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General election: When is the next one and could it be called sooner? General election: When is the next one and could it be called sooner?
(about 2 hours later)
Labour has overturned huge Conservative majorities to win two by-elections - in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth.Labour has overturned huge Conservative majorities to win two by-elections - in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth.
It has led to speculation about what could happen at the next general election.It has led to speculation about what could happen at the next general election.
By-election results show terrible night for ToriesBy-election results show terrible night for Tories
When is the next general election due?When is the next general election due?
UK general elections - where all 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to the House of Commons - have to be called no more than five years apart.UK general elections - where all 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to the House of Commons - have to be called no more than five years apart.
The next election is therefore due by January 2025.The next election is therefore due by January 2025.
This represents five years from the day the current Parliament first met (17 December 2019), plus the time required to run an election campaign.This represents five years from the day the current Parliament first met (17 December 2019), plus the time required to run an election campaign.
Who can call an early election?Who can call an early election?
The prime minister can call an early election but this has not always been the case.The prime minister can call an early election but this has not always been the case.
In 2011, a law was passed which removed the PM's power to decide the date of an election, and instead handed control to the House of Commons.In 2011, a law was passed which removed the PM's power to decide the date of an election, and instead handed control to the House of Commons.
Under those rules an early election could only be held under certain circumstances - such as if two-thirds of MPs agreed.Under those rules an early election could only be held under certain circumstances - such as if two-thirds of MPs agreed.
However, after winning the 2019 election, the Conservatives introduced a new law called the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022.However, after winning the 2019 election, the Conservatives introduced a new law called the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022.
This restored the PM's power to call elections at a time of their choosing, within the five-year period.This restored the PM's power to call elections at a time of their choosing, within the five-year period.
How is an early election called?How is an early election called?
If a PM wants an early election they need to make a "request" to the King to dissolve Parliament - the official term for closing Parliament in order to hold an election.If a PM wants an early election they need to make a "request" to the King to dissolve Parliament - the official term for closing Parliament in order to hold an election.
Rishi Sunak is the second prime minister of King Charles' reignRishi Sunak is the second prime minister of King Charles' reign
Once an election is called, polling day is expected to take place 25 working days later.Once an election is called, polling day is expected to take place 25 working days later.
At the point of dissolution, MPs lose their status, and campaign for re-election (assuming they choose to stand again). At the point of dissolution, MPs lose their status, and campaign for re-election (assuming they choose to stand again)
What does the King do?
How did Sunak become prime minister with no general election?
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak became prime minister in October 2022, after replacing Liz Truss as leader of the Conservative Party.
Constitutionally, he was not required to call an election to consolidate his position.
Twice in the 20th Century, the prime minister was replaced without a general election being called.
Stanley Baldwin won the 1935 election but was replaced by Neville Chamberlain in 1937. He resigned in 1940 to be replaced by Winston Churchill. And because World War Two was still being fought, there was no general election until 1945.
There were also two changes of prime minister between the 1900 and 1906 general elections, although Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman called a general election as soon as he became prime minister.
Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major, at King Charles's accession ceremony, in September 2022
More recently, there have been been several occasions when new prime ministers did not call early general elections to seek a fresh mandate.
When Gordon Brown took over from Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2007, for example, he did not hold an early election.
Theresa May became prime minister in 2016 but did not go to the polls until 2017. Her successor, Boris Johnson, became PM in July 2019, but didn't call an election until December.
An election was not called by Liz Truss either. She replaced Boris Johnson as prime minster after being selected by party members in September 2022.
What does the prime minister actually do?What does the prime minister actually do?
How to be a former prime ministerHow to be a former prime minister
What perks do former prime ministers get?What perks do former prime ministers get?
Can an early election be forced?Can an early election be forced?
A prime minister must have the "confidence" of the House of Commons, which means they must be supported by a majority of MPs.A prime minister must have the "confidence" of the House of Commons, which means they must be supported by a majority of MPs.
A motion of no confidence would see MPs from all parties decide whether they want the government to continue.A motion of no confidence would see MPs from all parties decide whether they want the government to continue.
If the leader of the opposition introduces such a motion, convention means that the government should provide time for a debate and a vote.If the leader of the opposition introduces such a motion, convention means that the government should provide time for a debate and a vote.
In order to pass, the motion needs just one more MP voting in favour than against.In order to pass, the motion needs just one more MP voting in favour than against.
If the government loses the vote, a general election is normally called.If the government loses the vote, a general election is normally called.
It is also possible that the King could invite somebody else to form a government, if they could win a vote of confidence in the House of Commons.It is also possible that the King could invite somebody else to form a government, if they could win a vote of confidence in the House of Commons.
However, for a no confidence motion to pass, the incumbent party's MPs would need to vote down their own government - which is very unlikely.However, for a no confidence motion to pass, the incumbent party's MPs would need to vote down their own government - which is very unlikely.
What is a vote of no confidence?What is a vote of no confidence?
Related TopicsRelated Topics
UK ParliamentUK Parliament
Rishi SunakRishi Sunak