Ahead of Tony Blair's announcement of the general election his political rivals said they were ready to take on Labour.

Today's election announcement has been widely expected by both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

Leaks to the media, and rumours spread round the bars and dining rooms of the Palace of Westminster, have left the prime minister's statement as the worst-kept secret in the country.

Party headquarters in Westminster were scenes of feverish activity over the Bank Holiday weekend as last minute preparations were made by advisers, planners and press officers.

In reality the parties have been ready over a month and have been given several weeks for fine tuning because of the foot and mouth crisis.William Hague remained defiant despite dismal poll ratings and several weeks of bad press for the party over the issue of race. "They're not asking for a second term they're asking for a second chance and I'm not sure that we should give then a second chance," he said.

Hague said the Conservatives would "work harder and campaign longer" ahead of the general election.

The Liberal Democrats were buoyant, believing that they can capitalise on the performance of William Hague and Tory in-fighting - and capitalise on disenchantment with New Labour.

The Lib Dems said: "We are expecting to win a substantial number of seats and we are ready to campaign across the country."