By Nick Assinder Political correspondent, BBC News website

We're used to politicians claiming victory when they have just been given a good kicking.

Comeback kid

So it's a bit of a novelty when one claims defeat when he's just about to win something. Step forward Medway's Bob Marshall-Andrews, who happily went on air to declare that he was pretty confident he would be kicked out of the Commons.

He joked that at least his defeat would give Tony Blair something to smile about on an otherwise bleak night. The independently-minded and "comfortably off" MP (that's one reason he can afford to be independently minded) has been a constant thorn in the side of the prime minister.

When Marlon Brando's gang leader in the film The Wild One was asked what he was rebelling against, he famously replied "what have you got" - that could almost be Mr Marshall-Andrews' motto.

But it didn't happen. He got a majority of 233 over Tory rival Mark Reckless. And then he went back on air to declare triumphantly: "I'm Lazarus!"

Poor Mark Reckless - everytime I saw one of his posters, with the background of the postal vote scandal, I found myself muttering 'Vote Reckless, vote often'.
Emma Malkin, Rochester, Kent

Nick, I know it was late, but the famous phrase was uttered by James Dean in Rebel without a cause. Not the leader of the Beetles (theres another link) Marlon Brando.
John Sinclair, Norwich/England

Which just goes to show that politicians with good local opinion can buck national trends. Unfortunatly these days, no party wants to select independently minded people, just drones who will tow the party line.
David Patrick, Reading, UK

No, I'M Lazarus!
Ed, Droitwich

I would have loved to be able to vote in this election. Sadly I am overseas and I am one of many still waiting for their postal ballot paper to arrive...
Anita Calcraft, Abu Dhabi, UAE

For Anita: it looks like your ballot paper has turned up - it and 33,000 copies were last seen somewhere near Birmingham.
Andrew Richards, London, UK

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