THE election battle formally started today as Parliament was dissolved, and three of the major political parties vying for votes in Wales launched their campaigns.

Each of the 650 seats in the House of Commons became vacant and Gwent MPs became ordinary members of the public again as Parliament was dissolved ahead of the May 7 election.

With less than six weeks to go, Wales’ Labour, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats today launched their campaigns and made pledges for the next five years in what has been called “the most important general election for a generation”.

And those wishing to stand as candidates now have less than two weeks - until Thursday, April 9 at 4pm – to deliver their nomination papers.

Signatures from 10 constituents as well as a £500 deposit are needed for nomination. Candidates will be refunded the amount if they receive more than five per cent of votes. Those standing for a registered political party must also provide a certificate of authorisation.

The UK Government has this year increased its spending limits for candidates and from now until May 7 Gwent candidates can spend £8,700 on their campaign plus 9p per elector in the constituency.

For voters, the deadline for applying for a postal vote is Tuesday, April 21 while the deadline for proxy vote applications is Tuesday, April 28.

Welsh Labour today revealed their promises for Wales which included a freeze on energy bills until 2017, a rise in the minimum wage to £8 and a ban on zero hour contracts.

Launching their five pledges in Ammanford, the party promised no additional borrowing as well as controls on immigration by stopping people who come here to claim benefits for at least two years.

They also pledged training for an extra 1,000 doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals with money raised from the Mansion Tax.

Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said: “This is the most important general election for a generation, we are launching our campaign as we intend to finish it: out on the streets, the doorsteps and town centres of Wales.”

Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies, today told voters Welsh Conservatives are the “true Party of Wales” and the only party with a long term economic plan.

The party said it was the Conservatives who secured the electrification of the Great Western Mainline from Paddington to Swansea and the Valleys as well as cutting unemployment by almost a third.

Mr RT Davies said: “Week in, week out, we see what Welsh Labour are doing to communities in Wales in health, education and local government. Even Ed Miliband asked people to look at Labour’s record in Wales – well it’s a disaster.”

The Welsh Lib Dems announced their list of 40 candidates contesting every seat in Wales. Nick Clegg said: “Liberal Democrats will continue to build a stronger economy and a fairer society for Wales.

"Put simply: the Liberal Democrats will borrow less than Labour and cut less than the Conservatives - guaranteeing an economy that delivers for everyone across the UK."