2011 and all that… a wheel of fortune?  

As we enter a new year, it is always customary to look ahead and to attempt to make predictions for the coming twelve months. Don't worry, I don't intend to predict the events of 2011. I will have to live through them and if I get my predictions wildly wrong, there will always be some smart Alec who'll point it out to me during a parliamentary debate, or in a future blog. 2011 is certainly going to be an eventful year, however.  It's the year that the Coalition's austerity plans will start to be felt by ordinary folk. The long-talked about cuts will start to be implemented and people will start to see it affecting their daily lives.   It is also a year of electoral tests – starting with the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election next Thursday. Will it mark a Liberal Democrat comeback, or will it highlight just how far they've plummeted in public opinion?...