<p><br /> 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.<br /> </p><p><br /> Conservative leader David Cameron said it would be "the most important General Election for a generation".<br /> </p><p><br /> Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said it "marked the beginning of the end for Mr Brown".<br /> </p><p><br /> 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.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Brown made clear he intended to make the economy the centrepiece of his campaign.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Cameron kicked off his campaign with an appearance before supporters in front of London's county hall.<br /> </p><p><br /> Cameron said: "This country deserves a lot better than five more years of Gordon Brown."<br /> </p>
