Female leaders: the relative unknowns

While the “big hitters” are all blokes, polls have shown that undecided voters fail to recognise the three women taking part in tonight’s debates.

However it is Natalie Bennett of the Greens, Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru and Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP that have the potential to rock the boat this evening and to show the public who they are and what they stand for.

In a climate of disaffection with suited and booted male politicians the rumour the three are intending to make the most of their hand and talk tactics is an interesting idea and bodes well for a bit of tension tonight.

However an SNP source has told the Telegraph a pre-match meeting is unlikely. They said: “Nicola and Leanne do talk regularly, but the First Minister is coming down straight after First Minister Questions so no real time for the kind of chat being suggested.”

The Green party have also said Ms Bennett will not be meeting with the other female leaders before the debate.