THEY’RE under starters orders, and they’re off!

No, I don’t mean this weekend’s Grand National – I mean the big race for Number 10.

After weeks of speculation, Gordon Brown finally called the Election for May 6.

But who’s the smart money on in the battle for power?

Even the bookies admit it’s almost too close to call.

It’s a good time then to study the form and take a look at the runners and riders who will be battling it out around Rossendale and Darwen over the next 28 days.

Lining up in his blue silks is Jake Berry, against Janet Anderson in her red sleeves and Bob Sheffield in the yellow. Also on the starting line are the BNP and UKIP.

However, all our runners should not forget who is holding the whip – YOU.

But you must be prepared to use it.

The declaration of a General Election is always an exciting event, a pivotal moment in our democracy.

The start of this campaign is doubly significant because this Parliament, more than any in memory, has widened the gulf between rulers and ruled.

The expenses scandal revealed the existence of a political elite utterly divorced in values and lifestyle from the overwhelming majority of the people it represents.

We need to see these candidates in the parade ring, see them in debate, find out what they truly believe (again, I would ask their respective agents to arrange a candidates’ debate), and I’m sure it would be a sellout.

Let’s not forget the boys and girls in the local elections, the poor relations in the big race, and yet, in a lot of ways, they have more effect on your life than the winner out of Janet and Jake ever will.

You will be deluged with leaflets delivered by poor souls trudging the streets in support of their candidates, in the belief it’s the leaflet they have just pushed through your letterbox that will clinch it for their candidates – and, boy over the years have I shoved some leaflets through doors!

Don’t forget it is the Grand National this Saturday, my tip to you all is a flutter on State of Play.

If it wins please send commission cheques to Clive Balchin.