The policies the parties don't want you to notice this election

The little secrets that lurk behind the big ideas this election.

Tories

Big idea: A long-term economic plan, and being allowed to finish it.

Little secret: Swingeing welfare cuts to reduce the deficit, including disability allowances and money paid to carers.

Labour

Big idea: Living standards have been squeezed, only Labour can save the NHS from privatisation.

Little secret: A Labour government would still implement deep cuts to public spending.

Lib Dems

Big idea: The middle ground between Tory cuts and Labour spending.

Little secret: A looming, brutal leadership battle in the event of Nick Clegg's resignation.

Ukip

Big idea: An in-out referendum on EU membership, tough curbs on immigration.

Little secret: Public backing from Britain First, the English Defence League and former leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin.

Green Party

Big idea: The phasing out of fossil fuels, the scrapping of tuition fees.

Little secret: That economic growth can be dangerous for Britain is a difficult sell on the doorstep.

SNP

Big idea: Full fiscal autonomy for Scotland, a new home for Trident.

Little secret: "Devolution max" could result in huge tax rises for Scots.

Plaid Cymru

Big idea: Wales to be given the same per capita public funding as Scotland (an extra £1.2billion per year).

Little secret: Ukip could overwhelm the Party of Wales at the Welsh Assembly elections in 2016.

(Main picture courtesy of Seth Watkins)

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