Election '97: New administration plunges in to hectic schedule

Following the six-week election campaign, the really hard work begins - once the Prime Minister has formed and announced his administration.

The diary then begins to look hectic:

Monday 5 May: Start of two-day meeting of the European Union's Inter- governmental conference, in Strasbourg, on preparation for Amsterdam summit in June.

Wednesday 7 May: Formal re-election of Commons Speaker - Betty Boothroyd.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 7,8,9 May: Swearing in of new MPs. After early rush, a steady flow of MPs will swear (or affirm) an oath of allegiance to the Queen until the Commons is adjourned for the State Opening.

Thursday 8 May: The first Cabinet meeting, to agree contents of Queen's Speech legislative programme for the year.

Monday 12 May: Chancellor of the Exchequer attends Ecofin council in Brussels on European Monetary Union.

Wednesday 14 May: The official State Opening of Parliament, with Queen's Speech.