Explainer: When is the UK election?
– The last possible date for Britain’s next general election is January 28, 2025.
– Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated that 2024 would be an election year.
– Sunak’s working assumption is for a general election in the second half of this year.
– Sunak ruled out holding an election on May 2 and is unlikely to choose any day in May due to logistical difficulties.
– Expectations are for a vote in October or November.
– The decision to call a general election is made by the Prime Minister unless the government loses a motion of no confidence in parliament.
– Upon calling an election, parliament is dissolved, and all lawmakers lose their seats, with a 25 working day period until the general election.
– Elections have been held on a Thursday since 1935.
– Parliament will automatically dissolve on December 17 if an election is not called before then.
– 650 constituencies elect MPs under a first-past-the-post system.
– If a party wins more than 325 MPs, King Charles will invite its leader to form a government.
– If no party achieves a majority, there might be a coalition government or a minority government.
– The Conservative Party has governed in coalition and as a minority government in the past.
– Currently, the Conservatives have a majority, but polls show the Labour Party leading by about 20 percentage points.