Election 2015 in pictures: 9 April

Labour leader Ed Miliband speaks as he launches his party's education manifesto in LondonCarl Court/Getty Images

Labour leader Ed Miliband launched his party's education manifesto. He accused the Conservatives of having "a plan to cut back education in the next five years when we should be investing". He said Labour would protect education funding in England "in real terms".

UKIP Deputy Chairman Suzanne Evans (centre) Diane James, (right) UKIP Councillor and Patrick O,Flynn, UKIP candidate in Cambridge take part in a press conference in London, EnglandDan Kitwood/Getty Images

At a news conference, UKIP deputy chairman Suzanne Evans (centre) was joined by Councillor Diane James and Patrick O'Flynn, the party's candidate in Cambridge, who said: "One of our key strategic goals is to get clear good second places in over a hundred seats, as a basis for 2020."

A reporter live streams via a twitter as Defence Secretary Michael Fallon gives a press conferenceDan Kitwood/Getty Images

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon raised the issue of defence, describing nuclear weapons as the "ultimate insurance policy". He committed a future Conservative government to maintaining the UK's nuclear programme while accusing Labour of being willing to use the subject as a bargaining chip with the SNP.

Prime Minister David Cameron is shown around the John Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough, the largest bell foundry in the world, with local candidate and Education secretary Nicky Morgan where they watched a bell being cast Stefan Rousseau/PA

Prime Minister David Cameron visited the John Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough, the largest bell foundry in the world, with local candidate and Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.

Chancellor George Osborne works under a car that is being serviced at Hawkins Garage near St AustelMatt Cardy/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Chancellor George Osborne struck oil while helping out at a garage near St Austell while campaigning in Cornwall.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg meets patients and staff at Bodmin Community Hospital in CornwallSteve Parsons/PA

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg was also in Cornwall where he met patients and staff at Bodmin Community Hospital.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg works on the battle bus after a visit to BodminSteve Parsons/PA

Then it was back on the party battle bus and off to the next destination.

Mayor of London Boris JohnsonPhilip Toscano/PA

Mayor of London Boris Johnson was pushing his party's message in a cafe in New Malden, south-west London.

First Minister Nicola SturgeonAndrew Milligan/PA

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon escorted children to a bus during a visit to Loanhead after-school club.

UKIP Leader Nigel Farage (left) with prospective Councillor George RusieckiGareth Fuller/PA

UKIP leader Nigel Farage took his campaign to the seaside, looking for voters on Broadstairs Beach in Kent with prospective councillor George Rusiecki.

Ruth Davidson with Rio the Border Collie on a Quad Bike at Clochnahill Farm, StonehavenPA

Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, was persuaded to pose with a Border collie called Rio at Clochnahill Farm, Stonehaven, while canvassing.