British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has confirmed that parliamentary elections will be held on 6 May.

Mr Brown made his statement after visiting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham palace to request the dissolution of parliament. Sources say these will be the most interesting polls in nearly 20 years. In marked contrast with earlier British elections, pollsters have so far been unable to point out a clear winner.

The prime minister and his Labour Party appear to be making an unexpected comeback after a long period of lagging behind the Conservatives led by David Cameron. A third rival is Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats. The three party leaders will take part in three televised debates. It will be the first time in British history that party leaders have taken part in live debates on television.