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Labour is planning for a May 6 general election, a secret campaign pack handed to activists suggested today.
An internal party document told activists to prepare for an April campaign next year and gave timetables and advice on how to target voters.
The 34-page pack entitled "General Election Handbook Part 1 - a day-by-day planner for your general election campaign", was issued to candidates and strategists this week.
The Prime Minister has until June to hold an election, but local elections are already scheduled for May 6 and all parties would save money if they held the national and local polls on the same day. The secret document, leaked to Bloomberg, gives activists specific tasks to perform on every day of a campaign.
On Thursday 18 March, it instructs them to "follow up budget coverage". The detailed instructions stop at the beginning of April, when candidates are told "increase the campaign activity to a maximum level" and turn to the "Short Campaign Handbook", covering the final four weeks of an election.
The list of tasks for that month include a "Flying Start" blitz of activity for the first 48 hours after Gordon Brown names the day for voting.
The document leaves open the possibility of an earlier election date.
A Labour spokeswoman said: "This is just a best practice guide on various campaigning options between now and the last possible date for a general election. It is for the Prime Minister to decide when the election will be."
Justin Fisher, professor of political science at Brunel University and an expert on election campaigns, said the campaign pack appeared to confirm May 6.
Mark Wickham-Jones, professor of politics at Bristol University, said: "The party is focused on the election. They're in denial about how much trouble they're in. All these activities may be more designed to boost morale in the party than to achieve anything."
Reader views (6)
What makes me laugh, is that Labour actually think they can win the election.... shows how out of touch they are.
Hell would freeze over forst.
- Malc, London,England
Joe,
Your election night plans are exactly the same as mine! In fact I plan to have a long nap that afternoon so I'm refreshed for the evening's events.
- Dcl, harrow
The Brown claptrap and spin continues. They've had 12 years to sort out thgs and crime and the situation is now worse than ever. Mandelson crows about 'coming back' but no-one voted for him. Likewise all the cronies in the House of Lords 'government'. Thieves and traitors, and I can't wait to dump them, hopefully for ever. Roll on that election.
- J Keating, romsey england
Joe, unfortunately, the British do have a long history of chucking bricks through windows which is why Downing Street is no longer accessible to passing travellers.
- Chris, London
Can't wait for them to knock on my door, bring it on you cowards. Let me tell you what I am going to do on polling day.Place my vote to get these crooks out, buy 2 bottles of wine and brew strong coffee to take me throughout the nights results. As each one of these crooked mp's are voted out from their seats I want to see their faces as the enormity of our voting in this country hits them. I will raise my glass of wine and say 'Cheers' to my fellow voters and when the final constituency gives its verdict about new labour and the other parties who refuse to listen to the populous I will pop open my little bottle of champagne and drink heartily in praise of the electorate. Then go to bed happy that 'Job Done' by us!
We are not like our european counterparts who would probably through bricks through the windows of their parliament buildings. We are british and will show our disdain in the best possible, peaceful way 'that WE decide our own destiny not this bunch of corrupt mp's of all parties in Parliament'. I promise that in 8 months time I will not have forgotten and my powder will remain dry for election night. It is true the election is still up for grabs (Tories have yet to deal openly with the referendum issue regarding europe)but just not for Labour! HURRAH roll on the peoples verdict!!!!!
- Joe, london
It matters not what date the next general election is held on.
THE LABOUR PARASITES WILL BE WIPED OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR
