Seeking an unprecedented third straight term in office, British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday announced general elections for May 5.
The Prime Minister, described by allies as "confident and determined", went to Buckingham Palace after a series of last-minute planning meetings to ask Queen Elizabeth II formally to dissolve Parliament, marking the launch of the official election campaign.
"We are proud of what we have achieved in the past three years," Blair said outside his Downing Street Office, after seeking the Queen's permission to dissolve Parliament.
He said the ruling Labour party has a "driving mission" for a third tem in office.
"Its a big choice and there's a lot at stake," he said adding "the British people are the boss and they are the ones that will make it."
Bolstered by a strong economy, Blair's Labour was widely expected to win a third term despite anger over his judgement to join the Iraq war.
Opposition leaders expressed relief and excitement that the battle was under way at last, with Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy saying that "we're ready for this campaign. Let's get on with the real debate."