Theresa MayThe British Parliament’s House of Commons was officially dissolved today with all business coming to an end ahead of next month’s 8 snap general election announced by Prime Minister Theresa May.

May met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and marked the dissolution of the 650-member House of Commons or the lower house. Her meeting with the 91-year-old monarch marked the formal start of campaigning for the election even though all political parties have already begun canvassing.

May is also set to make a brief announcement outside her official Downing Street residence later today following her palace audience with the queen.

May, who received the Parliament’s backing last month to hold snap polls, is currently leading in most opinion polls to win a majority mandate for her Conservative party which, she believes, needs to carry Brexit negotiations forward.