THE government today confirmed the country's worst kept secret - the general election will be held on Thursday, May 5.
Tony Blair met the Queen at Buckingham Palace this morning before confirming the date outside 10 Downing Street.
The Prime Minister left his official residence just before 11am for a 20-minute audience at Buckingham Palace where he asked the Queen to approve the dissolution of Parliament.
Mr Blair finally launched the official election campaign after weeks of speculation.
His rivals sought to steal a march by launching their campaigns before the official announcement.
Conservative leader Michael Howard rallied supporters at an event in London telling them voters did not "have to settle" for five more years of Labour government.
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy went on a whistle-stop tour of key seats around the country.
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