Endorsements: Which paper backs which party?
On the day that The Independent surprised commentators – and their own employees – by plumping for a Conservative led coalition we take you through which papers have backed which party.
Independent – Conservative-led coaltion
A hung parliament is certain this week. For all his talk of no deals with the SNP, Miliband is bound to rely on that party to get his legislative programme through. This would be a disaster for the country, unleashing justified fury in England at the decisive influence of MPs who – unlike this title – do not wish the Union to exist. If that were to be the case while Labour were the second biggest party either in terms of vote share, or seats – or both – how could Labour govern with authority? They could not. Any partnership between Labour and the SNP will harm Britain’s fragile democracy. For all its faults, another Lib-Con Coalition would both prolong recovery and give our kingdom a better chance of continued existence.
This title casts no vote. But we prize strong, effective government, consider nationalism guilty until proven innocent, and say that if the present Coalition is to get another chance, we hope it is much less conservative, and much more liberal.
The Guardian – Labour
The Observer – Labour
Labour does not have all the answers. Far from it. But it is the only party which has correctly identified the task that faces our society. For that reason, it deserves to form the next government.
The Sunday Times – Conservatives
Tactics aside, a vote for the Conservatives this week offers the best chance of meeting our three priorities: political stability, continuity and a pro-business, pro-enterprise government that will provide more for working people than crass intervention and crude redistribution. The Conservatives have our endorsement.
The Sunday Telegraph – Conservatives
Labour offers socialism and chaotic government. David Cameron wants to build a strong future with common sense policies. We would urge our readers to back the Tories in this election
Financial Times – Conservative-led coaltion
At this delicate moment, the best outcome would be a continuation of the 2010 coalition between the Conservatives and Lib Dems. Mr Clegg’s party has proved a responsible partner in government. Tough decisions, such as the reversal of his party’s stance on university tuition fees, will hurt the party. The Lib Dems would be more awkward in a second term coalition. It is also far from clear whether they will have enough seats to be kingmakers with either the Tories or Labour.
Voters must decide not just on the party but also on the combination which would have the best chance of forming a stable, reform-minded government. The country would benefit from the countervailing force of Lib Dem moderation at Westminster. In seats where the Lib Dems are the incumbent or the main challenger, we would vote tactically for them.
Mail on Sunday – Conservatives
The contest is so tight our fate could be sealed by just a handful of votes in a few marginal seats.
Voters have a stark alternative: turn to Cameron for prosperity, security and unity; sharp turn left for profligacy and disarray.
The Mail on Sunday urges its readers to make the right choice – for all our sakes.
Express – Ukip
Ukip has been criticised as a Right-wing party. Yet for grass-root voters it represents the people Labour has long left behind: the backbone of Britain.
These are the people who, for idealistic reasons of their own might never contemplate voting Tory but who equally could not stomach Mr Miliband’s Labour government, in all likelihood propped up by the SNP.
The Sun (England, Wales) – Conservative The Scottish Sun – SNP
Economist – Conservative-led coalition
Our endorsement: Britons should give the Conservative-led coalition another term in office http://t.co/OO1PMMRsWg pic.twitter.com/L2uwQrkwI8
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) April 30, 2015
On May 7th voters must weigh the certainty of economic damage under Labour against the possibility of a costly EU exit under the Tories. With Labour, the likely partnership with the SNP increases the risk. For the Tories, a coalition with the Lib Dems would reduce it. On that calculus, the best hope for Britain is with a continuation of a Conservative-led coalition. That’s why our vote is for Mr Cameron.
New Statesman – Labour
We endorsed Ed Miliband in the 2010 leadership contest as the candidate most committed to breaking with New Labour and to effecting far-reaching political and economic reform. Mr Miliband has remained true to this vision while keeping his party unified. He has performed well in the election campaign, growing in confidence as a communicator as his personal ratings have improved. But his five years as opposition leader have revealed severe limitations and strategic weaknesses. He has never succeeded in inspiring the electorate and has struggled to define himself. His narrow rhetorical and ideological focus on political economy has left him unable to reach the aspirational voters required to build a broad electoral coalition.
The Spectator – Conservative
For this reason, the stakes could hardly be higher. It may be a wrench, and may involve more forgiveness than Mr Cameron is entitled to. But there really is more reason now than at any time in a generation to vote Tory.
The Mirror – Labour
The pinnacle of an Ed Miliband government will be saving the NHS, with thousands more doctors and nurses, and no more privatisation. That would be just the start. The disadvantaged and poor would be protected, ordinary people helped by improving living standards and the rich made to pay their dues. It is time to heal our great nation. For your sake, for Britain’s sake, it has to be Labour.