Key Points: A guide to the general election 2024
The biggest trending story today – in the UK – is the prime minister’s shock election announcement yesterday, and the consequences of calling a snap general election.
Rishi Sunak stood outside in the pouring rain to announce the next general election will be held on 4 July 2024 – and the news has sparked backlash, confusion and memes!
Regardless of political leanings, all of today’s newspapers note the snap election is a “gamble” on PM Rishi Sunak’s part.
The media, public and even Tory MPs were shocked by the announcement of an election only 6 weeks away. Many MPs are now having to cancel holiday plans and are simply not prepared for the election campaign. Many Tory MPs were hoping for a November election so the benefits of the improving economy could be felt in the pockets of the public.
The opinion polls still put the Conservatives far behind Labour and many struggle to see what the government’s plan is now.
It feels reckless, and like a government who’s already thrown in the towel and has accepted defeat.
Others might argue that with recent news of the economy improving and staging it in the summer could help the Tories as the nation’s mood could improve. Scotland will already be enjoying its summer holidays and amid the Euros, Wimbledon, live music and the sunshine – perhaps the backdrop of these major summer events might see less people heading to the polls, and might see off a complete Tory wipeout.
What is a General Election?
A general election is held to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons. The UK is divided into 650 areas, called constituencies, and each elects one MP to represent local residents. Most candidates are from political parties, but some are independents.
How Does Voting Work?
In a general election, each person has one vote. On election day, registered voters in each constituency vote for their preferred candidate at their local polling station. Some people vote by post in advance.
The election uses a system called “first past the post,” where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency becomes the MP for that area.
Photo ID Requirement
Since May 2023, voters must show a valid form of photo ID at polling stations to vote in person. There are 22 acceptable forms of ID, including:
– Passports
– Driving licenses
– Older or Disabled Person’s bus passes
– Oyster 60+ cards
You can use expired photo ID if you still resemble the photo. If you don’t have the correct ID or no longer look like your photo, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
What Happens to Parliament and MPs Before the Election?
The Prime Minister has formally asked the King to dissolve Parliament, which will happen on Thursday, May 30. MPs lose their status and must campaign for re-election if they wish to continue. More than 100 MPs have said they will not stand for re-election.
The government also enters a pre-election period, previously known as “purdah,” which restricts ministerial and departmental activity during the campaign.
General election 2024 – The media reacts to the shocking news from No 10
Regardless of political leanings, all the papers react with shock over the snap election. They note it as a ‘gamble’ on Sunak’s part.