Final day of campaigning begins
‘Campaigning for European and English council elections is entering its final stages ahead of Thursday’s polls.’ – BBC
‘Global warming is a lie, homosexuality is a “pathology” and Europe is becoming a “neo-totalitarian” regime, according to one of David Cameron’s new European allies.’ – Ian Traynor, The Guardian
‘Labour is almost certain to take a hammering in the European elections tomorrow but may lose only two or three seats when the results are announced on Sunday night.’ – Jill Sherman, The Times
‘The sun may seem to be shining particularly warmly on the BNP in this carefully selected part of Hornchurch – there’s a reason why they agree to meet journalists here – but the party has cause to feel bullish. Polls throughout the campaign have placed it broadly between 4% and 7%.’ – Esther Addley, The Guardian
Reshuffle rumours
‘Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has resigned from the cabinet.’ – BBC
‘Stand by for the most exciting and unpredictable few days in British politics for years. Yesterday the Home Secretary announced her resignation and three Labour MPs joined the growing army standing down at the next election. Normally such developments in a single day would be tumultuous. They are small beer compared with what is coming next.’ – Steve Richards, The Independent
‘Major reshuffles should be avoided; few portfolios benefit from inexperience at the helm. At this stage in the parliament, with only a year left until an election is required, the only reason to change ministers is if they lack the authority required to do their job. Jacqui Smith, the hapless home secretary, is rightly being replaced. But Alistair Darling, the chancellor of the exchequer, should stay.’ – Editorial, Financial Times
Obama begins Middle East tour
‘US President Barack Obama is heading to the Middle East on a visit aimed at increasing US engagement with the Islamic world.’ – BBC
‘Barack Obama said today that the US should be able to measure whether Iran is serious about nuclear negotiations by the end of this year.’ – Julian Borger, The Guardian
‘It is easy to list the potential pitfalls that might lie in wait for Barack Obama’s Middle East strategy. The US President arrives in Saudi Arabia today for the first leg of his tour with the problems of the region looking as intractable as ever.’ – Leader, The Independent