Thompson is keen on encouraging debates free of political and commercial influence. He has outlined some of the BBC's plans for its election coverage in a BBC blog.

BBC1's 10pm news bulletin presenter Huw Edwards will lead the channel's election coverage. During the campaign period, BBC2's weekday programme Daily Politics hosted by Andrew Neil, will be telecast for 60 minutes.

Apart from hosting one of the three party leader debates, the BBC will also host nine "cabinet contender" debates, which will allow people to compare each party's stance on various issues. The Corporation will also host 12 regional TV debates towards the end of the campaign.