WITH 10 weeks until the polling day that will shape the future of York and the whole of the UK for the next five years, The Press today launches its Vote 2015 election coverage.

Thursday, May 7, will see all York's city council seats and all MP's jobs up for grabs, as the general and local elections take place simultaneously.

At the end of five years of coalition rule, the General Election promises to be the closest in a generation with national commentators saying the result really is too close to call.

In York the long-serving York Central MP Sir Hugh Bayley is departing after 22 years, and the result in the city is no foregone conclusion.

Locally, City of York Council has endured a tumultuous four years. Labour swept to power with an impressive majority in 2011 but has seen its strength dwindle through defections, to its present position as a minority administration on the authority.

Over the next two-and-a-half months, The Press will be covering the fights as they unfold in York - both in print and online.

>>>Expert view: ‘It’s the most unpredictable election I can remember’
 

• To have your say on the election campaigns and party manifestos, join The Press's reader panel. We want readers to help shape our coverage - putting the issues that mean the most to you in the forefront.

Anyone who is not a member of a political party is welcome to join our panel. Thanks to those who have already been in touch.

We are now particularly keen to hear from women, and people under 40 or over 70 years old, to help balance the make-up. To join, email victoria.prest@thepress.co.uk