TIMETABLE FOR THE 2010 GENERAL ELECTION

Timetable to Election 2010

It has long been presumed to be the date of political destiny, but on Tuesday Gordon Brown has finally confirmed that the next general election will take place on 6 May. This is the expected countdown to polling day.

TUESDAY, 6 APRIL - ELECTION DATE ANNOUNCED

Following the long Easter weekend, Mr Brown will formally announce the date of a general election as 6 May, but only after he has made the required trip to Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen to dissolve Parliament on 12 April.

THURSDAY, 8 APRIL - ADJOURNMENT OR PROROGATION

MPs and peers stop sitting in Parliament after traditional scramble by party bosses to see what legislation can be saved. Parliament continues to exist until it is formally dissolved the following Monday. After dissolution there are no longer any MPs, although ministers keep their jobs during the election campaign. Local returning officers receive election writs.

MONDAY, 12 APRIL - PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED

Parliament is formally dissolved and writs are issued for elections in the UK's 650 constituencies.

THURSDAY, 15 APRIL - TV DEBATE?

Although the dates of the prime ministerial debates have yet to be published it is widely expected that they will be held on successive Thursdays to avoid live football. ITV hosts the first of three 90 minute debates with Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. The theme will be domestic affairs, although as with the other two debates it will broaden out into a general discussion with questions from viewers. Alistair Stewart is in the chair.

TUESDAY, 20 APRIL - REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Deadline for delivery of nomination papers/withdrawals of candidature/appointment of election agents at 1600 BST. Nominations announced at 1700 or as soon as any objections settled. Last day to apply to register to vote. Last day to apply for a new postal vote.

THURSDAY, 22 APRIL - TV DEBATE?

If the successive Thursday theory for the debates is correct it will be Sky's turn to host the prime ministerial debate. Adam Boulton asks the questions and the main theme is foreign affairs.

TUESDAY, 27 APRIL - PROXY VOTES

Last day for receipt of late applications for people who cannot reach a polling station and want to vote by proxy (deadline 1700 BST).

THURSDAY, 29 APRIL - TV DEBATE?

As with the previous debates the date for the third and final Brown vs Cameron vs Clegg session is yet to be confirmed. The BBC will host with David Dimbleby in the chair and the main theme being the economy.

THURSDAY, 6 MAY - POLLING DAY

Election day, with polling stations open between 0700 and 2200 BST.

SOURCE AL BEEB


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