Debates ... whats happened and what is to come

By Andy Freeman

Time for a little humble pie ...

I really didn't think the first TV debate would have much impact.  Would many people watch ?  Would the rules stifle the outcome ?  Was it too early in the campaign ?  And with two debates to go on apparently much weightier issues would it matter ?

I was wrong.

The weekends polls have confirmed the incredible surge of Liberal Democrat support, sometimes pushing Labour into 3rd, sometimes even putting them in the lead of the Conservatives. What seems incredible is that now the election uncallable .... who knows what might happen.

Interestingly, the BBC has put this poll through their '...seat calculator' which indicates Labour would end up being the biggest party in Westminster with 274 seats, even though third in share of vote ! That is a fascinating and challenging prospect.

But some things seem clear:

- That people are seeking a fresh direction

- That the electorate is seeking a fresh approach to politics, away from the expenses issues of the past.

- That there is an opportunity for Labour to remain the biggest party.

We have two debates to go, this Thursday (22nd) Sky host the debate on Foreign Affairs and the following Thursday (29th) the BBC host the final debate on the Economy.  Much is likely to happen ...

With this in mind, we hope that this site and others will give you help in sharing with people, in campaigning and in making decisions yourselves.

It also highlights the challenges and excitements of the next few weeks.  Why not submit a question to the next two debates ... maybe you can help change history.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8589502.stm