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Oliver Schick
@cliveo
A few people I know have questioned why Labour should celebrate despite finishing second.
Seven weeks ago Labour looked in danger of a wipeout. People were talking in terms of a majority of 125 or even more. The Liberals were set to clean up in London in Remain seats. Even my constituency was looking dangerous. The Labour Party was divided. Some were thinking about a new party. A centrist coalition. The Liberals were suggesting that they would lead it.
May, on the other hand had an unassailable lead. She saw an opportunity to capitalise at a time when such a lead could give her a mandate to do whatever she wanted. Her majority was going to be so big that she could ignore Parliament.
She ran a campaign, carefully avoiding debate or any statement of objectives. She wanted a blank cheque unhindered by promises
Her campaign focused on the weakness of her opponents. She received great support from the bulk of the press. One promise that she did make was to scrap Leverson.
There were two terrorist outrages during the campaign. Both times electioneering stopped but the press continued their attacks for her. They blamed the terrorism squarely on Labour and its leadership.
Abbott had a meltdown. May was able to capitalise on that.
Even on the eve of polling some reputable pollsters were giving her leads from between 40-100 seats. Some up to 125.
And yet Labour hit back and took away the mandate that she craved.
They don't have to deal with the shit storm of the next few months. Although they asked to form a government, she refused.
There will be another election soon. Only one MP has to die to wipe out her and her allies the DUP's majority. She can't risk that.
At the next election Labour will be able to push forward their momentum. The young vote, having voted, will vote again. Older voters are dropping off the perch.
The next campaign will be very different. No Abbott. A more unified Labour Party. A more damaged Tory party.
And so Labour might not have won but they have plenty to celebrate.