British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday called a general election for May 6. Brown travelled to the Buckingham Palace where he asked Queen Elizabeth II for permission to dissolve parliament -- a formality that marked the start of the official election campaign. Flanked by the cabinet, Brown said the Queen has agreed to the dissolution of Parliament and the election will take place on May 6. Opposition Conservative Party leader David Cameron said he is delighted the campaign is finally starting. He said he would focus on getting out around the country, talking and listening to people. Cameron launched the Conservatives' campaign in central London. He said the election is the most important general election for a generation and the Tories offer a fresh start. It is time for the government to support the Big Society, outlining the differences between his party and Labour over public services, he said. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg spoke said this is choice between the old politics of the other two parties and something new. 