22nd April

Although it seems we are all gearing up to a May 6th election,Ben Brogan at the Telegraph is not yet convinced after yesterday's growth figures

I gather there is lots of work being done at CCHQ to prepare for an election on April 22, which would be before the next round of GDP figures – that double dip that Alistair Darling is worried about – are published. The Opposition has been told by the Palace authorities to stand by for a parliamentary announcement at Easter, whatever that means. April 22 looks a bit tight given the Easter recess, but it would at least spare us a drawn out campaign.