MPs bid farewell to the Commons
News Article 5 April 2005
As the long awaited general election date of May 5 has been unveiled by the prime minister, 80 Members of Parliament have already announced they will not be contesting their seats.
Michael Howard: Campaign launch speech
News Article 5 April 2005
Conservative leader Michael Howard has launched the party's election campaign with a speech delivered in London.
Battle for votes begins in earnest
News Article 5 April 2005
The election campaign has finally kicked off, although the pace of political activity over the last few weeks means no-one has been caught out.
PM confirms May 5 poll
News Article 5 April 2005
Tony Blair has named May 5 as the date of the general election, calling the vote a "fundamental choice".
Howard makes his bid for government
News Article 5 April 2005
As opinion polls suggest a hardening of Tory support, Michael Howard has launched his party's bid for government with a push for floating voters across the country.
'Grey voters' set out election demands
News Article 5 April 2005
Older voters will be judging election candidates on whether they support specific policies to meet the needs of the over-60s, the National Pensioners Convention has said.
Blair postpones election announcement
News Article 4 April 2005
Tony Blair has postponed the announcement of a May 5 general election until tomorrow as a mark of respect for Pope John Paul II.
Blair delays election announcement
News Article 3 April 2005
Downing Street has announced that Tony Blair will not visit Buckingham Palace on Monday to seek the dissolution of parliament for a general election.
Police and church slam Tory tactics
News Article 1 April 2005
Tory election campaign tactics have been attacked by police chiefs and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Tories take tough line on teacher assaults
News Article 31 March 2005
The Tories have promised to give teachers the same protection from assault as police officers.
Don't call us Tories, say Conservatives
Press Review 31 March 2005
The Conservatives have appealed to broadcasters to stop describing its members as "Tories" in the run-up to the election.
Howard hits out at Labour's army cuts
Press Review 31 March 2005
The government's announcement of cuts in manpower across all three armed services amounted to a "stab in the back", Michael Howard said yesterday.
Flight's survival chances fade
Press Review 31 March 2005
Conservative headquarters is proceeding with plans to replace Howard Flight as the party's candidate in Arundel and South Downs.
Howard sets out Tory defence plans
News Article 30 March 2005
Michael Howard has pledged to scrap Labour's plans to reform Britain's armed forces.
Flight battles expulsion move
Press Review 30 March 2005
The Conservative election campaign was left struggling to get back on track yesterday after the row between central office and sacked MP Howard Flight.
