The current recession has hit families of all types but, despite Labour claims, low earners have been hit hardest.
The Scottish National Party is preparing for post-election talks despite Labour leader Ed Miliband ruling out a formal deal with the party.
This is under way, up to a point: despite labour laws that discourage lay-offs, banks are shedding workers by the tens of thousands.
That's why Johnson edged out Livingstone in 2012 despite Labour doing better than the Tories in the parallel ballot for London Assembly seats.
The Norway-style "common market 2.0" Brexit deal championed by Boles was also rejected, by 261 votes to 282, despite Labour frontbench and SNP support.
Despite Labour not doing as badly as expected, some MPs were still critical of their party's failure to make any real advances.
Cameron has a majority of 12 in the Commons – which has already shown itself vulnerable to pressure, despite Labour prevarication – and none in the Lords.
Peers backed the government's position on competition within the NHS in England, despite Labour warning that "privatisation" was being introduced at an "alarming pace".
The nearest historical precedent for Labour's dismal performance is 1992, when Conservative Prime Minister John Major thrashed Neil Kinnock despite Labour holding a narrow poll lead right up until the election.
Had Kirsty Williams, the sole Liberal Democrat in the assembly, voted with the other opposition parties, Wood would have become the first minister despite Labour being by far the largest party.
Had Kirsty Williams, the last remaining Liberal Democrat in the assembly, voted with Plaid and the Tories, Wood would have become the first minister despite Labour being by far the largest party.
