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03/05/2005
Party leaders in final election campaign push
The leaders of the three main political parties have been campaigning in earnest as the election campaign heads into the final 48 hours.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown unveiled a series of measures aimed at boosting home ownership today, including plans to introduce a shared equity offer for new homebuyers and an examination of public sector assets to discover additional land that could be used for home-building.
However, the Prime Minister also came under fire once again for the war in Iraq. Ann Toward, the widow of Anthony Wakefield, the British soldier killed in Iraq yesterday, has openly blamed Mr Blair for her husband’s death.
Mr Blair offered his “deep sympathy and condolences” to the family but said: “I really don’t think there’s anything I can, or should, say more than that and I don’t think it’s right or appropriate to do so”.
Labour have also continued to attack the Conservatives’ policies. Alan Milburn, the party’s election co-ordinator said: “The Tories know their policies do not stand up to scrutiny which is why they don’t want to talk about them. They are only interested in exploiting issues, not dealing with them. Instead their strategy is to sneak Michael Howard into No.10 through the back door.”
Conservative leader Michael Howard has continued his party’s campaign by urging the electorate to “vote for change” and detailed his “timetable for action” – a list of eight tasks that he pledged to make his “personal priority” in the first 18 months if a Conservative government is elected on May 5. He also hit back at Labour claims that a vote for the Liberal Democrats would let the Conservatives into power through ‘the back door’.
Mr Howard said: “Mr Blair’s hope is just to keep his job; and the Lib Dems will help him do that. Our hope is for a better Britain.”
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy was campaigning today in Michael Howard’s constituency of Folkestone. On Sunday, Mr Kennedy, said that after eight years in office, Mr Blair’s was now “a failed premiership”. He also accused the Conservatives of fighting a “narrow mean-spirited campaign, playing to people’s fears and appealing to their worst instincts.” Mr Kennedy also appeared confident about the election, claiming that many leading members of the Conservatives are “set to lose their seats” to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Howard won the Folkestone seat in 2001 with a majority of 5,907.
The latest poll of 108 key marginal seats by the Guardian/ICM has indicated that it could be a close race between Labour and the Conservatives, estimating that Labour’s lead in these areas had dropped to 41% from 47% from the last election.
(KMcA)
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown unveiled a series of measures aimed at boosting home ownership today, including plans to introduce a shared equity offer for new homebuyers and an examination of public sector assets to discover additional land that could be used for home-building.
However, the Prime Minister also came under fire once again for the war in Iraq. Ann Toward, the widow of Anthony Wakefield, the British soldier killed in Iraq yesterday, has openly blamed Mr Blair for her husband’s death.
Mr Blair offered his “deep sympathy and condolences” to the family but said: “I really don’t think there’s anything I can, or should, say more than that and I don’t think it’s right or appropriate to do so”.
Labour have also continued to attack the Conservatives’ policies. Alan Milburn, the party’s election co-ordinator said: “The Tories know their policies do not stand up to scrutiny which is why they don’t want to talk about them. They are only interested in exploiting issues, not dealing with them. Instead their strategy is to sneak Michael Howard into No.10 through the back door.”
Conservative leader Michael Howard has continued his party’s campaign by urging the electorate to “vote for change” and detailed his “timetable for action” – a list of eight tasks that he pledged to make his “personal priority” in the first 18 months if a Conservative government is elected on May 5. He also hit back at Labour claims that a vote for the Liberal Democrats would let the Conservatives into power through ‘the back door’.
Mr Howard said: “Mr Blair’s hope is just to keep his job; and the Lib Dems will help him do that. Our hope is for a better Britain.”
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy was campaigning today in Michael Howard’s constituency of Folkestone. On Sunday, Mr Kennedy, said that after eight years in office, Mr Blair’s was now “a failed premiership”. He also accused the Conservatives of fighting a “narrow mean-spirited campaign, playing to people’s fears and appealing to their worst instincts.” Mr Kennedy also appeared confident about the election, claiming that many leading members of the Conservatives are “set to lose their seats” to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Howard won the Folkestone seat in 2001 with a majority of 5,907.
The latest poll of 108 key marginal seats by the Guardian/ICM has indicated that it could be a close race between Labour and the Conservatives, estimating that Labour’s lead in these areas had dropped to 41% from 47% from the last election.
(KMcA)
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15 April 2005
Concerns rise over potential postal vote fraud
Concerns are rising that a dramatic increase in postal voting applications could lead to fraud in the next general election. A Guardian survey of twenty key marginal constituencies indicated that postal voting was “soaring”, with applications in some areas increasing by more than 300% since the last general election in 2001.
Concerns rise over potential postal vote fraud
Concerns are rising that a dramatic increase in postal voting applications could lead to fraud in the next general election. A Guardian survey of twenty key marginal constituencies indicated that postal voting was “soaring”, with applications in some areas increasing by more than 300% since the last general election in 2001.
17 January 2005
Liberal Democrats launch election campaign
Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, has launched his party's strategy for the General Election by declaring them the "Real Opposition" to Labour. Mr Kennedy said: "The Conservatives have been fading away as a truly national party. Across a third of the country, they are not even in contention anymore.
Liberal Democrats launch election campaign
Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, has launched his party's strategy for the General Election by declaring them the "Real Opposition" to Labour. Mr Kennedy said: "The Conservatives have been fading away as a truly national party. Across a third of the country, they are not even in contention anymore.
04 January 2005
Howard unveils Conservative election manifesto
Conservative leader Michael Howard has launched the first part of his party's election manifesto, with a promise to stand up for all those people who felt "let down" by Tony Blair's Labour government.
Howard unveils Conservative election manifesto
Conservative leader Michael Howard has launched the first part of his party's election manifesto, with a promise to stand up for all those people who felt "let down" by Tony Blair's Labour government.
07 November 2003
Michael Portillo to stand down at next election
Conservative MP Michael Portillo, long tipped as a potential party leader, has declared that he will not be seeking re-election to Westminster at the next election.
Michael Portillo to stand down at next election
Conservative MP Michael Portillo, long tipped as a potential party leader, has declared that he will not be seeking re-election to Westminster at the next election.
23 January 2015
Broadcasters To Televise General Election Debates
The four broadcasters behind plans for televised General Election debates have published new proposals to expand the debates. The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
Broadcasters To Televise General Election Debates
The four broadcasters behind plans for televised General Election debates have published new proposals to expand the debates. The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
