'Can you pass the election numbers test?' blog discussion

Former_MSE_Paloma

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's "Can you pass the election numbers test?" Blog.

Please click 'post reply' to discuss below.

MothballsWallet

I'll just be glad when the election's over and I don't need my BS filters on when walking around the streets

sharp910sh

Vote Labour

Paul_Herring

Q 2. How many seats does a party or coalition need to command a majority of the commons?
A. The official answer is 326, but I answered 323. That’s because there are five Sinn Fein members of the House of Commons (and likely to be a similar number again) and they don’t take their seats. Therefore in practice you only need 323 MPs in order to control the House.

If you're not counting those that aren't voting (the Sinn Fein lot) then shouldn't you be discluding the Speaker, and the three Deputy Speakers, who cannot (usually) vote either?