When is the next general election? How important are the 2023 local elections?
In May, over 8,000 council seats will be up for election in 230 local authorities in England, making it the largest round of local elections since 2019. Issues such as bin collections, the state of roads, and access to local hospitals and libraries tend to decide these elections. It is also the biggest test of political opinion ahead of the next nationwide vote. Big wins for Labour would add to the feeling that Sir Keir Starmer’s party is primed to take over at the next national vote, whereas the Tories performing better than expected would provide hope for Rishi Sunak.
The date of the next general election is not yet set, but it must take place at least once every five years, with the latest possible date being Tuesday 28 January 2025. Rishi Sunak has leeway to control the timing, and he is likely to opt for an election sooner rather than later, possibly in October or November 2024.
The 2023 local elections will take place on Thursday 4 May 2023 in England and two weeks later, on Thursday 18 May 2023, in Northern Ireland.
To see if there is an election in your area in May, enter your postcode into the Electoral Commission’s online checker here.