On the eve of the historic first ever television debate (to be held at that shrine to northern glamour, Granada Studios in Manchester), David Cameron has condemned the strict rules and format that have been thrashed out over weeks of negotiations between all three parties and the broadcasters.
Potentially the most entertaining part of the evening
Dave's worried "that we may have ended up with a format that's going to be a bit slow and sluggish. So I may be wrong. I hope the public won't feel short-changed … I think we've got to make sure the public feel they're getting their questions answered." Labour rounded on Cameron, asking why he was questioning the very rules that his own communications team had negotiated. One senior Labour official said: "This is typical of Cameron; he agrees some rules and then pretends he has had them foisted on him so he can look like he is the public's friend."
A different stance altogether saw Cameron announcing on BBC Radion London that Boris Johnson would be running for the 2012 London Mayoralty contest rather than chasing Cameron for the leadership of the Tories. All news to Boris, apparently. Then there's the two former Tories who have crossed over to Labour in a row over gay rights. Anastasia Beaumont-Bott, the former head of David Cameron's gay campaign [his what?], accused the Conservatives of an "elaborately executed deception" on gay policy, while David Heathcote said he had also quit the party after two years and joined Labour because he felt let down [oh, get a grip, man!]. At 20, Anastasia will be a useful addition to the ranks, thought the children's minister.
And I can't help wondering what's happening to all the good work Caroline Lucas does in Brussels while she spends a month campaigning in Brighton. Mind you, I suppose there's only so many pixies you can save from carbon emissions.
Oh yes, the Lib Dems unveiled their manifesto this morning. Thanks for that.
Oh yes, the Lib Dems unveiled their manifesto this morning. Thanks for that.
