Day 974

Into town to the library for a multimeter book. Interesting stuff; was able to recall enough O-level physics to understand it.

Wrapped up Christmas presents ready 16 days in advance. Read Adrian Mole. In the evening Harry Enfield.

The Tories have lost control of the council thanks to a 22½% swing to the Liberals in a ward by-election. The Tory scum came third. With Labour on 60% nationally (absolutely unheard of) we can not only whisper 'El Alamein' and think 'D-Day', but afar a faint voice at the edge of hearing is saying 'Canada Effect'.

Now, Dec 1994, is the parallel to Feb 1990, when the Tories were pretty unpopular. Labour were doing well (but nowhere near 39½ points ahead) then. Don't forget that that lot, though it got rid of Th**r, ended in the Darkest Hour, but this time round all the figures are bigger. Neil Kinnock may have lost, but he came close to the mountaintop, reducing a big majority to 20, now down to 14 (nominally more or less - and there's the Dudley by-election next week). Tony Blair has only got a short stroll for the summit and down the other side. A small part of me is prepared for disappointment, but I'm beginning to think that El Alamein has truly come.

Had a small bonus drink what with this and that. With the Official Festive Season only 11 days away (and all Christmas funds ready) it doesn't matter so much.