Ed Balls calls for education debates: 8 in the morning, January 4th

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

By my admittedly dubious maths, there are 133 days until the general election, which I believe will be on May 6th.

Starting today, and most weekdays between now and that election, I’ll be highlighting 8 of the most important articles and snippets of the day, first thing in the morning.

* Ed Balls challenges his opposite numbers to debates on education policy in the run-up to the election, and says the choice will be between “different values, priorities and instincts…on the economy, public services and our relations with Europe.”

* The Times reports Labour’s alleged fears that Tony Blair will be an election liability.

* Commentators and activists including Roy Hattersley and Jessica Asato give their views on the likely the themes and outcomes that will define Election2010 in yesterday’s Observer.

* And others including Peter Kellner, Emma Reynolds and Jason Cowley say Gordon Brown can still win it.

* Gordon Brown says an age of aspiration can benefit everyone – and will start with education.

* School pupils will be taught personal financial management (was it LabourList’s New Ideas wot won it?).

* Shadow ministers are upset about being told “how to think progressive” by Tory brand man Steve Hilton, according to the Independent.

* “There is an agreement of ideas and of course the Liberals, I think, are closer to us on tax and public services”, says the PM.

* Fraser Nelson of the Spectator warns David Cameron not to take the voters for fools.