UK elections

A general election is to be held in the UK on May 6, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced on Tuesday. The announcement marks the official beginning of campaigning for Britain's political parties in run-up to the country's first election in five years.

"It will come as no surprise to all of you and it's probably the least kept secret of recent years that the queen has kindly agreed to the dissolution of parliament and a general election will take place on May 6," Brown said after his meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.

Labour leader Brown is facing a strong challenge to his party's bid for an unprecedented fourth term in office from the Conservatives, led by David Cameron.

"You don't have to put up with another five years of Gordon Brown," Cameron told supporters.

Although the Conservatives have long held the lead in opinion polls, the gap narrowed after January, when it was announced that the country was coming out of its worst recession of the postwar years.

A survey for the Daily Express newspaper published on Monday indicated that the Conservatives held a 10 point lead over Labour, but a Guardian poll put Labour just four points behind.

The economy and public finances are expected to play a major role in the election campaign. The UK is facing a budget deficit of 167 billion pounds ( 188 billion euros, $254 billion), and the economic recovery has been fragile.

The third party, the Liberal Democrats are hoping to increase their share of the vote.

svs/AFP/dpa
Editor: Chuck Penfold