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Former minister Clare Short tells 5 live that she wants more women in the Cabinet and gives advice to newly-elected Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi.

With the Liberal Democrats agreeing to join the Conservatives in Britain's first coalition government since the Second World War, Nicky asks listeners: can this work for Britain?

Social historian Juliet Gardiner and John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde, discuss how New Labour's 13 years in power shaped the UK.

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?
David Cameron's coalition government sets to work
New UK Prime Minister David Cameron is beginning to shape his government, after the Conservatives agreed to form a historic coalition with the Lib Dems.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg hails new government
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said he hopes his party's coalition with the Conservatives will herald a "new kind of government".
Can this coalition government work for Britain?
On the first morning of the coalition government, Nicky asks if the two parties can get along. Can a coalition work for Britain? Many of you got in touch with your thoughts.
A new political landscape
Victoria speaks to politicians, commentators and 5 live listeners about how this new political landscape will unfold. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.

Five days on from the election Peter Allen talks to politicians and political analysts as speculation continues as to who will form a government with whom.

Peter Allen is on College Green in Westminster, as Gordon Brown steps down as Prime Minister so passing the baton to David Cameron as he is invited to form a government by the Queen.

Conservative MP and former defence secretary Malcolm Rifkind says as the Labour party finished third in the election, the Tories stand the greatest chance of forming a coalition with the Lib Dems.

Angus Robertson MP - the leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster - on his party's support of a potential Labour/Liberal Democrat deal.

The former home secretary says that a "rainbow coalition" would be doomed and the Labour party needs to go into opposition in order to renew itself.
Lib Dems and Tories resume talks
The Lib Dems and Conservatives have resumed negotiations for a fourth day, as a senior Lib Dem tells the BBC the Tory offer was the "only deal in town".
Gordon Brown resigns as UK prime minister
Labour's Gordon Brown has resigned as UK prime minister after three years.
Who should Clegg crown king?
Senior Liberal Democrats have said the process of forming a new government could be resolved within 24 hours. 5 live Connect users shared their views on who Nick Clegg should crown king.

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.
Gordon Brown 'stepping down as Labour leader'
Gordon Brown has announced he will step down as Labour leader by September - as his party opens formal talks with the Lib Dems about forming a government.
Do you want to change the voting system?
As the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats hold more talks to try to form a government, Nicky asks if you agree with the Lib Dems' desire for electoral reform.
What do you want to happen next in Westminster?
Victoria comes live from Westminster as the Conservatives and Lib Dems continue trying to form a government. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch about what they hope happens next.

The Labour MP and former Sports Minister Kate Hoey says she can't see Gordon Brown continuing as leader of her party.

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.

The Liberal Democrat Dr Evan Harris shares his thoughts on why he believes he lost his seat in Oxford West to the Conservatives.

Nicky Campbell asks the successful parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavillion on her plans for the future and about the hung parliament

The former Lib Dem leader talks to Nicky Campbell about the position of his party after election night

Nicky Campbell takes your calls and listens to your opinions on who you want to be PM after an election night result of a hung parliament

The former Labour party leader talks to Nicky Campbell, Shelagh Fogerty and John Pienaar about the election results and Labour's position
Brown 'respects' Clegg talks with Tories
Gordon Brown has said he "respects" the right of the Lib Dems to talk to the Tories about forming a government.
Cameron makes offer to Lib Dems on government
David Cameron has reached out to the Liberal Democrats in an effort to form a government - after the UK general election resulted in a hung parliament.
Who is going to be the next PM?
The election has resulted in a hung parliament with the Conservatives as the party with the most seats. But who will be the next PM? Users of 5 live Connect got in touch.
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.

One of the high profile casualties of the election is Jacqui Smith, the first female home secretary, who loses her seat to the Conservatives.
Immediate reaction as the polls close
Users of 5 live Connect share their views on not being able to vote due to queues outside polling stations, and whether their vote will have made a difference.

The Prime Minister answers listener's questions, hosted by Nicky Campbell.

Rory Cellan-Jones, Chris Mason and Sheila Gunn remark on what has changed during this election. Is it first ladies? Or is it social media?

The home secretary talks about Simon Cowell's comments and Gordon Brown on the last day of campaigning

Nicky Campbell talks to the housing spokesperson for the Lib Dems, Sarah Teather on the eve of Polling Day.
Brown says voting share and not just seats is important
Gordon Brown has said it is important that Labour gets as many votes as possible, and not just seats.
Time to make a choice, says Nick Clegg
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has told voters it is "time to make a choice", as he embarks on a whistle-stop tour of England.
BNP 'expects' to be UK's fourth biggest party
The British National Party "fully expect to push Labour close" in both Barking and Stoke-on-Trent Central.
David Cameron is 'going all out' to win election 2010
David Cameron says he is "going all out" to win the election in his round-the-clock final push for votes.
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.

Peter Allen talks about tactical voting with Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne and the conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green.

Philip Hammond and Chris Huhne give their reaction and listeners tell us why they're voting tactically and discuss whether a new electoral system would make more sense.

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.

The Foreign Secretary explains why he thinks it is best for the UK to stay part of the EU and what he thinks about tactical voting.
Labour ministers urge tactical voting
Labour's Ed Balls and Peter Hain have backed tactical voting in marginal seats to "keep the Tories out".
Leaders in frantic push on penultimate election day
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are to criss-cross the country on Tuesday as electioneering intensifies on the campaign's penultimate day.
Brown 'will take responsibility' for loss
Gordon Brown has said he will take "full responsibility" if Labour fails to win the general election.
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.
Will you vote tactically?
Victoria speaks to Peter Hain, the Welsh Secretary, who suggests that voters should consider voting tactically to keep the Tories out. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.

Norman Baker, Grant Shaps and Jackie Smith debate policy with the audience.

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.
Cameron pledges marathon campaign
David Cameron has pledged a marathon end to his campaign, including a 24-hour spell through Tuesday night.
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.
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.
UK election at-a-glance: 1 May
The parties step up their campaigns with 6 May just five days away.

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?

Rachel Burden looks at some of the jingles PPC's have made to support their campaign. Do they work? Would they help you decide?

From a cafe in Brimimgham, Nicky Campbell hosts questions from an audience to the Shadow Chancellor and local business owners
BNP claim 'window of opportunity' from Brown bigot slur
The BNP has said the incident in which Gordon Brown called a pensioner a "bigoted woman" has opened a "window of opportunity for the party".
8.4m watch final prime ministerial debate
An average audience of 8.4m people watched the BBC's prime ministerial debate, early overnight figures show.
Campaign a two-horse race, says Clegg
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has said the election is now "a two-horse race" between his party and the Tories.
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?

Nicky Campbell speaks to Peter Duffy, who was in the house when the prime minister apologised to his aunt, Gillian Duffy, for referring to her as "bigoted".

This election does have implications for America. Patrick Basham, Director of the Democracy Institute, tells us why.
Neil Kinnock says it 'doesn't look like' Labour can win
Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock has said it "doesn't look like" his party can win the general election, but insists it remains "within reach".
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.
Who should Gillian Duffy vote for now?
After Gordon Brown's "bigoted woman" comment about a Rochdale pensioner, Nicky asks who Gillian Duffy should vote for now. Users of 5 live Connect got in touch with their thoughts.
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

The PM's returned to Rochdale and visited the home of Gillian Duffy, the voter he privately branded a "bigot." The Chancellor, Alastair Darling, defends Gordon Brown's temper.

Discussion from James Cook, Tim Mongomerie, Vincent Moss and Andres Rawnsley and a live comment from Peter Mandelson

Gordon Brown calls a voter a 'bigot' after leaving his mic live at a press event in Rochdale

Gabby Logan talks to Lance Prince and John Pienaar about the implications of the repercussions of calling a voter from Rochdale a 'bigoted woman'
Gordon Brown 'bigoted woman' comment caught on tape
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been caught on microphone describing a voter he had just spoken to in Rochdale as a "bigoted woman".
Gordon Brown apologises for 'bigot' comment
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has apologised after being caught on microphone describing a voter he had just spoken to in Rochdale as a "bigoted woman".

Mr Clegg takes questions from listeners on banking reform, tax plans, the leadership issue, the EU and Euro, immigration, his constituency work and whether Louis Theroux was ever really his fag...

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.
Tories to target Labour heartlands
David Cameron has said the Tories are to target Labour strongholds, in the wake of the Lib Dem poll surge.

The second TV debate happened the night before and Danny Alexander, Chief of Staff for Nick Clegg talks about Lib Dem policies and how he thought his party had performed

The Shadow Foreign Secretary also answer questions from members of the public at a cafe in Bristol with Shelagh Fogarty

The International Development Secretary talks from a cafe in Bristol about the previous night's TV debate

Olly Grender, former Lib Dem communications director, David Hill, former communications director for Labour and former Tory spin doctor Joanne Nadler debate style over substance
Election 2010: Tories attack Labour over leaflet 'lies'
The Tories have stepped up attacks on Labour over "lies" about plans to cut benefits for the elderly - after David Cameron raised it in the TV debate.
Election 2010: Gloves off in second leaders' debate
The gloves came off in the second prime ministerial debate as Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg clashed over global affairs.

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

Shadow Business Secretary, Ken Clarke, says it was predictable that the press would attack Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg after his popularity grew.

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

Trevor Kavanah (Associate Editor of The Sun), Sunny Hundall (writer for Liberalconspiracy blog) and Dan Sabbagh (former Media Editor for The Times) debate with listeners about the power of the papers

Global affairs are the subject up for debate with the 3 main party leaders tonight on TV. Ahead of this, the Foreign Secretay comments on Afghanistan and nuclear weapons.

The foreign affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats comments on defence, global issues, the expenses scandal and Nick Clegg

The party chairman talks to Nicky Campbell about the TV debates tonight and rates David Cameron at 8.3 out of 10 for the first debate

Prefaced with some audience insights, the Professor analyses the effects of having a nuclear Iran
Nick Clegg under attack ahead of second election debate
Nick Clegg has come under attack over political donations - as the Lib Dems say he is being "smeared" ahead of the second TV debate.
Leaders prepare for second prime ministerial TV debate
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are preparing for their second head-to-head prime ministerial TV debate, focused on global affairs.

Are the main parties capable of working together? Or will party politics get in the way of running the country? 5 live listeners give their views.
Would a hung parliament be the best result for Britain?
Are the main parties capable of working together? Or will party politics get in the way of running the country? Users of 5 live Connect shared their opinions.

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

John Pienaar picks apart Nick Clegg's speech about why he can offer more than Labour and the Conservatives.
Election 2010: Parties battle over who offers 'change'
Political parties are battling over who can offer voters "change" as the polls suggest a continuing Lib Dem surge.
Plaid demand leaders debate spot
Plaid Cymru's Helen Mary Jones says the party must be involved in the next two TV UK-wide leaders' debates.

Former Leader of the Lib Dems, Sir Menzies Campbell, former Home Secretary David Blunkett and former Shadow Home Secretary David Davis give their take on the election campaign.
Nick Clegg brands Labour and Conservatives 'desperate'
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has hit back at suggestions that a vote for his party would only benefit his rivals.
What do you want to ask Nick Griffin?
The leader of the British National Party took questions from listeners about his policies and the upcoming election. Many people got in touch on 5 live Connect.
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.
Gordon Brown to claim race 'wide open'
Gordon Brown is insisting the election is "wide open" as the party leaders step up campaigning over the weekend.
Cameron warns over hung parliament
David Cameron has warned of the dangers of a hung parliament and said only a "decisive" Conservative government would "get the job done".

Nicky Campbell talks to the Shadow Culture Secretary about how he thought David Cameron did in the first TV debates

The Foreign Affairs spokesperson talks to Nicky about how Nick Clegg did in the first Prime Ministerial debate

The Home Secretary talks to Nicky Campbell about how he thought Gordon Brown did in the first Prime Ministerial debate.
Nick Clegg had good TV election debate, says Cameron
David Cameron has conceded his Lib Dem rival Nick Clegg did well in the historic prime ministerial TV showdown.
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.
Which of the leaders would you like to meet and what would you tell them?
In the first prime ministerial debate, Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Gordon Brown were keen to tell us where they'd been and who they'd met. On 5 live Connect, people got in touch to say which leader they'd like to meet and why.

Tony Livesey and John Pienaar hear reaction from listeners, pundits and politicians to Britain's first prime ministerial debate.
Election TV debate: Leaders prepare for historic clash
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are preparing to make political history by taking part in Britain's first ever prime ministerial TV debate.

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.

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

According to the shadow foreign secretary William Hague, David Cameron has 'bags of common sense', despite being an Etonian.
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.
Election is 'not two-horse race'
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg says the general election will not be the usual "two-horse race" between Labour and the Conservatives.
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