Raising the stakes: party leaders are making last-ditch appeals to the electorate

Raising the stakes

Raising the stakes

By Ian Dunt

Party leaders are dramatically raising the stakes as they try to firm up support in the run-up to polling day.

Gordon Brown launched a fierce last-minute attack on Nick Clegg today, who threatens to replace Labour as the popular vote.

“We’re talking about the future of our country. We’re not talking about who’s going to be the next presenter of a TV gameshow,” the prime minister said.

Brown’s scorn for ‘gameshow’ Clegg

Meanwhile, the Conservative sought to maximise on their improved poll ratings since last Thursday’s debate by behaving as if they were confident of gaining a majority.

The tactic, which is almost certainly intended to give the impression to voters that a Tory victory is now very likely, is only partially reflected in the polls. Most surveys still suggest a hung parliament.

The polls: Tories edge closer to majority

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Cameron said he would repeal a host of New Labour laws if elected.

Cameron eyes ‘great repeal bill’

But in a separate interview with the Independent on Sunday, the Tory leader seemed less confident. He admitted his election campaign had been made more difficult by the leaders’ TV debates, which he lobbied for.

Cameron: The debates made life harder

Mr Clegg, the main beneficiary of the debates, reiterated his calls for voters to do something different this election, which he described as a once-in-a-generation chance to change Britain’s political system.

Clegg: ‘Don’t let this moment slip’

Britain goes to the polls on Thursday.

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