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~~ Election Thred (There can only be one (per day)-centric // 26 April ~~
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>>"UK election at-a-glance: 26 April"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8643345.stm
DAY IN A NUTSHELL
The Conservatives are extending their target seats to include Labour seats where they think the rise in Lib Dem support might make them winnable. David Cameron will also target Lib Dem supporters - and Green voters - by focusing on the Conservatives' plans for the environment. Gordon Brown is focusing on Labour's plans for the NHS and warning about the impact of a Tory win on schools, hospitals and the economic recovery. Nick Clegg is campaigning in Scotland on Lib Dem plans for a "fair deal" for the armed forces with better pay for the lowest paid troops and better family accommodation.
MONDAY'S NEWSPAPER HEADLINES
Nick Clegg has signalled he would speak to the Conservatives first about the formation of a minority government if Labour came third by share of the vote on 6 May, says the Guardian.
The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, has the headline : "Cameron smash and grab raid on Labour". It says the Tories have identified 20 Labour seats "that have unexpectedly become winnable" because of the Lib Dem bounce.
The Independent and the Times focus on comments of Alan Johnson over the prospect of power-sharing. "Splits emerge in Labour's election strategy", says the Independent , as it highlights how Mr Johnson says colleagues should not to be "frightened" of sharing power with the Liberal Democrats. The Times says he is positioning himself to lead the party's post-election talks with Nick Clegg.
CAMPAIGN CATCH-UP
Conservative plans to allow parents and charities to set up their own schools have been called into question by two senior Tory council figures.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls has been given a £60 fine for driving while using a mobile phone, it has emerged.
Labour accuse the Lib Dems and Tories of pulling out of a joint complaint to broadcasters, that they have been focusing on the TV debates at the expense of policy discussions.
SUNDAY'S QUOTES OF THE DAY
"You might start flirting with Nick Clegg, but that way you will end up marrying David Cameron." Lord Mandelson sounds his warning to wavering Labour voters.
"It is just preposterous the idea that if a party comes third in the number of votes, it still has somehow the right to carry on squatting in No 10." Nick Clegg looks ahead to the consequences of a poll-predicted hung parliament.
"It is unfair for a child's birth to be its destiny, unfair that the wealth of your parents should determine the end of your story." Gordon Brown sets out Labour's thoughts on education policy and funding.
"I promise you if we get elected I will help your dreams come true." David Cameron sets his sights high - on parental moves to set up schools, at least.
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>>Newspapers
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>Front pages @ Sky News
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>Newspaper Roundup
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8643379.stm
With 10 days of campaigning to go, the Times says Labour's senior figures are increasingly turning their minds to the day after the election.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said on Sunday he does not share the "horror" of some colleagues at the prospect of a coalition with the Liberal Democrats.
His comment makes the lead story in both the Times and the Independent.
They see the home secretary's remark as evidence of a split in Labour's election strategy.
'Surreal'
Nick Clegg's suggestion that he will not support Labour if they come third in the popular vote at the general election also gets attention.
Jackie Ashley in the Guardian considers what she calls the "surreal" thought of a deal between a minority Conservative government and the Lib Dems.
Where to start? she asks. The most Eurosceptic of the main parties with the most Euro-enthusiastic?
The great defenders of Trident in alliance with their opposites?
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>>Last 10 Polls
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/
Date: Con // Lab // LD ~ Lead
24 Apr: 34 // 28 // 29 ~ Con +5
24 Apr: 34 // 26 // 30 ~ Con +4
24 Apr: 35 // 27 // 28 ~ Con +7
23 Apr: 35 // 26 // 31 ~ Con +4
23 Apr: 36 // 30 // 23 ~ Con +6
23 Apr: 34 // 26 // 29 ~ Con +5
23 Apr: 34 // 29 // 29 ~ Con +5
22 Apr: 34 // 29 // 28 ~ Con +5
21 Apr: 33 // 27 // 31 ~ Con +2
20 Apr: 35 // 25 // 27 ~ Con +8
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>>Any other business?