It's Blair or Howard, says Darling
News Article 5 April 2005
Alistair Darling has mounted his bid for the Celtic vote by talking up the chances of the Scottish Conservatives.
Blair's email seeks to energise grassroots
News Article 5 April 2005
Tony Blair has sought to energise Labour Party supporters with a direct appeal, encouraging them to get out and campaign.
Tony Blair: Campaign launch speech
News Article 5 April 2005
Prime minister Tony Blair has launched Labour's election campaign with a statement delivered outside Number 10.
Labour candidate defects to Lib Dems
News Article 5 April 2005
As the election campaign gets under way, a Labour parliamentary candidate has defected to the Liberal Democrats.
Brown puts economy centre stage
News Article 5 April 2005
As the election is announced Gordon Brown has detailed Labour's plans to boost Britain's economic competitiveness.
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.
Labour puts economy at heart of re-election bid
Press Review 5 April 2005
The prime minister and the chancellor will stage the first in a series of 'double acts' today as the formal election campaign is launched.
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".
'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.
The Sun steps back from backing Blair
News Article 4 April 2005
Labour is set to lose the unequivocal backing of the Sun newspaper, it has emerged.
Labour looks to play down Iraq factor
News Article 4 April 2005
As May 5 looms, the government is hoping to neutralise the Iraq factor, although opposition to the conflict could play against Labour in a number of key seats.
Blair delays election announcement
Press Review 4 April 2005
The prime minister has postponed the announcement of a May 5 general election until tomorrow as a mark of respect for Pope John Paul.
Labour backs down on AM's expulsion
News Article 4 April 2005
A disaffected Labour AM, who threatened to stand against one of his party's official parliamentary candidates, has now confirmed he will not be running due to ill health.
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.
Government faces loss of key legislation
News Article 4 April 2005
As MPs return from their Easter break, the government is preparing for the loss of key planks of its legislative programme.
