ONE of the founders of the legendary “swing-o-meter” used in election coverage will certainly be hoping everything goes with a swing today.

Sir David Butler is a political expert with more than five decades in his field and is a father of psephology – the scientific study of elections – in Britain.

Today, the respected expert turns 90, a landmark to be celebrated with a special lecture delivered by BBC presenter David Dimbleby.

Sir David built such a name for himself and was twice summoned by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

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The first time he forgot why he had invited Sir David and so recited his famous “Blood, Sweat and Tears” speech over dinner. The second time Mr Churchill had him explain an upcoming election using apples and tangerines.

The special lecture is to commemorate seminars Sir David ran for 53 years at Nuffield College, which have hosted some of politics’ most respected figures.

Former prime ministers, permanent secretaries and newspaper hacks have all appeared at the events – with students given a chance to interrogate them.

And frank discussion was encouraged by the enforcement of The Chatham House Rule - making the seminars “off the record”.

Grandfather-of-seven Sir David, who has now retired to Summertown’s Richie Court, said: “We would ask the hard questions.

“People do like talking about themselves and I always promised that it was off the record, so I would ask them what they thought about various events and topics. It was well attended.”

One political titan who made several appearances at the seminar was the late Tony Benn, a close friend who proved very popular with students, Sir David said.

Sir David Butler’s 90th Birthday Lecture takes place today, in St Peter’s College Chapel from 5pm to 6.30pm. The event requires registration. Contact Kerry Mellor on kerry.mellor@nuffield.ox.ac.uk

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