by An overwhelming majority of Britons, according to the most recent Ipsos Political Monitor, believe it is time for a change of administration at the next general election.
Fifty-five percent think the Conservatives have done a bad job and that it is time for a change of government at the next election. While 10 per cent think the Conservatives have done a good job in government and there is no need for change.
Rishi Sunak’s ratings are also slipping as he lags behind Keir Starmer on who would be the most capable PM.
The country’s next general election might not happen until 2025 at the earliest.
But what are the rules about calling a general election and who can request an early vote?
When is the next UK general election?
The maximum term for Parliament is five years. Since the current Parliament met for the first time on December 17, 2019, it will be automatically dissolved on December 17, 2024.
Election day would take place 25 days later, meaning the next general election is currently in January 2025. However, King Charles could dissolve Parliament before this date.
When were the last general elections?
The last general election was on December 12, 2019. The Conservative Party won the majority. Boris Johnson called the election after months of parliamentary deadlock that delayed Brexit.
There was another general election in 2017, called by then-Prime Minister Theresa May, hoping to strengthen her position in the Brexit negotiations.
At this time, the general elections were not scheduled until 2020.
General Election 2019: Conservative Ad Campaign Reality
When can general elections be held?
The Fixed-Term Parliament Act 2011 created fixed five-year periods between elections and only allowed early elections in specified circumstances.
These circumstances are if two-thirds of MPs vote for an early general election, or if the House of Commons votes no confidence in government and fails to pass a no-confidence motion in any government within 14 calendar days, according to the Institute of Government. .
The House of Commons decided to hold early general elections in 2017 and 2019.
On March 24, 2022, the Government repealed the Law on Fixed-Term Parliaments. This means that the King can dissolve the government at the request of the Prime Minister, which will lead to a general election.
When the law was repealed, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Ellis said: “The Fixed-Term Parliaments Act was not fit for purpose, caused constitutional chaos in 2019 and delayed government action on the priorities of people.
“At critical moments, we must trust the good judgment of the British public. Elections give the public a voice, and it is only right that we return to a tried and tested system that allows them to be held when necessary.”
As a result, the prime minister can apply to the King for a dissolution which, if granted, would allow them to call a general election at any time.
Why are the elections held on a Thursday?
All general elections since 1931 have been held on a Thursday.
It was suggested that holding them on Thursdays would encourage more people to vote. It has been thought that the elections on Friday would have seen a lower turnout given people’s desire to start their weekends.
Saturday and Sunday were believed to have been dropped due to the need to pay extra for polling staff (typically local council employees) to work over the weekend.
