We're moving to WordPress

Ahead of Election Night, and our extensive* coverage, we're moving to a new platform. WordPress. 


So, from tonight you can now access our new blog: 

www.politicsmash.wordpress.com

Cider tax dropped

After much furore in Dorset and Somerset - and many other quarters - the cider tax increase rate plan has been quietly dropped. 


Ministers were forced to rescind the increase, announced in the Budget, as part of efforts to get laws passed after the general election was called.


The Digital Economy Bill's Broadband Tax and Voting Reform Legislation has also been shelved. 


You'd never guess there was an election... 

We're off. At last.

So, Gord drove to see an old lady - who can't vote - she said alright and Gord drove back. Welcome to the 2010 campaign. 


In the meantime, and rather cynically to steal media attention, don't call me Dave jumped up and set out his campaign. Yes, just him. In contrast, Gord wheeled out the cabinet. (Mandy and Jowell seemed particularly bored). Nick seemed slightly confused and only later grabbed his wife - Vince - and managed a rather lacklustre speech. 


So, what is the state of play after the first day? 

• Dave drove home the National Insurance row, after Gordon dropped the NI bomb during a GMTV interview (hard-hitting it was too). Speaking at a Warburton's factory in Bolton, Cameron repeated the need not to risk economic recovery. 
• Gordon spent most this afternoon rowing back in media interviews on his NI position. Constitutional reform also suddenly popped up again.  
• Nick visited my neck of the woods - Liverpool Wavertree. After a quick 10 minutes tour of a community centre, he attacked the Tories and Labour. Interestingly, he didn't shy away from a full on attack on Labour during the last PMQs - accusing them of blocking reform etc.