Blair calls May 5 vote as Tories close gap

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday confirmed the worst-kept secret in British politics - that an election will be held on May 5 - as polls suggested a real contest for the first time since 1992.

With Iraq weighing heavily on his ratings, Mr Blair put his government's economic credentials at the heart of the campaign.

Confirming the date after visiting Queen Elizabeth in traditional pre-election protocol, Mr Blair vowed to build on eight years of growth to entrench future investment in public services - which he says his Conservative opponents will slash.