UK election campaign officially begins

British Prime Minister David Cameron warns voters they face a “stark choice” in May’s tight election, as he kicks off campaigning after a ceremonial visit to Queen Elizabeth II.

Cameron spent 25 minutes with the 88-year-old head of state in Buckingham Palace formalizing the dissolution of parliament before a May 7 election expected to be Britain’s closest in decades as his Conservatives battle Ed Miliband’s opposition Labour party.

A car carrying British Prime Minister David Cameron, leaves Buckingham Palace after Cameron has a private audience with the Queen to formalize the dissolution of parliament in London on March 30, 2015. (photo credit: Niklas Halle'n/AFP)
A car carrying British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves Buckingham Palace after Cameron has a private audience with the Queen to formalize the dissolution of Parliament in London, on March 30, 2015. (photo credit: AFP/Niklas Halle’n)

The short, chauffeur-driven journey from 10 Downing Street up The Mall to Buckingham Palace was once a constitutional necessity for British premiers, but is now a mere courtesy call following the introduction of fixed-term parliaments in 2011.

Cameron, who remains prime minister for the duration of the election campaign, then addressed voters back at Downing Street.

“In 38 days’ time, you face a stark choice. The next prime minister walking through that door will be me or Ed Miliband,” he said.

“After five years of effort and sacrifice, Britain is on the right track. This election is about moving forward and as prime minister here at Number 10, that is what I will deliver.”

AFP

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