Nigel Farage is set to win the five-way ‘challengers’ debate tonight, according to leading political spread betting firm Sporting Index. Most polls put the UKIP leader as joint winner of the previous all-party debate, and is expected to benefit from the absence of David Cameron and Nick Clegg tonight.
The seven-way debate two weeks ago thrust Plaid Cymru Party leader Leanne Wood into the limelight when she attacked Farage for pointing out the number of health tourists with HIV entering the UK.
However, Wood is still expected to finish a distant fourth behind Labour leader Ed Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP who are difficult to separate for second and third. The Green Party leader Natalie Bennett is expected to struggle for air time and finish last as Farage, Miliband and Sturgeon tackle spending, taxation, housing and immigration pledges.
Ed Fulton, political spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “With just one debate to follow – limited to Miliband, Clegg and Cameron – tonight represents the last real chance for the likes of Wood, Bennett and Sturgeon to speak directly to a UK-wide audience about their parties and policies. “
What’s more, ballots are already being cast up and down the country as postal ballots have been sent out in many areas. All of the leaders will be under huge pressure to deliver a winning performance as time is running out to convince floating voters. With a hung parliament predicted, a single seat could tip the balance of power at Westminster.”
The party leaders are expected to attack David Cameron for refusing to attend. Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, was not allowed to attend as the BBC decided the debate should be amongst those parties not in power in Westminster.
Breitbart London will be live blogging the event at this address tonight from 7:00pm.