BTN News: British voters will vote this Thursday in an important general election. This vote is seen as a judgment on 14 years of Conservative rule.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for this early election. This surprised many in his party since the vote is happening months earlier than needed.
The Labour Party had its worst defeat since 1935 in the last general election. But they have rebuilt under their leader, Keir Starmer.
Campaign Highlights Over the Past Six Weeks: Main Issues and Topics Discussed by All Major Parties
The election comes after a six-week campaign. All major parties have traveled the country seeking votes. The main issues talked about include:
- The economy
- Cost of living
- State of public services
- Taxes
- Immigration
One topic not much talked about is Britain’s relationship with the European Union. Britain left the EU in 2020 after a 2016 vote.
Changes in Conservative Party Leadership Since 2019: From Boris Johnson to Liz Truss to Rishi Sunak
Since the 2019 general election, where Boris Johnson won by a large margin, the Conservative Party has had three prime ministers. Johnson was replaced by Liz Truss in 2022. She then became the shortest-serving prime minister in British history. The party then chose Rishi Sunak as her replacement.
Nigel Farage Returns to Politics to Lead the Right-Wing Reform UK Party
During the campaign, Nigel Farage, a strong supporter of Brexit, announced he is returning to politics. He will lead the right-wing party, Reform UK.
Details for Election Day: Voting Process, Eligible Voters, and Polling Restrictions
Sunak, Starmer, Farage, and leaders of other major parties will vote in their local areas throughout the day.
About 46.5 million Britons can vote in 650 areas in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. A party needs 326 seats to have a majority government.
Voting and Results: Media Restrictions, Exit Polls, and Counting Timeline
Media cannot publish anything that might affect voters while polls are open. An exit poll will be done by British broadcasters. Results will be expected soon after polls close at 10 p.m. local time (5 p.m. ET). Vote counting will go on through the night and into Friday morning.
