THE General Election campaign got officially under way today, here are five things we learned.

1. A Cabinet resignation is not an ideal way to kick off campaigning

Boris Johnson may have envisaged a more positive start to day one of his election drive, but instead his speech on Downing Street was delayed by the resignation of Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns, who was accused of "brazenly lying" about his knowledge of an allegation that a Tory candidate had sabotaged a rape trial.

READ MORE: Tory Cabinet minister steps down over knowledge of rape trial 'sabotage'

Cairns claims he had been unaware of former staff member Ross England's role in the collapsed trial until after the story broke last week.

2. Brexit has made the Prime Minister want to nibble on his clothes

Johnson said he is so frustrated over Brexit that he has found himself "wanting to chew my own tie".

READ MORE: Boris Johnson rejects 'year of two referendums' as Parliament is dissolved

The Tory leader has vowed to "get Parliament working again" if he wins a working majority in the polls.

3. Nicola Strugeon thinks a Scottish independence referendum could become 'irresistible'

Scotland's First Minister outlined her intention to hold another vote on independence in 2020, and said: "If the SNP win this election, I think that demand becomes irresistible."

READ MORE: General Election: Indyref2 demand will be 'irresistible' if SNP win

Sturgeon said the idea that politicians at Westminster can stand in the way of Scots being given a choice on their future is starting to "crumble".

4. Nigel Farage doesn't think much of the Workington man theory

During a visit to Workington, the Brexit leader said the idea of "Workington man" as the key swing voter in the election is "patronising cobblers".

READ MORE: SNP stand to gain as Nigel Farage contests Conservative seats

The town has been in the news after think tank Onward said Conservatives would have to target traditional Labour voters from regional towns such as Workington in order to win election.

5. The Queen is a masterful questioner

In a break with convention, Mr Johnson has talked about his private audiences with the Queen, saying "she always asks the best questions".

The Prime Minister made the revelation in an election campaign video filmed on his way to meet the Monarch.