Peter HannamNow that we know the general election will be on May 6, these are some of the dates to look out for during the campaign.Peter Hannam
Election campaign dates to watch
Now that we know the general election will be on May 6, these are some of the dates to look out for during the campaign:
Today - MPs and peers stop sitting in Parliament - but it continues in existence until formally dissolved on Monday.
Monday April 12 - Parliament is formally dissolved and writs are issued for elections in the constituencies. There are no longer MPs, though ministers retain their jobs until a new government is formed.
Week beginning April 12 - the three main parties - Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats - will publish their manifestos.
Thursday April 15 - ITV hosts the first of the three leaders' debates. They will last 90 minutes, from 8.30pm to 10pm, with Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. The theme will be domestic affairs, broadening out into a discussion with questions from viewers. It will be chaired by Alistair Stewart and be held in the north-west of England.
April 16 - EDP Election Question Time at Carrow Road, with the added attraction of enjoying Delia's "Menufesto." EDP political editor Chris Fisher will chair the Question Time with guest panellists Charles Clarke, Chloe Smith and Norman Lamb representing Labour, the Tories and Liberal Democrats respectively.
Tuesday April 20 - Deadline for the delivery of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidates and appointment of election agents is 4pm. Nominations are announced at 5pm.
- Last day to apply to register to vote.
- Last day to apply for a postal vote.
April 21 - Unemployment figures published.
Thursday April 22 - Sky hosts second leaders' debate. Adam Boulton in the chair asking the questions between 8pm and 9.30pm. It will be broadcast from the south-west of England on Sky News and the main theme is foreign affairs.
- Quarterly crime statistics published for England and Wales.
Tuesday April 27 - Deadline for receipt of late applications for a proxy vote is 5pm.
Thursday April 29 - BBC will host the third and last of the leaders' debates. David Dimbleby will be in the chair between 8.30pm and 10pm on BBC1 from the Midlands. The main theme is the economy.
Thursday May 6 - Polling day. Polling stations open 7am to 10pm.
- Local elections: only in Great Yarmouth and Waveney in our area.
May 18 - Parliament returns after the election.
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