Aftermath of the UK Election Debates.

Well, the final debate has ended, and we are now in the final countdown to election day itself. I have seen all the debates, and here's my take on all 3.

The first one, shown live on ITV1, was very much a surprise. Nick Clegg came out on top rather convincingly. Cameron came in a decent second, with Gordon Brown a poor third.

The second one, shown live on Sky News was much closer, with Cameron perhaps just edging it. Gordon Brown still way back off the pace.

Tonight, it seems, there is a difference of opinion as to whose won. Channel 4 News vote said Brown won by 2%, with Clegg second and Cameron a poor third. ITV News said Cameron won by 2% with Clegg second and Brown third. YouGov said Cameron won by 9% with Clegg second and Brown third.

I say tonight, Clegg won again, but not by much. Brown was the close second, and Cameron looked like he was way off the pace, constantly fighting a rear guard action, and not doing a good job of it.

So, to my mind, we're heading for a hung parliament. But how will Brown and Cameron react to the surge in the Liberal Democrats? I forsee an unlikely, but possible Brown/Cameron coalition, to keep Clegg out of power. Wouldn't say it was likely to happen, but I think it is possible.

Viewpoint Election Special – What a difference a day makes.

They say a week is a long time in politics.  The past 24 hours for Gordon Brown and Labour have been a marathon at 100mph!  Ian Beaumont reviews the day's events.

Viewpoint – from City Media Productions – Purnell’s Resignation.

This was recorded at 3pm on Friday 5th June 2009.

Viewpoint – from City Media Productions - 1h

Viewpoint – from City Media Productions - 1d

 

A Viewpoint EXTRA follows shortly with more developments in this story, stay tuned.

Australia Votes 2007: International response

Not surprisingly, word has spread round the globe and the responses have been coming in from world leaders.

US President Bush called Howard a good friend and staunch ally, and congratulate d Kevin Rudd on his victory. UK PM Gordon Brown and New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark also both praised Kevin Rudd on his victory.