The X Factor's gift to British democracy
Jon Snow blogs about how last night’s TV leaders debate was a “far better viewing experience” than he had anticipated – and how Nick Clegg gave the most relaxed performance.
Jon Snow blogs about how last night’s TV leaders debate was a “far better viewing experience” than he had anticipated – and how Nick Clegg gave the most relaxed performance.
It’s over. I think people will be inclined to say that Nick Clegg won this. He has raised his game. He has, in the past, looked like a man who has lost interest in his own answers. Not tonight. The Tories wanted to use this debate to frame the argument between them and Labour… but…
Gary Gibbon blogs that the prime minister is trying to embrace the unwilling Lib Dem leader in a loveless armlock.
If the election was a prize for fiscal candour, the Liberal Democrats might actually win, blogs Faisal Islam.
Jon Snow blogs on his impressions of the Conservative manifesto launch in Battersea Power Station in South London
No one could accuse the Conservatives of failing to outline an original vision for Britain. Just flick back to “Are you thinking what we’re thinking?” and the difference is pretty clear. It is brimming with sunny pre-election optimism, the issue is: is this Blue Book hiding something a little more pessimistic post-election? The Labour charge is…
Vote Tory and we will wield the axe, you will be involved and your services will get better. That was David Cameron’s message this morning after a marathon four-hour build-up. The basic state guarantee of standards, the whole 20th-century experiment, has suffocated progress and needs to be broken up or loosened depending on how much…
Gary Gibbon blogs from the launch of the Conservative manifesto at Battersea Power Station.
Jon Snow blogs on his extensive rail journeys he is making to cover the 2010 general election.
On the income tax pledge, which is arguably stronger than previous Labour manifesto pledges, as it includes the new top rate tax, it strikes me as a lost opportunity for candour in politics. Clearly guaranteeing rates has little or no impact on the actual tax burden. It makes little sense to guarantee no increase in…
So Gordon Brown chose to host his manifesto launch at a brand new hospital. A tangible exposition of the difference 13 years of New Labour has made to the country.
Labour are launching their election 2010 manifesto in Birmingham.
Faisal Islam blogs on Labour’s fightback against the Conservative’s high profile election camapign against Labour’s planned national insurance rise.
Gary Gibbon blogs on his #asktheleaders profile of Gordon Brown, and asks whether the prime minister has met the qualities that Lord Mandelson says are needed for a good PM.
The press conference is all about David Cameron’s pet project of compulsory youth scheme for 16-18-year-olds – something he privately hopes will be a real footprint he can leave on Britain in austere times.