Thursdays election debate to exclusively feature opposition leaders

LONDON (ShareCast) - The leaders of the five parties opposing the Conservative - Liberal Democrat coalition will appear in a live election debate on Thursday night, hosted by David Dimbleby. Labour leader Ed Miliband, UKIP's Nigel Farage, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru and the Greens' Natalie Bennett will take part, following their recent manifesto launches.

However, Prime Minister David Cameron and Lib Dem Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will not be taking part, prompting heavy criticism from Miliband.

"I think if you are applying for the job of prime minister, the very least people expect if for you to turn up to the job interview," he said.

The debate is the latest in the schedule of election programmes and will involve the leaders making a short opening statement before five questions from the audience. Each will have a minute to answer, followed by 10 minutes of free debate. To conclude, each leader will make a short closing statement.