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Election campaigns reach climax Election campaigns reach climax
(20 minutes later)
Campaigning is entering its final stages ahead of Thursday's Scottish, Welsh and English local elections.Campaigning is entering its final stages ahead of Thursday's Scottish, Welsh and English local elections.
The polls are the biggest test of public opinion since 2005's general election - and will be Tony Blair's last as Labour leader.The polls are the biggest test of public opinion since 2005's general election - and will be Tony Blair's last as Labour leader.
All of the parties will be out in force on Wednesday, with the contest expected to be particularly fierce between Labour and the SNP in Scotland.All of the parties will be out in force on Wednesday, with the contest expected to be particularly fierce between Labour and the SNP in Scotland.
Labour is also battling to regain control of the Welsh Assembly. Labour is also battling to regain control of the Welsh assembly.
Labour's opponents have urged voters to use Thursday's polls to issue a verdict on Tony Blair's 10 years in power.Labour's opponents have urged voters to use Thursday's polls to issue a verdict on Tony Blair's 10 years in power.
But Mr Blair, who is expected to announce his resignation next week, has urged voters to resist the temptation to give him one final "kicking" at the ballot box.But Mr Blair, who is expected to announce his resignation next week, has urged voters to resist the temptation to give him one final "kicking" at the ballot box.
'Mood''Mood'
During his final campaign visit to Scotland on Tuesday, Mr Blair warned that the SNP, which has pledged a referendum on independence, would cause "chaos and instability".During his final campaign visit to Scotland on Tuesday, Mr Blair warned that the SNP, which has pledged a referendum on independence, would cause "chaos and instability".
But SNP leader Alex Salmond re-emphasised his party's commitment to a referendum on independence and claimed to have "caught the mood" of the Scottish people.But SNP leader Alex Salmond re-emphasised his party's commitment to a referendum on independence and claimed to have "caught the mood" of the Scottish people.
SCOTLAND - HOW THEY STAND Labour: 50SNP: 25Conservatives: 17Lib Dems: 17 SSP: 4Solidarity: 2Green: 7Senior citizens unity party: 1Independents: 5Presiding officer: 1 (ex SNP) In Depth: Elections 2007 Q&A: 2007 electionsSCOTLAND - HOW THEY STAND Labour: 50SNP: 25Conservatives: 17Lib Dems: 17 SSP: 4Solidarity: 2Green: 7Senior citizens unity party: 1Independents: 5Presiding officer: 1 (ex SNP) In Depth: Elections 2007 Q&A: 2007 elections
Labour has governed in coalition with the Lib Dems for the past four years - and Scotland's electoral system makes it difficult for one party to command an overall majority.Labour has governed in coalition with the Lib Dems for the past four years - and Scotland's electoral system makes it difficult for one party to command an overall majority.
But, if the SNP becomes the largest party, it could force Labour out of power for the first time since devolution in 1999.But, if the SNP becomes the largest party, it could force Labour out of power for the first time since devolution in 1999.
Chancellor Gordon Brown - whom Mr Blair has said he expects to take over as prime minister - will return from an EU conference in Brussels on Wednesday to lead a last-ditch battle for Labour votes.Chancellor Gordon Brown - whom Mr Blair has said he expects to take over as prime minister - will return from an EU conference in Brussels on Wednesday to lead a last-ditch battle for Labour votes.
However, senior figures from all the parties - including Mr Salmond - are expected to be on the campaign trail for a final push.However, senior figures from all the parties - including Mr Salmond - are expected to be on the campaign trail for a final push.
WALES - HOW THEY STAND Labour: 29Conservatives: 12 Plaid Cymru: 12Lib Dems: 6Others: 1WALES - HOW THEY STAND Labour: 29Conservatives: 12 Plaid Cymru: 12Lib Dems: 6Others: 1
In Wales, where Labour is fighting to regain control of the Welsh Assembly, the party leaders have also been criss-crossing the country in a final bid for votes. In Wales, where Labour is fighting to regain control of the Welsh assembly, the party leaders have also been criss-crossing the country in a final bid for votes.
Welsh seatsWelsh seats
Labour lost its majority in 2005 after Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law became an independent.Labour lost its majority in 2005 after Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law became an independent.
It still expects to be the largest party after Thursday's poll, but the Tories and Lib Dems could gain enough seats to form a ruling coalition, forcing it out of power.It still expects to be the largest party after Thursday's poll, but the Tories and Lib Dems could gain enough seats to form a ruling coalition, forcing it out of power.
Plaid Cymru also hopes to become the largest opposition group and speculation has been rife about its likely coalition partners.Plaid Cymru also hopes to become the largest opposition group and speculation has been rife about its likely coalition partners.
There are 40 local constituencies and another 20 seats in Wales, split equally between five large regional constituencies.There are 40 local constituencies and another 20 seats in Wales, split equally between five large regional constituencies.
Everyone has two votes - one to elect a constituency member and one vote to elect a regional member.Everyone has two votes - one to elect a constituency member and one vote to elect a regional member.
ImpactImpact
Labour is also under pressure in English local elections, where it is expected to lose hundreds of seats.Labour is also under pressure in English local elections, where it is expected to lose hundreds of seats.
PARTIES DEFENDING SEATS IN ENGLISH LOCAL ELECTIONS Conservative: 4408Lib Dem: 2412Labour: 2385Green: 44BNP: 10UKIP: 5Source: BBC Research. Figures include vacant seats previously controlled by the relevant partyPARTIES DEFENDING SEATS IN ENGLISH LOCAL ELECTIONS Conservative: 4408Lib Dem: 2412Labour: 2385Green: 44BNP: 10UKIP: 5Source: BBC Research. Figures include vacant seats previously controlled by the relevant party
The poll will also be a major test of David Cameron's leadership of the Conservative Party - and his claim to be on course to win the next general election.The poll will also be a major test of David Cameron's leadership of the Conservative Party - and his claim to be on course to win the next general election.
The Tories will be looking in particular to pick up seats in the Midlands and North of England, where they have struggled to make an impact in recent years.The Tories will be looking in particular to pick up seats in the Midlands and North of England, where they have struggled to make an impact in recent years.
Across England, 32.8 million people will be able to vote - with seats being contested in 312 local authorities.Across England, 32.8 million people will be able to vote - with seats being contested in 312 local authorities.
In some councils one third of seats will be up for election; in others, the whole council will be elected.In some councils one third of seats will be up for election; in others, the whole council will be elected.
There are also mayoral elections in Bedford, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.There are also mayoral elections in Bedford, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.
It is the biggest election in the local cycle in England, with about 10,500 council seats up for grabs.It is the biggest election in the local cycle in England, with about 10,500 council seats up for grabs.