Conservative and Labour politicians continually pretend that only the contest between them is of any relevance. But in 2005, no less than 148 parties contested the general election and it will be more this time.

What’s more in every region of the UK, at least 5, 6 or 7 parties won over 1% of the vote in 2005. And this time the “minor parties” (beyond Conservative, Labour and Lib Dems) are going into the general election with record high opinion poll levels.