The latest of the General Election debates kicks off at 8pm on BBC 1 this evening as the five ‘challengers’ state their case at to why they should replace the men currently running the country, David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
With neither Cameron or Clegg taking part in the debate, Ed Miliband is expected to use the 90 minutes to issue a warning to Scottish voters that success for the SNP north of the border could deliver a Conservative government in Westminster.
Miliband will be joined by Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), Nigel Farage (UKIP), Natalie Bennett (Green) and Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru) and Sturgeon said the debate was “a fantastic moment of opportunity to deliver the positive change that people are looking for.
“The SNP will be a positive and constructive voice at Westminster, ready to join others in a progressive alliance to end austerity and protect vital public services like the NHS.”
Essential guide to tonight’s debate
Labour accuse Cameron of ‘ducking out’ in build-up to TV debate
Nigel Farage dominates opening statements on social media
Nicola Sturgeon slams right to buy as “one of the worst ideas I have ever heard”
POLL: Who won the debate? Have your say.
In the debate, each of the five leaders will be allowed a short opening statement before Dimbleby invites questions from 200 voters.
Mr Miliband will be positioned to the far left next to Ms Wood and Mr Farage to the far right next to Ms Sturgeon with Ms Bennett in the middle of the group.
The 90-minute programme will cover five subjects. Each question will see one-minute opening statements followed by 10 minutes of free debate.
Meanwhile Liberal Democrat leader Clegg has voiced his disappointment at being denied the opportunity to take part in the debate.
He said: “David Cameron, I know, didn’t want to participate in it, but I don’t see why I should have been denied the opportunity to put the side of the story of what the coalition government has done, even if he didn’t want to.
“I find it very odd that the debate tonight doesn’t have anybody from one of the parties that have actually been trying to govern our country.”