2008: The political year ahead

Newsbeat's Political Reporter Rajini Vaidyanathan gazes into her crystal ball to see what the year ahead might have in store in politics.

The year in Westminster

One of them watches the X factor, another listens to the Killers, and the other says his favourite album is by David Bowie. But it's not their music interests which mean we'll be watching these three men in the coming year.

David Beckham shows Gordon Brown round his academy in London

The X factor fan is Prime Minister Gordon Brown, still relatively new to the job. 2008 is all about him showing us what his plans are for the country. He decided not to call a general election last year and there won't be one until 2009 at the earliest.

The PM says he wants time to set out his "vision" for the country. So this year we'll be finding out what that is. Gordon Brown's in-tray will be full of other things which will keep him busy too.

At home it's the economy, which many are concerned the next year could be tough on our wallets.

After the problems with Northern Rock and the so called credit crunch (sounds like a chocolate bar!), people will be watching out for what happens with interest rates and how it affects our mortgages and savings.

Increases in interest rates are generally good for people who save, but would raise the cost of some mortgages.

Immigration will continue to be a big issue this year. The government's point system for immigrants will start in 2008. It'll mean that some people can only work here if they have certain skills.

The Killers fan is Conservative leader David Cameron. For him 2008 is also about him setting out more about what his party's plans are.

Although that general election is about 18 months away there are the local council elections in May, his first head-to-head with Gordon Brown at the ballot box.

He's been riding high in the polls in the last few months, he'll want to keep things that way this year right until that general election.

David Bowie and Brian Eno

Then there's Nick Clegg, the David Bowie fan. If you've not heard his name, well, he's just taken over as the leader of the Liberal Democrats. Sir Ming Campbell and Charles Kennedy are both members of the Lib Dems leaders' graveyard, he won't want to be joining them in a hurry.

He's appointed Brian Eno (who used to be in a band called Roxy Music years ago, and is currently producing the new Coldplay album) as his youth adviser. It will be interesting to see how the ageing musician will do that?

The best of the rest...

Overseas there's a lot going on too. Iraq will continue to be a big issue. More of our boys will be coming home in the spring. One question is how will the Iraqi police manage now? When will there be a complete withdrawal of troops?

All eyes this year will also be on America. George Bush's time at the White House runs out this year, and the race to find his replacement has already begun.

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

Lots of candidates are lining up to take over, including Bill Clinton's wife Hillary, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Barack Obama. Will America elect its first-ever female or black president?

Expect also to hear more about Pakistan. What will happen to the country? It's due to hold elections soon, but after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, will violence in the country get worse?

Other things you might hear lots about in 2008 include the situation in the Middle East, Iran, the new child support agency CMEC, and Britain's role in the European Union.

And, of course in politics there are always surprises. Discs going missing, a shock resignation, a politician having an affair? Who knows. That's what makes it all so exciting.