Sky News unveils election coverage

Shortly after the political parties unveiled their plans for the upcoming General Election, the major news broadcasters followed suit.

Sky News announced what it claimed would be the "fastest, most lively and information rich coverage" from any broadcaster.

Political editor Adam Boulton will lead Sky's coverage with The Boulton Factor, a roundup of the latest election news as well as analysis and interviews. Anchored from Westminster, the show will air Monday to Friday at 7pm and 11pm and on Saturdays at 11pm.

Regular features forming part of the channel's continuous live coverage in the run-up to polling day include Reality Check, which will keep watch of the claims the politicians are making; Sky Across Britain, featuring David Bowden flying around Britain in the SkyCopter to gauge public opinion; If I Were Prime Minister, a series where celebrities outline their fantasty policies; and Swingseat, with Kay Burley and Robert Nisbet reporting live from key marginal constituencies.

On election night itself, Julie Etchingham will anchor Vote 05 from 9pm alongside Boulton. Etchingham's presence on the front desk marks the first time a woman has anchored a British General Election show.

Sky News Active will double to offer an impressive sixteen video feeds as well as a 'Constituency Picker,' allowing viewers to find their local constituency result at the press of a button.

Teams of correspondents have also been dispatched to follow the key parties on the campaign trail in the weeks ahead.