There is an excellent House of Commons Library Standard Note on "General Election Timetables". It sets out the statutory timetable - and applies this to seven possible dates (May 6th is still the bookies' favourite). It is likely that the announcement of the General Election will be made a few days prior to day 0 (the last date for dissolution). This enables the Government to get any outstanding business through (with the negotiated agreement of the other parties)The paper can be accessed here.
