Campaign kick-off: 21 days to go

Now that all the manifestos are in the public domain, we are back onto more conventional campaign territory. The big event of today is at 8pm this evening, when the ‘opposition leaders’ will debate each other on the BBC in the final televised debate before polling day. To help guide you through the melée of stories and spin, here is a summary of today’s main election stories.

1. Here come the insurgents

Tonight’s TV debate represents an opportunity for the smaller political parties to give Ed Miliband a good kicking. Nicola Sturgeon, Nigel Farage, Natalie Bennett and Leanne Wood will all relish the chance to turn on Miliband — the only mainstream party leader taking part. Many have been curious as to how the Labour leader will cope and whether this could end the momentum his campaign have been building up. Or will it be Farage who becomes the bogeyman, as the only right-wing politician on the panel? Either way, tonight’s debate will make for great watching.