LONDON -- It might feel as though we've been in the general election campaign for months already, but from Monday it all moves up a gear as campaigning formally begins.
Parliament dissolved at midnight under the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, meaning all 650 MPs now go back to being members of the public, with those seeking to be re-elected campaigning for the next five weeks ahead of the May 7 election when the country will head to the polls.
Later on Monday, Prime Minister David Cameron will go to Buckingham Palace where he will meet with the Queen. It's expected that he'll issue a statement outside Downing Street after that.
Today I'll have an Audience with Her Majesty the Queen following the dissolution of Parliament, before campaigning for your vote on May 7th.— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 30, 2015
Although MPs have lost their privileges, government ministers are still in charge of their departments until the election concludes and a new government is formed.
A poll published Sunday by YouGov and The Sunday Times showed the Labour Party had edged ahead following last week's television event when Cameron and Ed Miliband were grilled by Jeremy Paxman and a live studio audience.
Update: Lab lead at 4 - Latest YouGov / Sunday Times results 28th Mar - Con32%, Lab36%, LD8%, UKIP13%, GRN6%; APP -16 http://t.co/wgGyw9iqfg— YouGov (@YouGov) March 29, 2015
YouGov's poll also showed that Miliband's ratings were up.
Ed Miliband's ratings have ticked up – but then so have David Cameron's and Nick Clegg's http://t.co/uUHxotW795 pic.twitter.com/giB0xS6lOt— YouGov (@YouGov) March 29, 2015
On Friday, Miliband launched his election campaign from the top of London's Orbit tower, promising to preserve the National Health Service.
The NHS is a key issue in this election campaign with Cameron already pledging a Conservative government would give people access to doctors and services seven days a week.
The economy, immigration and membership of the European Union are also key issues in this election campaign.