LONDON - The main party leaders have hit the campaign trail following Gordon Brown’s announcement that he has asked the Queen to dissolve Parliament, triggering a general election on May 6.

Mr Brown travelled to Rochester in Kent, while David Cameron, the Conservative leader, toured Birmingham and Nick Clegg, for the Liberal Democrats, travelled to Watford.

Earlier, the Prime Minister stood on the steps of No 10 and confirmed the “worst-kept secret” in politics.

He said: "The Queen has kindly agreed to the dissolution of Parliament and a General Election will take place on May 6."

The Prime Minister put the economy at the heart of the campaign by urging the electorate not to risk the recovery by voting for the Conservatives.

Standing in front of his Cabinet, he said: “Britain is on the road to recovery and nothing we do should put that recovery at risk.

"Over the next few weeks I will go round the country - the length and breadth of our land - and I will take to the people a very straightforward and clear message - Britain is on the road to recovery and nothing we do should put that recovery at risk.

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