BBC leaders debate: Ed Miliband faces his latest test as opposition leaders clash without David Cameron or Nick Clegg

David Cameron and Nick Clegg have declined to take part in the set-piece

David Dimbleby on the set of the BBC Election Debate 2015 (BBC)

Ed Miliband will face a test tonight as he goes head-to-head in a television debate with the leaders of the UK’s other opposition parties.

Five of Westminster’s party leaders, from the SNP, Labour, Green Party, Plaid Cymru and Ukip, will go head-to-head on BBC One from 8pm.

The clash, being held in Westminster’s Methodist Central Hall, will not include David Cameron or Nick Clegg – who declined to take part.

Leaders’ debates are unpredictable and the exposure given to minor parties can have dramatic effects – as seen with Nick Clegg in 2010.

Most of the leaders on the podium have positioned themselves to the left of Labour on the question of austerity, a stance that polling shows appeals to Labour’s supporters.

Mr Miliband is running the risk of a gaffe live on TV by attending – but Labour’s team will also be hoping that television exposure will continue a recent lift in the leader’s personal ratings.

Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP’s leader, came across strongly in the 7-way leaders debate televised on ITV, according to polls.

The Scottish First Minister’s party looks set to take the bulk of Labour seats in Scotland, but has declined to stand candidates south of the border.

The spotlight on Ed Miliband tonight gives him the opportunity to claw back Labour support north of the border.

The other leaders taking part in the clash are Natalie Bennett for the Green Party of England and Wales, Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru and Nigel Farage of Ukip.