Miliband vs Cameron

Ed Miliband and David Cameron made two competing speeches today, going head to head in a rare combination of policy-driven events.

Mr Cameron used his pitch to re-emphasis his commitment to the 'big society', a concept that has been ridiculed by opponents but which party strategists view as essential if the government is not be defined simply by cuts.

Meanwhile, Mr Miliband used his upcoming marriage on Friday to warn about the dangers to Britain's youth from the government's spending cuts.

The Labour leader enjoys a significant poll lead over the prime minister but analysts believe that he should be in a stronger position given the country's economic prospects and the lack of any other significant parliamentary opposition.