The 1979 election broadcast in full

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Bob McKenzie was the sultan of the swingometer in 1979 <a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/playlive/bbc_parliament/">BBC Parliament will screen "Decision '79" between 0900 BST and midnight on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May</a>

Marking the 30th anniversary of the 1979 General Election, BBC Parliament offers viewers the chance to relive the historic moment when Margaret Thatcher swept into power.

The 1974-1979 Parliament had been packed with incident. All the main parties had changed leader, the UK had voted to remain in the Common Market in a referendum and the country had undergone a series of economic crises and the notorious Winter Of Discontent (1978-1979).

The election itself got under way in extraordinary conditions. After the results of two devolution referendums in Scotland and Wales went against James Callaghan's minority Labour government, the nationalists withdrew their support. They tabled a confidence motion in Parliament, which the government lost by a single vote.

The election was called in circumstances far from favourable for Labour. Strikes over pay by unions such as the National Union Of Public Employees caused public outrage and enraged headlines. With unemployment at well over one million, inflation - and the Tories' poll lead - were in double figures.

The campaign itself was conducted mostly for television, with Margaret Thatcher proving skilled in managing photo opportunities. The Conservatives heavily outspent Labour, with much of the money paying for the services of the advertising agency Saatchi And Saatchi.

Although Jim Callaghan had a greater personal popularity rating than Thatcher, Labour could feel the election slipping away, with strikes from printers and teachers continuing throughout the campaign.

David Dimbleby presents the BBC's 15-hour "Decision '79" election results programme from Thursday 3 May 1979, with analysis by David Butler and Robert McKenzie (aided by his trusty swingometer); interviews by Robin Day with leading political figures and commentators; and an hourly results round-up with Angela Rippon.

Joining Sue Lawley to give a lighter view of the election for "Decision '79" Breakfast Special are humourist Glyn Worsnip, songwriter Richard Stilgoe, cartoonist Richard Cole and impressionist Janet Brown.

Robin Day's interviewees include Chancellor Of The Exchequer Denis Healey, Shadow Chancellor Geoffrey Howe, Home Secretary Merlyn Rees, Sunday Telegraph editor Peregrine Worsthorne; and columnists Peter Jenkins, Anthony Howard and Paul Johnson.