Campaign Round-up: Seven days to go

It’s seven days until voters go to the polls – here’s a quick look at how the elections are shaping up across the country.

Message

“Renting a home shouldn’t be a luxury, but under the Tories Londoners could live in 4-star luxury in most of Europe for what they pay. Rents have gone up by 30 per cent with a Tory Mayor and it would be exactly the same under Zac Goldsmith – with rents soaring above £2,000 a month” – Sadiq Khan, following a report showing the average London rent is now £1,676 per month – or £55 a night. For that amount you can stay in a luxury 4-star hotel in more than two-thirds of European capitals.

Forecasts

A YouGov poll has given Labour a notable three point lead over the Tories nationally, though how this reflects across the different regions across the UK remains to be seen.

Things might be getting brighter in Scotland, with Dugdale’s Labour moving into second place with a five point lead over the Tories in the constituency vote and four points ahead in the list vote, according to a TNS poll. The support has come mainly from a drop in SNP ratings, rather than from Tory voters changing their mind.

Quote of the Day

“Change isn’t easy, but voting for change is.” – Kezia Dugdale

Meme of the Day

Members from all sides of the political spectrum are marking a fixture of the political calendar – Ed Balls day. Today’s celebrations have a sombre tone, however, because the former shadow Chancellor lost his Morley and Outwood seat last year. Will he tweet his name? You can keep tabs on him here.

Opposition watch

Last night’s Welsh leaders’ debate put the six parties head to head. In a shocking twist of self-deception, Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, accused Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems of supporting “Labour cuts to the NHS” on the same day junior doctors were striking in England over the Conservatives’ NHS contracts, and just after First Minister Carwyn Jones had outlined the Budget increases Labour had secured.