Like the early rounds of the X-Factor, much of the fun of an election stems from seeing the predictions and hopes of political parties dashed as they come into contact with the ultimate judging panel – the British electorate.
Which party or parties will form the next government remains unclear, but it’s now a near certainty that neither Labour or the Tories are heading for a majority.
Even so, one of these two parties will lead the next Government so, in case you’ve skipped the weeks of tedious election broadcasts and policy announcements, here’s a quick catch-up of their main policies:
It’s important to have your say by casting a vote, but why not also have a little fun by placing a wager on the outcome? Online bookmakers such as Betfair are offering odds both on the overall election result and some individual key seats.
Then, suitably armed with some snacks, energy drinks and a bucket of stamina, sit back in your armchair and watch the results (and hopefully cash) come in with your choice of broadcaster:
The BBC: Old Faithful
Leading the charge with Question Time host, David Dimbleby, is the BBC.
Seen as an authority on all things political, Dimbleby will offer provide an insightful yet friendly face for a team that will include many of the BBC’s leading analysts.
Long-term Dimbleby will want to make the most of his final General Election appearance.
ITV: Politics with an Edge
Offering a slightly more “hard hitting” stance to Election Night is ITV. Hosting the show will be Tom Bradbury and he’ll be joined by a panel of pundits, including: election analyst Professor Colin Rallings and Professor Jane Green of Manchester University.
Channel 4: The Other Guys
The final choice for TV audiences is Channel 4. Wanting to do something more edgy and that caters to a younger audience, Channel 4 has decided to blend sweet and sour in the form of Jeremy Paxman and David Mitchell.
The no nonsense broadcaster and comedian should offer a mix of authority and candid honesty that younger viewers will appreciate.
Supporting the two hosts with a gag book full of satirical quips will be a string of comedians, including: Roison Conaty, Kayvan Novak and Romesh Ranganathan.
In collaboration with Betfair
