Russell Selwyn is returning to Parliament. Bolstered by the Royalist decision not to field candidates in Sutton East, the former Ambassador and New Liberal Party Leader Selwyn easily defeated the Ultrackian Socialist incumbent to win back his seat. Said Selwyn:
I thank the people of Sutton for putting their faith in me and common sense governance! I will do all I can to reform Parliament and the New Liberal Party. We will work hard every day to make the lives of the People of Hutori better.
Current New Liberal Party Leader Rebecca Doyle, who was recently banned from Parliament, still was able to get her name on the ballot due to the work of pro-Socialist activists in Port Prosperity. However, she was beaten handedly by a member of the USPH. Doyle, who has not been seen in public after some media outlets reported that the Crown Prosecutorial Service will soon charge her with treason and acts of sedition, was unavailable for comment. Doyle's disappearance likely means that a leadership contest will likely happen. The three candidates widely considered for leadership of the party are Selwyn, current Deputy Party Leader and pro-Doyle MP Robbie McShane, and former Health Minister and Selwyn ally Peter Knox. Both Knox and McShane were on hand to celebrate Selwyn's victory and are said to be supporters of the idea of joining with other parties to form a governing coalition, though both would want to gain some concessions.
Knox (L) and McShane (R) celebrate with Selwyn (C) as the election results are reported. Said McShane:
"Despite the fact that Russ is returning, we still have enough votes to hold up the coronation if we have to. We want to see a raise in the corporate tax rate, seats in the cabinet, and promises of greater labour involvement in corporate governance before we give up what little power we have."
Knox, however, disagreed slightly with McShane's pronouncement:
Robbie said what? Oh goodness, no. We will do all we can to put Mary on the throne. I too would like to see corporations pay their fair share and better health and welfare outcomes for all, but I will not be voting to hold up the coronation to do that.
Selwyn, when asked about the situation had this to say:
"I have a good relationship with President Carmichael and Chancellor Martin. I also think that Robbie McShane has made inroads with the Ultrackians as well. Bottom line: I think we can keep them in check. There is a Grand Compromise to be had that will make everyone happy."
Selwyn, ever the negotiator, would not tell the Dispatch what his plans for a "grand compromise," but suggested he would soon take to the floor to propose such a compromise. Any compromise will likely have to be made with the Federalists, who gained seats in this election and won the Presidency. Federalist Carmichael's Presidency will technically be unbroken for three straight terms, as parliamentary maneuvering from the USPH and Doyle-led NLP prohibited Socialist leader Ultrackius from being sworn in as President. Ultrackius managed to carry out many of the duties of office, though was blockaded from entering the Presidential residence during the four-year term. Carmichael immediately began to campaign and earn the endorsements of the Royalist Party and Scientian Enclave, and soundly beat Ultrackius in the election.