In a significant political development, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed today that there will be a general election in the second half of this year. The announcement came during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) when SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn questioned Sunak about the possibility of a snap election.
Sunak responded, “As I have said repeatedly to him, there is – spoiler alert – there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year.”
Flynn accused the Prime Minister of “playing games with the public” in response to Sunak’s statement. The second half of the year begins in around a month, which means a snap election could be held in as little as six weeks, adding urgency to the political atmosphere.
What Were the Results of the Last General Election?
The last general election in the UK was held in December 2019, where the Conservative Party, led by Boris Johnson, won a significant majority. The political landscape has since evolved, and this upcoming election will be a crucial moment for Sunak’s leadership and his government’s future.
Recommended Reading:
- Rishi Sunak Election Update: What is a Snap Election?
- Where the Inflation and National Debt Figures Leave Sunak’s Five Priorities
- PM Repeats Election Will Be in Second Half of the Year Amid Summer Speculation
- Who is Eligible to Vote in UK Parliament Elections?
UK Parliament Elections: Who Can Vote?
To participate in an election for the UK Parliament, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered to vote in the constituency
- Be of voting age – 18 years old on polling day
- Be either a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland
- Not be subject to any ‘legal incapacity’ to vote – prisoners serving a sentence for a conviction cannot vote in UK parliamentary elections, and neither can peers in the House of Lords
The eligibility of Irish and Commonwealth citizens to vote in UK elections stems from historic ties between the UK and Ireland and the UK and former British Empire countries.
As the political scene braces for the announcement of the election date, all eyes will be on how parties prepare and campaign for what promises to be a pivotal election in the UK’s political history.
