Parliament closes today for the general election campaign, with many MPs saying their final farewell to the House of Commons.
Some 146 MPs have already announced that they will not stand for election in the May 6 poll, in a post-war record.
It is expected that others will be likely to declare their decision to stand down in the days ahead, allowing the way for candidates to be "parachuted in" to safe seats before the April 20 deadline for nominations in the election.
Although Parliament is not formally dissolved until Monday, today will see the last proceedings of the Houses of Commons and Lords, culminating with "prorogation" at the end of the day.
Ministers will attempt to rush through bills being considered by parliamentarians in the "wash-up period" until this coming Monday, in the remaining time before the legislature is dissolved.
Parliament will not return until Tuesday 18 May, despite traditionally returning in the week after the election.
It follows a recommendation by the cross-party Commons modernisation committee, which said there should be 12 days between the two events, allowing time for a proper induction programme for the record number of new MPs.
Labour will continue its attack on Conservative plans for the economy today, as the prime minister hosts the party's first major press conference of the election campaign.
Brown will be joined by chancellor Alistair Darling and work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper for a press conference at which aides said they will aim to "take apart" the Conservative plans.
The Tories are to pledge to use money from the government's "failing" community cohesion schemes to pay for youngsters to take part in national service.
Cameron will use his first major press conference of the campaign to give more details of plans for a National Citizen Service, as he praises the offer of two-month summer social action activities.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is due to launch the party's campaign in Scotland he will be joined by Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott and other party figures, including Charles Kennedy.
