The party leaders are off and running in the race for No 10. The Prime Minister emerged from Downing Street to confirm what he described as "the least well-kept secret of recent years" that the country would go to the polls on May 6.
Conservative leader David Cameron said it would be "the most important General Election for a generation".
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said it "marked the beginning of the end for Mr Brown".
In apparent anticipation of a hung parliament, Downing Street announced that the new parliament would not meet until May 18, allowing 12 days for potential horse trading among the parties over the formation of a new government.
Mr Brown made clear he intended to make the economy the centrepiece of his campaign.
Mr Cameron kicked off his campaign with an appearance before supporters in front of London's county hall.
Cameron said: "This country deserves a lot better than five more years of Gordon Brown."
