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David Miliband says his family will "stay strong" if his brother Ed also runs for the leadership of the Labour party. At the moment he's the only declared candidate for the role.

Amid the political events of the last six days, two hundred and twenty six new people have started their lives as MPs. Three newly-elected representatives tell Nicky about their first week.

The new health secretary reveals his plans for the future of the NHS, including the provision of new drugs and changes in front-line staff.
Cameron 'expecting great things' from civil servants
David Cameron has told civil servants he is "expecting great things" from them, after chairing the first meeting of his new cabinet at Number 10.

The two joint-leaders of Britain's new coalition government speak and answer media questions in the garden of Downing Street. John Pienaar and the Times' Daniel Finkelstein provide analysis.

5 live's Dominic Laurie asks the Director General of the Institute of Directors how UK business will be affected by the formation of the new coalition government.

One of the Liberal Democrats chief negotiators in the coalition agreement, David Laws, discusses which Lib Dem policies will be honoured in the power partnership.

With David Cameron now installed at Number 10, Britain has a government once more. But what do our partners in Washington make of our recent political wrangling and our brand new coalition?
Bond prices rise on new government
UK government bond prices have risen after investors gave a cautious welcome to the new government.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces his plan to step down as Labour leader by September and that Labour and the Lib Dems will open formal talks. Analysis from John Pienaar.

Featuring former Labour spin doctor Lance Price as Gordon Brown, Conservative blogger Iain Dale as David Cameron and former Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik as Nick Clegg.

Having a hung parliament is thought to be what the City doesn't want: political uncertainty, the possibility of another election in the near future, and nobody handling the budget deficit.

Gordon Brown's still prime minister and Nick Clegg's had two meetings with David Cameron and one with the PM. Former Cabinet minister Michael Portillo assesses the political landscape.

Lord Steel led the Liberal party into a pact with the minority Labour government in 1977, and he joins Nicky to give his thoughts on the current Con/Lib talks.

The Lib Dem leader, arriving at the party HQ in London, says toe the gathered media that the Conservatives have gained "first right" to attempt to form a government in the "national interest."

The incumbent Prime Minister says that Britain's got a hung parliament for the first time since the 1970s. Gordon Brown says he's prepared to talk to any party leader about forming a government.

After falling just short of an overall majority at this general election, Conservative leader David Cameron makes explicit offers to Nick Clegg of forming a coalition.
Who should join forces with who?
As 5 live's coverage of the election continued users shared their views on who should share power with who, who should run the country and the merits or not of a coalition government.

The First Minister of Scotland takes listeners' calls, hosted by Nicky Campbell.

The Prime Minister answers listener's questions, hosted by Nicky Campbell.
What do you want to ask Alex Salmond?
SNP leader Alex Salmond took calls and questions from listeners about his party's policies. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.
What do you want to ask Gordon Brown?
On the last day of campaigning before the election, Gordon Brown took calls and questions from listeners about Labour's policies. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.
Have you made up your mind how you'll vote?
Polls suggest four out of ten voters haven't decided how to vote. Stephen Nolan, sitting in for Victoria, talks to candidates from the three main parties. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch.

How much influence could smaller parties have after this election? The leaders of both UKIP and Plaid Cymru talk to Nicky Campbell and the audience about their policies.
Is this the election that will give more power to the smaller parties?
Nicky speaks to the leaders of UKIP and Plaid Cymru about their policies and whether they think they'll have more influence after the election. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch.

Victoria's programme came live from Leeds where she discussed the issue of crime with 200 listeners and a panel of senior politicians, includnig Alan Johnson, Chris Grayling and Chris Huhne.
Is it Deal or No Deal time for the parties?
With polls pointing to a hung parliament, Nicky asks if it's time the party leaders made a deal with each other. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch.
Talking about crime in Leeds
Victoria's programme came live from Leeds where she talked about crime with a panel of senior politicians and 200 listeners. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their opinions.

Kate Silverton invites the smaller parties to take on the big three over issues that they say have not had proper attention like immigration, pensions, and Trident.

Mark Hutchings reports from Cardiff where he hears from a jazz band of first-time voters about their intentions at the polls, through the medium of music.

Mark Hutchings and Dalya Raphael examine the issues which are the main concerns for voters in Wales.
David Cameron 'giving it everything'
Tory leader David Cameron says his party now have "momentum" and he is "giving it everything" in the final week of the election campaign.

Stephen hosts a debate on the election issues in Northern Ireland at the Waterfront Hall. With analysis from BBC's Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson and commentator Eamonn Mallie.

Phil Woolas, Labour Immigration Minister; Ed Davey, the Lib Dem Foreign Affairs spokesman; and Grant Shapps, Tory Spokesman for Housing debate their party policies on immigration.

The Conservative leader David Cameron speaks to Peter Allen while out on his campaign tour of the country.

It's almost time to cast your vote. Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Nick Clegg? Who do you want in power?

From a cafe in Brimimgham, Nicky Campbell hosts questions from an audience to the Shadow Chancellor and local business owners
Who has your X Factor?
After the final prime ministerial TV debate, which candidate came out on top? On the Phone-in, Nicky asks which one has the X Factor. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch.

Infront of a live audience in Birmingham with John Pienaar for analysis, Tony Livesey hosts the debate reaction

Victoria came live from Rochdale, the town which became the focus of the election campaign after Gordon Brown refered to a local pensioner as a "bigoted woman".

Nicky Campbell asks the audience who the Rochdale pensioner should vote for now?
A dozen things to watch for in final TV debate
James Landale, Deputy political editor, BBC News, looks ahead to the final TV election debate and what might be discussed by the leaders.
How will Brown's gaffe affect votes?
Victoria was live in Rochdale, the town at the centre of the "bigoted woman" controversy. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch to say whether Gordon Brown's comments would change how they vote.

We hear from the people of Gillian Duffy's hometown and Max Clifford gives a PR point of view on how this will affect the Labour campaign

Gay votes, grey votes, black votes and even youth votes. Matthew Bannister discusses whether or not it's right to lump voters into categories and will it sway the outcome?

Caroline Lucas, the leader of the Green Party, answers your questions on the phone in. Hosted by Nicky Campbell.
What do you want to ask the Green Party?
Green Party leader Caroline Lucas took calls and questions from listeners about her party's policies ahead of the election. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.

Nicky Campbell asks the leader of the Lib Dems about a hung parliament, his expenses and his policies.
What do you want to ask Nick Clegg?
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg took calls and questions from listeners about his party's policies ahead of the general election. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.

Shadow Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt admits big spending cuts will be needed but says it's very difficult to know how much as an opposition party.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls says the budget deficit should be cut slowly initially to protect the fragile economic recovery.

The Liberal Democrats' Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Jeremy Brown, outlines where his party expects to make savings of £10bn per year.

Along side a 200 strong audience, Phillip Hammond, Gina Dowding, Steve Webb and Rosie Winterton debate the economy

Nicky Campbell takes calls from the audience on how they want unemployment tackled.
Talking about the economy in Middlesbrough
Victoria's programme came live from Middlesbrough where she was joined by an audience of 200 listeners and a panel of senior politicians. She was there to talk about the economy. Many people got in touch on 5 live Connect.

Nolan delves into the detail of Labour's manifesto about whether or not they are commiting to protect front line services to cut the deficit

Shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt explains Conservative policies on boosting the private sector, particularly in N. Ireland and north east England, and public sector cuts.

The Care Services minister Phil Hope discusses Labour's proposals to protect frontline services in the public sector from cuts. He also discusses Gordon Brown's performance during Labour's campaign.

On St George's Day, the leader of the BNP launches their manifesto, concentrating on immigration, defence and the economy

Last year we were in the longest recession on record. This morning we've got figures showing the British economy grew by 0.2 in the first three months of 2010. Two economists analyse the figures.
BNP call for end to immigration from Muslim nations
The British National Party (BNP) are calling for an end to immigration from Muslim nations, saying this presents a "deadly threat" to the UK.

Paddy Ashdown, David Miliband and George Osbourne alongside Armando Ianucci give analysis alongside listener reactions straight after the second TV debate

Richard chairs Tory blogger Iain Dale as Nick Clegg, Lib Dem candidate Lembit Opik as Gordon Brown and former Labour spin doctor Lance Prince as David Cameron

Peter Allen talks to the prime minister Gordon Brown in Swindon about the economy, the influence of the television debates and what's being done about the volcanic ash cloud over the UK.

During Victoria Derbyshire's show, we took the live broadcast of the leader of the SNP launching their election manifesto

The leaderof the SNP talks about tax, the economy and what he thinks about Nick Clegg
Salmond urges voters to 'achieve a balanced parliament'
Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond has urged electors in Scotland to vote SNP and achieve a "balanced parliament" on 6 May.
Cameron: Don't treat public like a 'bunch of mugs'
David Cameron has said politicians must stop treating the public like a "bunch of mugs" in thinking only new laws and more money can solve problems.
Labour warn of teacher and police cuts under Tories
Labour have warned that thousands of teachers and police officers could lose their jobs as a result of proposed Conservative cuts in spending.
Brown and Cameron seek to grab initiative from Lib Dems
Gordon Brown has said Lib Dem policies must be "exposed" after polls suggested a jump in support for the party.

The Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, speaks to Weekend Breakfast about the TV debate and how the Conservative's are targeting public sector workers.
Election TV debate: The key moments
The key moments as Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg take part in Britain's first ever prime ministerial TV debate.

Caroline Lucas, leader, launched the Green's election manifesto, hoping to get their first seat in Westminster.
Election 2010: Green Party launch 'ambitious' manifesto
The Green Party of England and Wales have set out manifesto plans to make Britain a "greener and fairer society".
Economists warn over Tory efficiency plans
More than 50 economists have reportedly warned that Tory plans for spending cuts risk job losses and tipping the economy back into recession.
Key exchanges in the prime ministerial debate
The first prime ministerial TV debate has now taken place, with all three parties claiming that their leader came out on top.

Public services will have to be cut back, but what impact will that have on schools, hospitals, crime? Representatives from the Conservatives, Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens debate.

The Liberal Democrats launch their election manifesto with an introduction from 5 live's Chief Political Correspondent John Pienaar

Nicky Campbell talks to Danny Alexander (Lib) about the Lib Dem manifesto

Gordon Brown has admitted that he should have taken a tougher line with the banks when he was Chancellor. Ralf Silva is a banking analyst from SRN Financial, and reacts to the PM's remarks.
Election 2010: Lib Dem manifesto promises fairness
The Liberal Democrats have set out a "four step" manifesto plan to "hardwire fairness into British society".
Brown admits he made a mistake over bank regulation
Gordon Brown has admitted he made a mistake in not introducing tougher bank regulation when he was chancellor.
UK drive for sustainable politics
Political parties on the UK election campaign trail in Scotland have been focussing on the economy and the state of politics.
Is the Liberal Democrats' election manifesto enough to win you over?
The Liberal Democrats have unveiled their election manifesto, saying it is a "serious" plan for government that the voters can "trust". Users of 5 live Connect gave their thoughts on whether it was enough to win them over.

Tony Livesey hosts listeners' reactions to the Tory manifesto with Grant Shapps. They talk about scrapping HIP packs and public services.

Peter Allen talks to Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg about the prospect of a hung parliament and his party's policies, including those on tax, education and the economy.

Richard Bacon talks to Tory blogger Iain Dale about the Conservative manifesto launch. Iain explains how their 'people power' ideas will work.

David Cameron delivers the Conservative Party manifesto for the General Election 2010. With analysis from John Pienaar.

Nerys Evans, Plaid Cymru's Director of Policy, discusses their party manifesto which focuses on seven priorities to protect the most vulnerable in society.

David Campbell Bannerman, UKIP Deputy Leader and Head of Policy, talks to Nicky about his party's manifesto which includes boosting the economy, cutting migration and leaving Europe.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague, talks to Nicky about his party's manifesto including their proposals on allowing parents to set up their own schools, immigration and tax.
Cameron: Tory manifesto will change Britain for better
Conservative leader David Cameron has launched his party's election manifesto, which he says is a "plan to change Britain for the better".
Plaid Cymru manifesto pledge to 'protect vulnerable'
Plaid Cymru has launched its election manifesto with a promise to protect the "vulnerable and front-line services".
UKIP to back Eurosceptics in other parties
The UK Independence Party have said they will not campaign against election candidates from other parties who are "committed" Eurosceptics.

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper takes listeners calls on the Labour Party manifesto for the General Election, including their proposals on health and tax.

5 live's Economics Editor, Stephanie Flanders examines the economic proposals in Labour's manifesto. Chief Political Correspondent, John Pienaar also analyses Labour's proposals.

Labour's election co-ordinator, Douglas Alexander explains why Labour still needs to fight for reform. He discusses their economy policies, public services and health, plus the issue of public trust.

Victoria's in Bromsgrove joined by Hilary Benn then Tony Wright (Lab), Simon Hughes (LD), Grant Shapps (Con) and Keith Brown, SNP.

Gordon Brown launches Labour's election manifesto

Nicky Campbell asks the audience "What would you put in your manifesto?" We get your view of what you want the parties to be putting in their manifestos.

Ed Miliband talks to Nicky Campbell about the Labour manifesto and why the public would want to to vote Gordon Brown back in
Labour manifesto: Brown unveils election programme
Gordon Brown has unveiled Labour's manifesto with a pledge not to raise income tax and to push forward with reform of the public services.

The former head of the Confederation of British Industry, gives his thoughts on the row over proposed rises in National Insurance, and the state of the economy as a whole.
UKIP warning over 'corrupt octopus' of Brussels
The UK Independence Party leader Lord Pearson has warned against five more years of integration into the "corrupt octopus that is Brussels".

Nicky Campbell talks to Ed Davey, the Lib Dem Foreign Affairs spokesperson, about tactical voting.

Andrew Verity and Mickey Clark discuss the economy with Tony Travers, Dr Linda Yueh and Francesca Lagerbergh
Conservatives outline public sector savings plan
The Tories have detailed how public spending could be cut by 12 billion pounds to fund their pledge on National Insurance.
Parties clash over job losses
Political parties have clashed over job cuts as the public spending row dominates the election campaign.
Labour hit back over National Insurance election row
Labour have hit back over criticism of their plans to raise National Insurance as Conservative leader David Cameron says they are looking "very rattled".
Is tax row over trifling sums?
It's THE story of the election campaign so far - whether or not to raise National Insurance by 1%. In fact, the figures show what is at stake here is a relatively trifling amount of money, says Michael Blastland in his regular column.
Are too many British jobs going to foreign workers?
Since 1997, 1.7 million new jobs have been added to the UK economy. In a blog post, the Spectator's Fraser Nelson claimed 98% of those jobs had gone to foreign workers. 5 live Connect asked for users' experiences.

Peter Allen asks UKIP leader Lord Pearson what type of electoral reform he supports? However, Lord Pearson soon discusses the impact on the UK if they left Europe and how more jobs would be created.

Labour's Ben Bradshaw, the Liberal Democrats' Simon Hughes and the Conservatives' Theresa May join Victoria Derbyshire and John Pienaar to talk about the final PMQs before the election.
Brown and Cameron clash on economy
Gordon Brown and David Cameron attack each other's plans for the economy, in their final Commons clash before the election.
Do you want a posh PM?
Gordon Brown has emphasised his own "ordinary middle class background", while David Cameron's Eton education has been the target of Labour jibes. Nicky Campbell asked in the phone-in whether people cared about class.
Reaction to the final PMQs before the election
During an extended Victoria Derbyshire programme listeners gave their reaction on 5 live Connect to the final Prime Minister's Questions ahead of the 2010 Election.

David Cameron announced that the NHS will be the Conservatives priority. Peter Allen asks William Hague what happens to the economy if the NHS takes priority.

The Welsh nationalists, led by Ieuan Wyn Jones, pledge to help pensioners and the more vulnerable people in Wales, as well as working on tackling the faltering economy.

Peter Allen comes live from College Green at Westminster, and he's joined by Liam Byrne who's chief secretary to the Treasury, his shadow Philip Hammond, and the Lib Dems' Simon Hughes.

Lord Mandelson, Labour's Business Secretary; Sarah Teather, Lib Dem Housing Spokeswoman; and Conservative blogger, Iain Dale discuss the prospects for the Election campaign.

On the day the general election is announced, Victoria speaks to six candidates planning to stand in Watford. She also hears from the Lib Dems' Norman Lamb and the Conservative's Jeremy Hunt.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson speaks to Victoria about the election being called and why he thinks people should vote Labour on May 6th.

Standing in the shadow of Westminster Bridge, David Cameron pledges his future government, should the Tories win the election, will tackle the economic deficit and restore trust in politics.

The PM announces the dissolution of Parliament and the commencement of his general election campaign. He speaks about continuing to invest in public services and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Election race begins as Brown confirms 6 May date
Political leaders head off on the campaign trail after Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces the UK general election is to be held on 6 May.
What do you want Britain to look like after the election?
Victoria's programme came live from the marginal seat of Watford on the morning the general election was officially called, where she asked listeners for their thoughts on what they wanted to change in Britain.

We speak to David Cameron after bosses of some of Britain's biggest businesses signed a letter in the Telegraph backing the Tories' plans to scrap part of the planned rise in National Insurance.

Elfyn Llwyd from Plaid and Stewart Hosie from the Scottish nationalists both say they will demand four areas of concession before joining into a coalition with a majority party post-election.

Jack Straw, one of three Labour MPs to have served in every Cabinet since 1997, answers questions on a possible hung parliament, the general election campaign and eradicating sleaze in Westminster.

After his appearance on the Chancellor's Debate last night, listeners questioned the Liberal Democrat Vince Cable. How does he feel he fared, and what are his party's economic pledges?
Social care levy plans unveiled
A compulsory levy will be introduced to help pay for social care for adults in England, under government plans.
Tories make Nat Insurance pledge
The Tories plan changes to next year's National Insurance rise which they say will benefit anyone earning up to £45,400.

Gordon Brown has promised to secure the economic recovery, halve the budget deficit and make Government more accountable. Labour, Lib Dem, Conservative and SNP politicians debate.
Here you can browse our coverage of the 2010 election, including interviews, debates and listener comments. You can search for content either by day or by issue. The size of the word in the cloud indicates how much discussion there has been about it on any one given day.
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What's your message for the new cabinet?
The cabinet ministers of the coalition government met for the first time this morning. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their messages for the new cabinet.
Your views in 5 live Connect