Who will win the seven-way debate?

The seven leaders taking part tonight

We are heading for one of the most open and unpredictable general elections in recent memory! Two-party politics in Britain was consigned to the history books when the Liberal Democrats entered into a coalition government with David Cameron’s Conservatives in 2010. Since then there has been much upheaval in the British political landscape; UKIP seem to have stolen the Liberal Democrat’s ‘third party’ title, the SNP are set to decimate the Labour Party in Scotland, and the Green Party have grown steadily since 2010 Caroline Lucas secured her Brighton seat to become their first MP.

Now, for the first time, all seven of the UK’s major political parties will take part in a live TV debate. This highlights the radical change in our political system, where smaller parties are now playing a more influential roll in elections. A shift towards a  more European-style parliament, where multiple parties win seats, now seems quit possible for a once Labour and Conservative dominated House of Commons. Of course Labour and the Conservatives will both command a large percentage of votes and seats, however it has become increasingly unlikely that either will win enough to govern alone with a majority – making it important that the electorate know more about the other parties who could well form part of another coalition in the shadow of another hung Parliament.

The Leaders:

David Cameron speaking at a Conservative Party conference

David Cameron – Conservatives – Will it be the Prime Ministers chance to shine?

Ed Miliband talks to the people of Brighton about the ‘cost of living crisis’ in 2014

Ed Miliband – Labour Party – Ed will be looking to improve on his appearance in last weeks “debate”.

Nick Clegg was deemed to have won the 2010 TV debates, can he resurrect the Liberal Democrats?

Nick Clegg – Liberal Democrats – The Deputy Prime Minister  will be looking to make his case for a ‘Fairer Society and Stronger Economy’.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage with Douglas Carswell MP

Nigel Farage – UKIP – The fox in the hen-house will be looking to boost his parties chance of improving on their two Parliamentary seats come May 7th.

Natalie Bennett out canvassing for the General Election

Natalie Bennett – Green Party – She will be looking to win the constituency of Holborn & St. Pancras. Will the Greens be capable of commanding more than one seat in the coming election?

Nicola Sturgeon, Leader of the SNP

Nicola Sturgeon – Scottish National Party (SNP) – She will be looking to tighten her parties grip of Scotland by taking once safe Labour seats.

Leanne Wood leader of Plaid Cymru

Leanne Wood – Plaid Cymru – An unknown entity to many outside of Wales, she will do well to boost the profile of Plaid Cymru in the event of a hung parliament.

Vote here to have your say on will or has won tonight’s TV debate.

 

By James Metcalfe, Editor of Daily Political View.

Twitter: (@MrJMetcalfe)

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