BBC election debate: The one photo that summed up the whole 90-minute leaders debate

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox

Get our free View from Westminster email

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The moment that summed up the whole BBC leaders debate came after the arguing had finished, David Dimbleby had said goodnight and the closing credits were running.

It was one photo that captured the mood of the whole night. Ed Miliband could only look on in admiration as the three women in the debate embraced each other in a beautiful post-debate group hug.

The SNP's Nicola Sturgeon, Green leader Natalie Bennett and Leanne Wood were clearly pleased with their night's work battling against with the Labour leader and Nigel Farage, who cut a lonely figure as he stood to the far right of the stage.

After a hard-fought 90 minutes with the three leaders to the left of him and Nigel Farage on the right, all Mr Miliband wanted was a hug.

But all he got was a cold handshake from Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader who is the the Labour leader's biggest obstacle to entering Number 10.

Spare a thought for poor old Mr Farage, standing alone on the right. A picture really can paint a thousand words. Here's a clip of the already-famous hug:

The Independent has got together with May2015.com to produce a poll of polls that produces the most up-to-date data in as close to real time as is possible.

Click the buttons below to explore how the main parties' fortunes have changed:

All data, polls and graphics are courtesy of May2015.com. Click through for daily analysis, in-depth features and all the data you need. (All historical data used is provided by UK Polling Report)