The prime minister has postponed the announcement of a May 5 general election until tomorrow as a mark of respect for Pope John Paul.

Tony Blair had been expected to travel to Buckingham Palace this morning to seek a dissolution of parliament and a general election early next month.

But following the death of the Pope this weekend, the long-awaited announcement has been postponed.

Sources in Downing Street said the decision had thrown their plans into mild disarray, but conceded the prime minister had no option but to delay calling the election.

The decision means that ministers have less time to get their legislation onto the statute book - with the FT predicting the government will lose half of its legislative programme when parliament is dissolved.

As Blair prepares to fire the election starting gun, a YouGov poll for the Telegraph suggests Labour is heading for a majority of between 85 to 100.

The poll predicts that the Conservatives will secure a three per cent swing from Labour - picking up 20 to 30 additional seats.

Today's Sun, meanwhile, reveals that it will support no party, and discloses that Peter Mandelson is back advising the prime minister on election strategy.