Election 2005 – All a matter of time
Tony Blair held a "political" Cabinet today, designed to present the Labour Party's manifesto for an almost inevitable 5th May general election.
Ministers streamed into Downing Street this afternoon to discuss strategy and their plans for the expected announcement of the election date and dissolution of Parliament widely expected either Monday or Tuesday next week. It is believed that the Cabinet have had briefings from the Prime Minister, Chancellor Gordon Brown and the Labour Party's election chief, Alan Milburn, with all believed to be telling ministers that the economy will be a central part of the campaign.
The expected timetable looks set to be:
1. Monday 4th or Tuesday 5th April
The Prime Minister is expected to meet with the Queen to request that Parliament be dissolved, with Downing Street announcing the big day.2. Monday 4th to Thursday 7th April
Parliament will have four days in which to pass as much leftover legislation as time and the parties will allow, such as the Finance Bill, and Bills introducing identity cards, as well as one which would create a new FBI-style national police force.3. Thursday 7th April
Parliament will be dissolved, with MPs forced to leave their offices. At this stage, the country will have no MPs. How will we cope!4. Friday 8th April
The wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. Politicians will be keen not to be seen to be muscling in on the event in an attempt to gain political capital, although given the public's enthusiasm they might be better off keeping their heads down anyway.5. Monday 11th April
The campaign proper for all the parties is likely to start, with babies being kissed, battle buses being given a lick of paint, and egg throwers being deployed.6. Thursday 5th May
Britain goes to the polls – who will win?The Rundown will be giving comprehensive coverage of what could be an exciting campaign. Who's going to punch who? What will the parties have to offer students and young people? And will Robert Kilroy-Silk be able to avoid getting covered in slurry? We hope not.
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