Vote 2010

Even more noteworthy was how he kept his cool during a tetchy interview with radio presenter John Humphrys. Broadcasters on the Today programme, and others, clearly think their role in the election is to antagonise politicians. Mr Miliband, who is seeking re-election in Doncaster, was far too savvy to fall for this ploy. He's clearly a man who can keep his cool while under fire.

Bad day: The Liberal Democrats:

The party suffered a blow to its public image when parliamentary candidate David Murray was forced to stand down after it emerged he was facing serious criminal allegations. Leader Nick Clegg said he had "done the right thing" by withdrawing as the party's candidate in The Wrekin, Shropshire. West Mercia Police refused to comment about the nature of their investigation. Mr Clegg admitted the news was damaging but said the matter was now in the hands of the police.

Quote of the day

Our manifesto is not written in the past tense. It is written in the future tense.

– Gordon Brown, speaking at the launch of Labour's election manifesto.

My manifesto

"Taking the axe to public services to pay for the bankers' recession would scupper economic recovery and ravage communities already struggling to survive. The Government must ensure the banks are properly regulated, the super-rich are fairly taxed and public sector workers – who have never been more needed than now – are properly funded."

– Cliff Williams, regional secretary in Yorkshire and Humberside of the public services union Unison