His announcement, at 12.31pm, ended months of speculation as all parties swiftly declared the voters would be involved like never before. The TV debate would expose the leaders to millions of viewers in a way always resisted in the past. Mr Major ended a morning of drama in Downing Street when, flanked by supporters and officials, he finally named the day from the steps of No 10. Then he immediately left for Luton, the home counties town containing two key marginal seats where he first used his famous soap-box in 1992. What I say to people is that Britain can be better than this.
Education is the key to a tolerant, law-abiding society.
Education is the key to individual success. It should be at the heart of this campaign. Former Tory leader Lady Thatcher was swift to throw her weight behind Mr Major's election campaign. I don't expect to see Prime Minister Blair. The campaigning continues tomorrow with heavyweight press conferences from Mr Blair and Mr Ashdown and more expected from Mr Major.