so, when will the election be announced then?

[Megletwantsittobesummer]

The election almost has to be the thursday of the local elections doesn't it? IIRC its always been that day in the past.

Do they have to give 4 weeks notice / warning?

I think its pretty much on for May 6.

I thought it was 6 weeks notice they had to give. It does not have to be same day as local elections, but frequently is for convenience/cost issues etc.

I think 4 weeks' notice is required - it will be May 6.

The election will almost certainly be on May 6th (local elections have to be on that date and Labour can't afford to run two separate elections.)

So...the latest Brown can call the election is the 6th April...which means Parliament goes into 'wash-up' (finishes off the last few bits of legislation) and is then dissolved from the 12th April - which is when the campaign starts.

But there are rumours circulating that he may announce the election this weekend at the Scottish conference - which would mean Parliament would dissolve before the Easter break - leaving a longer campaign period.

You can see example dates and when it can be announced here (you have to scroll down) and it explains the shortest time to announce an election.

I received a polling card yesterday for May 6th

PandaSam - I don't think Parliament will dissolve before Easter even if GB does confirm May 6th this weekend. No time for a proper wash-up as parliament's Easter hols start on Tues. If there is no time for wash-up GB will lose all the Bills not yet passed and he can't risk that as some contain policies he wants to campaign on. So he may confirm it this weekend, or on April 6th as expected, but parliament must sit that week.

TiredEmma - the polling card would have been for the local elections.

well if thats the case then I hope that they are not bloody planning to close the schools TWICE for us to vote.