UK election at-a-glance: 26 April

DAY IN A NUTSHELL

The Conservatives are extending their target seats to include Labour seats where they think the rise in Lib Dem support might make them winnable. David Cameron is also targeting Lib Dem supporters - and Green voters - by focusing on the Conservatives' plans for the environment. Gordon Brown is focusing on Labour's plans for the NHS and warning about the impact of a Tory win. Nick Clegg is campaigning in Scotland on Lib Dem plans for a "fair deal" for the armed forces. See how the day unfolded.

MONDAY'S NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Nick Clegg has signalled he would speak to the Conservatives first about the formation of a minority government if Labour came third by share of the vote on 6 May, says the Guardian.

The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, has the headline: "Cameron smash and grab raid on Labour". It says the Tories have identified 20 Labour seats "that have unexpectedly become winnable" because of the Lib Dem bounce.

The Independent and the Times focus on comments of Alan Johnson over the prospect of power-sharing. "Splits emerge in Labour's election strategy", says the Independent, as it highlights how Mr Johnson says colleagues should not to be "frightened" of sharing power with the Liberal Democrats.

The Times says he is positioning himself to lead the party's post-election talks with Nick Clegg.

VIEW FROM ABROAD

A Tamil website is urging British Tamils to vote for the candidate in a particular constituency who is best on the Tamil issue.

A political commentator for the TamilNet website says: "By participating with enthusiasm in the forthcoming general election British Tamils can work towards a just and stable future for Tamils in Sri Lanka."

IT'S THE WORM ELECTION

It's not the internet election, despite what the BBC tells you, says the Politics Show's Max Cotton in his irreverent looks back at the last week's more amusing electioneering moments.

Election tales of the unexpected

It's the "worm election", he says, referring to the polling device which demonstrates how viewers are feeling when someone's speaking.

The worm appears to favour "nice and cuddly" words - unless they are on certain issues, in which case "Hang bankers!" Or "Invade France!" sees it shoot up, he says.

CAMPAIGN CATCH-UP

The environment has been a prominent issue, with two debates on the matter by the parties' spokesmen in one day. At the Ask the Climate Question hustings in London, Labour's Ed Miliband repeatedly came under fire over his party's record on green issues. And on a Politics Show debate, he questioned the Tories' commitment to the environment.

Conservative leader David Cameron says the Tories are to target Labour strongholds which are now "up for grabs" in the wake of the Lib Dem poll surge.

Conservative plans to allow parents and charities to set up their own schools have been called into question by two senior Tory council figures.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg says the UK is "trapped" in a political system which could throw up "eccentric outcomes" and requires change.

Gordon Brown addresses the Royal College of Nursing, calling nurses the "soul of the NHS", and launching his party's "health manifesto". Respect launch their manifesto, setting out their conditions for supporting a Labour government in a hung Parliament but saying they would not back a Tory government "under any circumstances".

The UK's political leaders need to "do some repenting" and give greater recognition to religion, a Christian Peoples Alliance candidate has said - pointing out that ash "is a clear Biblical sign of repentance" and the Iceland volcano was a reminder that "the human race is powerless compared to God".

QUOTES OF THE DAY

"I don't think after this election it will ever be possible to put the genie back in the bottle." Nick Clegg on the need for electoral reform.

"We have everything to play for in the last 10 days."David Cameron on the Conservative campaign fight.

"Vote Nick and get Dave and George". Business Secretary Lord Mandelson rallies party supporters in an e-mail.