Inventor of Swingometer dies, aged 98
SIR David Butler, dubbed the ‘father of election science’, has died at the age of 98.
The academic, known for inventing the Swingometer and pioneering exit polls, died on Tuesday night, his son confirmed.
Daniel Butler said his father “seems to have gone through life engendering a great deal of warmth” in his students and admirers.
Tributes have been paid by BBC presenter and former political editor Nick Robinson, the chief executive of BBC News Deborah Turness, pollster Matt Goodwin and Anthony Wells, head of European political and social research at YouGov UK
Daniel Butler said his father would “disclaim his achievements” and didn’t admit he invented the Swingometer until Sultan of Swing: The Life of David Butler (2018).