool hotel and features a spiky panel of Julian Amery (Conservative MP for Preston North since 1950) facing Barbara Castle (Labour MP for Blackburn since 1945) - a Labour left-winger against a Conservative right-winger. Well known political journalist Robert Carvel is the chairman.The unusual credit for the producer is "Presented by Stanley Hyland". Hyland, who was a schoolfriend of Denis Healey, invented the programme when he moved to television. He went on to produce Labour party broadcasts.
Never had it so good: Press conference (Jo Grimond) David Boothroyd 2023-01-23 | Leader of the Liberal Party Jo Grimond takes his turn to appear before three journalists. Questioning him are Sydney Jacobson (political editor of the Daily Mirror and later a Labour Peer), Charles Curran (art editor of the Evening News who was elected Conservative MP for Uxbridge in the 1959 general election), and Kenneth Harris (labour correspondent of The Observer). This edition cannot be precisely dated but it was a Friday in July 1959. A great deal of the questioning is derived from the Liberals' electoral weakness in an era of strong two-party politics.Note that the Charles Curran who appears on this programme is not to be confused with the Charles Curran who later became Director-General of the BBC.
Never had it so good: BBC Hustings David Boothroyd 2023-01-20 | Other than the news and Party Election Broadcasts, BBC television's only coverage of the 1959 election campaign were two nights of televised hustings meetings. There were five regional meetings on each night, broadcast live from 6.45 PM to 7.25 PM. Here we see the second of the London meetings, from 1 October 1959 (the first was two days before). Derek Hart is the chairman, with the panel consisting of John Baker (Liberal candidate for Richmond-upon-Thames), Ian Mikardo (Labour MP for Reading 1945-59), and Harold Watkinson (Conservative MP for Woking since 1945 and Minister of Transport).The format is very similar to 'Question Time' (which would not begin for another 20 years) with the questions unknown to the panellists, an audience which is politically balanced, and panellists trying to rile each other. It is the audience's keenness to react and heckle which brings the programme alive - something which was routine at non-televised public meetings during elections in this period. It's clear at the end that the programme slightly over-ran.
Never had it so good: Labour Party Election Broadcast David Boothroyd 2023-01-15 | 'Britain belongs to you': a campaign report direct from Labour's Radio and TV operations room in London. Introduced by Anthony Wedgwood Benn, with Christopher Mayhew giving facts and figures, Woodrow Wyatt asking questions, and Leader of the Labour Party Hugh Gaitskell giving the party's position.Includes film of Labour MPs Tom Fraser, Eirene White, Denis Howell, Bessie Braddock, Clifford Kenyon, and Clifford Wilcock; a cartoon from 'Vicky' (Victor Weisz), a film about pensions, a discussion with Richard Crossman about pensions policy, and information about where the Labour leaders will be speaking.The 'TV operations room' was in fact the Tonight studio at BBC Lime Grove. Broadcast on 21 September 1959.
Never had it so good: Tonight, Friday 1 May 1959 David Boothroyd 2023-01-12 | "Look around with Cliff Michelmore". This is a complete edition of the pioneering nightly current affairs programme which ran from 1957 to 1965. Features:• Cy Grant's topical calypso• An interview with FA Cup Final referee Jack Clough• Alan Whicker reporting from Calgary dinosaur park in Canada• Geoffrey Johnson Smith attempting to reassure everyone about radioactive fallout from H-bomb tests in discussion with Dr Peter Alexander (of the Chester Beatty Research Institute of the Royal Cancer Hospital)• A mandolin performance of Beethoven's minuet in G by Hugo d'Alton• Film of monocycle polo being played in France• Geoffrey Johnson Smith talking to Mrs Joan Compton, who won the supreme prize at the Paris flower show• Fyfe Robertson talking to fishermen in Seahouses and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Never had it so good: Conservative Party Election Broadcast David Boothroyd 2023-01-09 | The first election broadcast made by the Conservatives in the 1959 general election consists of a talk between Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and four senior cabinet colleagues - 'Rab' Butler (Leader of the House of Commons), Derick Heathcoat-Amory (Chancellor of the Exchequer), Iain Macleod (Minister of Labour and National Service), and Lord Hailsham (Conservative Party chairman). After 15 minutes, Macmillan links a separate talk with Selwyn Lloyd (Foreign Secretary) reporting from a conference with the USA, USSR and French governments.While the topics are well judged and allow the participants to make a strong case for continuing the government, the format makes the discussion stilted and Macmillan comes across as tired and disinterested. This broadcast was transmitted on 19 September 1959.
Never had it so good: Panorama looks at women in politics David Boothroyd 2023-01-07 | More from BBC Parliament's 'Never had it so good' night, and this time it's an extract from Panorama looking at involvement of women in politics, 40 years after the first woman MP. Richard Dimbleby introduces, then James Mossman reports. He talks to the retired Lady Astor, Una Duvall (former suffragette), women at a factory canteen, undergraduates at Girton College Cambridge, Penelope Gilliatt (journalist) and Dame Edith Sitwell (poet and critic).Originally transmitted in October 1959.
Never had it so good: Press conference (Hugh Gaitskell) David Boothroyd 2023-01-02 | More from BBC Parliament's 'Never had it so good' season. Leader of the Labour Party Hugh Gaitskell is the guest on 'Press Conference' (transmitted 17 July 1959' where he answers questions from Michael Foot (Tribune), Richard Goold-Adams (The Economist) and Kenneth Harris (The Observer). The questioning centres on nuclear disarmament and defence issues, moving on to the role of Labour Party conference and Trade Unions in relation to a Labour government.(Richard Goold-Adams is not specifically linked with the Economist, possibly because of that newspaper's policy that its journalists remain anonymous in print)
Never had it so good: Who cares? A New Way Home David Boothroyd 2022-12-30 | On 10 October 2009 BBC Parliament broadcast a night looking back to the year 1959, around the rebroadcast of the 1959 election night coverage. This is the opening featuring veteran journalist Anthony Howard introducing the night, followed by the first programme: "Who Cares? A New Way Home". This film showcases Birmingham's slum clearance and council house building programme, and was originally transmitted on 24 February 1959. Presented by Douglas Jones, it features Alderman Frank Price from Birmingham Corporation and City Engineer Sir Herbert Manzoni.
Never had it so good - trailer David Boothroyd 2022-12-27 | A promotional slot for BBC Parliament's repeat of the 1959 election results programme, and the 'Never had it so good' night. Voice-over by Anthony Howard. Transmitted 3 October 2009.
Look East on the Norwich North byelection result David Boothroyd 2022-12-22 | Stewart White and Susie Fowler-Watt with the news for the Norwich area on Friday 24 July 2009, reporting on the result of Norwich North's Parliamentary byelection. Andrew Sinclair gives the story of the day, interviewing Prof Anthony King; Kim Riley explains the background to the resignation of Ian Gibson. Then new MP Chloe Smith is interviewed.
Norwich North: the result David Boothroyd 2022-12-16 | The Norwich North byelection did not count overnight, but started on the morning of Friday 24 July 2009 - with the result being declared just before 1 PM. Here is the coverage from BBC News, with studio presenters regularly going over to Carole Walker at the count. At 9:01 she talks to Conservative campaign coordinator Theresa May, and later to academic Vernon Bogdanor. The declaration is read at 32:39, followed by an interview with the successful candidate.
Newsnight: Norwich North polling day David Boothroyd 2022-12-14 | The opening of Newsnight on Thursday 23 July 2009 concentrated on the Norwich North byelection, although the count was not being held that night. Gavin Esler presents and introduces a report on polling day from Michael Crick in the constituency, followed by discussion of possible outcomes. The report is followed by an interview with Tony Wright, Chair of the Public Administration Committee.
Norwich North polls closed David Boothroyd 2022-12-13 | Here are two reports from Thursday 23 July 2009, just after the polls in the Norwich North byelection. First Carole Walker talks to George Alagiah on the Ten'o'clock news. Then we go over to Amelia Reynolds on BBC East, who introduces some vox pops of voters and then talks to political correspondent Andrew Sinclair.
Michael Crick goes to Norwich North David Boothroyd 2022-12-03 | Newsnight's political editor Michael Crick reports on the campaign in Norwich North, harasses Schools Secretary Ed Balls, gatecrashes a group of pensioners and fails to get a clear answer on Sure Start from Conservative candidate Chloë Smith. Newsnight is presented by Gavin Esler. Transmitted 15 July 2009.
Norwich North byelection campaign David Boothroyd 2022-11-28 | For the Politics Show East, Andrew Sinclair reports on the campaign in the Norwich North byelection, which is the first election directly caused by the expenses scandal. He speaks to Jack Straw and George Osborne, as well as Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg. Followed by a studio discussion between former Independent MP Martin Bell and Prof Paul Whiteley of Essex University. The presenter is Etholle George. Transmitted 12 July 2009.
Newsnight: Bercow becomes Speaker David Boothroyd 2022-11-24 | Newsnight on Monday 22 June 2009 covers the election of John Bercow as Speaker of the House of Commons. Presented by Emily Maitlis, with Michael Crick reporting from Parliament. Followed by a studio debate between Douglas Carswell, Parmjit Dhanda and Kelvin Mackenzie.
2009 Speakership election David Boothroyd 2022-11-20 | Live coverage from BBC Parliament of the election of a Speaker of the House of Commons, from 22 June 2009. The ten candidates are allowed to make speeches, followed by several rounds of voting. Commentating on proceedings are Daniel Brittain-Catlin and ex-Speaker Betty Boothroyd. Timings:00:00:30 Margaret Beckett00:06:35 Sir George Young00:11:41 Ann Widdecombe00:19:01 Sir Alan Beith00:23:33 John Bercow00:32:14 Richard Shepherd00:37:34 Sir Michael Lord00:46:14 Sir Patrick Cormack00:54:18 Sir Alan Haselhurst01:00:12 Parmjit Dhanda01:24:40 Result of the first ballot01:50:15 Result of the second ballot02:12:44 Result of the third ballot02:15:20 Speech by the Speaker-Elect followed by tributes from Party leaders02:38:16 Royal approbation of the Speaker in the House of LordsFor the Hansard report of the day, see: hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2009-06-22/debates/60656796-026e-4bec-96ad-8b1812ddd138/CommonsChamber
2009 Speakership Hustings David Boothroyd 2022-11-16 | The sudden triggering of an election for the Speakership in the House of Commons when Michael Martin resigned in May 2009 prompted 10 candidates to offer themselves. The Hansard Society organised a hustings event on the afternoon of 15 June, presided over by its chair Peter Riddell.Speaker candidates were Alan Beith, Parmjit Dhanda, Richard Shepherd, Sir George Young, Ann Widdecombe, John Bercow, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Sir Patrick Cormack, Sir Michael Lord and Margaret Beckett. Each candidate had a five minute introductory speech, then the audience were invited to question them.Questioners were as follows:52:03 George Howarth (Lab, Knowsley North and Sefton East)52:22 James Gray (C, North Wiltshire)53:50 Chris Mullin (Lab, Sunderland South)1:02:09 Stephen Pound (Lab, Ealing North)1:03:07 Nigel Evans (C, Ribble Valley)1:13:46 and 1:14:39 unidentified1:25:23 Michael Moore (L Dem, Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)1:26:31 Alan Whitehead (Lab, Southampton Test)1:26:44 Alison Seabeck (Lab, Plymouth Devonport)1:36:57 Douglas Carswell (C, Harwich)1:37:23 Martin Salter (Lab, Reading West)1:37:43 Ann Cryer (Lab, Keighley)1:38:42 David Hanson (Lab, Delyn)Transmitted on 20 June 2009.
State Opening of Parliament 1958 David Boothroyd 2022-11-10 | For the first time, television cameras were allowed in to the House of Lords to broadcast the State Opening of Parliament ceremony on 28 October 1958. Although not without political significance the BBC treats it almost entirely as a state occasion, with commentary from Richard Dimbleby and coverage concentrating on the pageantry rather than the significance of the government's legislative programme.Image shows a Marconi Mk III Image Orthicon camera in the House of Lords Chamber. The coverage was shown on BBC Parliament in 2008 to mark the 50th anniversary of the event, introduced by Carolyn Quinn.
2009 European Parliament election results David Boothroyd 2022-11-07 | David Dimbleby presents results of the European Parliament elections. Assistance from BBC political editor Nick Robinson, Jeremy Vine with graphics, and Emily Maitlis with the big screen. A large number of BBC correspondents are on hand to report and many contemporary politicians turn up to give their views. Transmitted Sunday 7 June 2009. A weather forecast has had to be excised due to a claim it comes from a Countryfile episode from July 2010 (?).
BBC Tenoclock News 4 June 2009 David Boothroyd 2022-11-02 | As polls close in the 2009 local and European Parliament election, there is news of one backbench Labour MP questioning whether Gordon Brown should continue as Prime Minister. But then there is breaking news from Nick Robinson about a Cabinet Minister quitting.The news is presented by Huw Edwards. This was also the day which gave us an iconic Boris Johnson moment. Preceded by a trail for Question Time presented by David Dimbleby.
Local elections and reshuffle 2009 David Boothroyd 2022-10-30 | European Parliament and local elections for 27 County Councils, seven unitary authorities and three directly-elected Mayors were held on Thursday 4 June 2009. The local elections (only) were counted on the Friday afternoon. Here is the coverage from BBC News from 12:30 PM to 5 PM, as the results get overtaken by Gordon Brown's cabinet reshuffle following some resignations over the expenses scandal.David Dimbleby is the host, with David Cowling (Editor, BBC Political Research) in the studio, Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor) in Downing Street, Jeremy Vine on graphics, and analysis from John Curtice. Many of the prominent politicians of the era make appearances. Includes the One o'clock News presented by Jon Sopel and Louise Minchin.
Party Election Broadcast by the Jury Team (2009 European Parliament) David Boothroyd 2022-10-29 | Sir Paul Judge, a senior business figure who had previously been a Conservative supporter, set up his own political party for the 2009 European Parliament elections under the punning title of the 'Jury Team'. They were based on the principle of Independent unwhipped candidates who would vote according to their conscience, with use of local referendums if they needed them. Its candidate selection by text vote was ridiculed, and being unable to advocate a strong policy it looked more like a vehicle for a rich man's middle-age indulgence of becoming a party leader. Transmitted 28 May 2009.
Party Election Broadcast by No2EU Yes to Democracy (2009 European Parliament) David Boothroyd 2022-10-28 | After the RMT union disaffiliated from Labour in 2004 it funded a range of far left political parties. This was the umbrella group formed for 2009's European Parliament elections, to which Alliance for Green Socialism, Communist Party of Britain, Indian Workers' Association, Liberal Party, Socialist Party, and Solidarity were affiliated. The multi-party nature of the group is clear as everyone is given their brief chance to speak, finishing with RMT General Secretary Bob Crow (a candidate in London). Transmitted 27 May 2009.
Party Election Broadcast by Libertas (2009 European Parliament) David Boothroyd 2022-10-27 | Not many people remember Libertas, a pan-European political party set up by Irish businessman Declan Ganley after his campaign against ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. Its brief election broadcast principally consists of Ganley talking to camera and seeking to tie his anti-federal but pro-EU pitch in with the expenses scandal. Transmitted 26 May 2009.
Party Election Broadcast by the British National Party (2009 European Parliament) David Boothroyd 2022-10-27 | The British National Party also qualifed for a European election broadcast, in which they presented a version of post-war British history which attempted to justify their stance. It results in a difficult presentation in which they both seek to exploit, and distance themselves from, racial politics. This was the height of then Party Chairman Nick Griffin's bid to get the party accepted as a mainstream legitimate voice.Transmitted 26 May 2009.
