The ITV studios in Salford Quays, where tonight’s seven way leaders’ debate will take place.
Tonight will mark the first and only televised debate of the 2015 British General Election to include the leaders of all seven main political parties in the UK.
The debate will air live on ITV tonight starting at 20:00 and lasting two hours. It has come after weeks of negotiating between the networks and party leaders with David Cameron refusing to take part in several formats.
The broadcasters threatened to ’empty chair’ Cameron if he refused to take part but ultimately he agreed to one debate with all seven major parties taking part. Tonight’s debate includes Cameron and Miliband, as well as Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, UKIP’s Nigel Farage, Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and Natalie Bennett of the Greens.
ITV have revealed the format for the debate with candidates drawing for what podium position they will take. Natalie Bennett will be furthest left and speak first while David Cameron will speak last.
Four questions will be asked during the debate, with each speaker given a chance to answer. The final question will see Nick Clegg answering and Nigel Farage will answering last. However Cameron will make his summary argument last, meaning he’ll be the final politician to speak.
Here’s when everyone will speak tonight. #leadersdebate http://t.co/7WT4Hzu8fv pic.twitter.com/jiwN2JDAEL
— May2015 (@May2015NS) April 2, 2015
Cameron will have the chance to follow Miliband three times during the debate, whereas Miliband will only have two chances to respond.
The debate will follow a busy day of campaigning that has seen backbench Tories urging David Cameron to lighten up his approach to the election. A former Tory minister spoke out about the campaign saying: “I am sure a little bit of David dies every time he has to speak in such negative language.”
A YouGov poll released today reveals that 19% believe Cameron will win tonight’s debate, with Miliband and Farage both on 15% a piece.
Today’s #StatoftheDay Read more: http://t.co/9SuHCqfBIh pic.twitter.com/s9g9uHjmGl
— YouGov (@YouGov) April 2, 2015
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