The likely timeline in the run-up to the UK General Election

[Phony Moderate]

From Sky News.


Budget - March 24th

Gordon Brown to Palace - April 6th

Parliament Dissolved - April 8th

Election Launch - April 12th

ITV Debate - April 15th

Sky TV Debate - April 22nd

BBC TV Debate - April 29th

Election Day - May 6th

[k-onmmunist]

Oh yay

[Harry Hayfield]

From Sky News.
Budget - March 24th
Gordon Brown to Palace - April 6th
Parliament Dissolved - April 8th
Election Launch - April 12th
ITV Debate - April 15th
Sky TV Debate - April 22nd
BBC TV Debate - April 29th
Election Day - May 6th

That seems entirely reasonable, although I would just say that Gordon Brown to palace and Election Launch are in effect the same thing (as the media are not going to wait 48 hours to roll out their election buses and other whatnots). You could also add that in about the middle of April, the manifestos will be launched and that from April 8th - May 6th BBC Parliament will show live coverage of as many election events (campaign stops, hustings and speeches) as they can possibly fit in (all without commentary)

[Phony Moderate]

Now that i think about it, it does seem strange that the election would be launched 6 days after the announcment.

[Peter]

In addition to the "political" timetable above, the election mechanics timetable is below:

    * Deadline for electoral registration applications 20 April
    * Publishing of candidate nominations 4pm on 20 April
    * Deadline for postal vote applications or changes 5pm 20 April
    * Deadline for proxy vote applications 5pm 27 April (the deadline for making changes to existing proxy voting arrangements is 20 April)
    * Election day polling 7am until 10pm Thursday 6 May
    * Election count Thursday night or Friday (some counts will not proceed the same night - final result therefore may arrive on Friday afternoon)

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Which means there's still an opportunity for a few sudden-retirement-and-parachute tricks; don't think there have been any yet, but there are rumours.

[Harry Hayfield]

Which means there's still an opportunity for a few sudden-retirement-and-parachute tricks; don't think there have been any yet, but there are rumours.

Michael Jack (Con, Fylde) to stand down