Labour landslide

The election already seems an age away after the lead up to the day seemed like we had entered slow motion.

Thursday was a real slog. A beautifully sunny day, we voted in Colchester and also in picturesque Dedham for Charlotte's friend Catherine who lives in Spain.

Then we waited. Charlotte went out to see The Bluetones leaving me home alone. Well, the kids were here but showed little interest in potentially witnessing history.

I was so nervous before the exit poll fearing a late Tory surge. However, the prediction was for a Labour landslide. This was tempered by one of the night's other stunning events - Reform predicted to get 13 MPs.

There has inevitably been a ton written about the result, but I'd like to add a few personal observations.

Firstly, I'm happy, which bears recording now as the naysaying has already started. Britain does need change and the Tories were never going to deliver it.

My expectations are set fairly low. Starmer is bang on in managing expectations. There is a lot to be done but surely Change Labour or whatever they'll be called can deliver more than their predecessors. Contrary to the slagging in the campaign, I think they do have a plan but don't expect fireworks.

As such, it's a victory for the centrist dads, and I'm okay with that. No more drama for a while.

Colchester has it's first female MP and the first Labour one in an age. I never thought I'd see that so soon. Pam Cox smashed former Olympics oarsman James Cracknell an' all.

Reform's performance is worrying. I don't see what they offer anyone beyond a protest vote. Farage doesn't give a damn for Clacton or any of the blighted spots they're spewing their hate. They're not going away though. Best argument against PR evah!

In ordinary times Labour would be settling in for at least 10.years given how the Tories have imploded. But these aren't normal times. Labour itself is back from the brink of 2019 to lay waste to Sunak, helped by Reform. They really have to deliver for a cynical and unforgiving population, and they face a bucket load of challenges. This will be the shortest political honeymoon ever. I wish them well - they'll need it.