The BBC are ahead of the game with election results...

I offered to help out at the Morley Election count last week as it seemed unlikely that I'd get on Robert Finnigan's shortlist of scrutineers.

I got home this afternoon to find out that I have been appointed as a counting assistant, but for the Elmet Count. It takes place in Leeds Civic Hall tomorrow night and it could be a long night if there are recounts. However, I do get £40 for the pleasure of taking part, or to be more precise, £31.20 after Gordon gets his slice.

I was a bit curious to find out who was standing in Elmet (a Ward I had not even heard of before today) so I went onto the BBC Election 2005 Website to find out. I was a bit puzzled, however, to find that the 2001 results were still up. My puzzlement turned to incredulity, however, when I realised that the results were actually for the 2005 Candidates, a Labour Hold, 2.5% swing from Labour to Conservative.

What was going on? Did the BBC already have all of the results? was our election process a sham? Are we living in Zimbabwe? More importantly, was I going to get swindled out of my £40 (before tax)?

When I checked again slightly later, the page had reverted to the more predictable no votes yet scenario which if it is pre-10pm on the 5th, can be found here.

Fortunately, I had the forethought to do a save webpage, complete, which I have put up on my own website for your enjoyment.