<b><b>Will Howie admits to being bemused by the election but finds a glimmer of hope for housing - particularly if new housing minister Lord Falconer heeds some suggestions from John Stewart</b></b><br><b>In last month's issue of HouseBuilder my colleagues John Stewart and Robert Jones took a fairly dismal view of the prospects for housing in the aftermath of the general election. In fairness, neither seemed to expect much joy from either of the main parties. Readers with long memories will be aware that I share their disquiet. </b><br><b><b>A bemusing election </b></b><br> First, a word about the election itself before it slips away into folk memory. Like Robert Jones, I have had considerable experience of general elections, no less than 16 (although I am now reduced to such humble tasks as number-taking at polling booths), as well as numerous by-elections and sundry local government encounters. But I was left bemused by this one. <p></p><p>Believing myself to be somewhat skilled in the pseudo science of psephology, I had expected a swing to the Conservatives of 2%, which by a fluke was nearly right. But I thought that would bring them a gain of 15 to 20 seats and a mildly improved Parliamentary situation, …