Millions of people across the UK are heading to the polls today in a pivotal general election that could reshape British politics. Opinion polls indicate a landslide victory for the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer, potentially ending the 14-year reign of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party.
In a last-minute appeal, Sunak, Britain's first Indian-origin PM, urged voters to stop a potential "supermajority" for Labour, warning that it would lead to higher taxes. Starmer dismissed the Conservative warnings as "voter suppression," accusing them of trying to discourage people from voting.
"If you want change, you have to vote for it," the Labour leader said.
Here's your primer on 2024 UK general election:
Voters will decide on 650 parliamentary constituencies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Polling stations are open from 7 AM to 10 PM, with around 40,000 stations accommodating 46 million eligible voters. This election introduces a new voter ID requirement.
Keir Starmer is poised to become the next Prime Minister, with polls suggesting his centre-left Labour Party will decisively defeat Rishi Sunak's Conservatives, also known as Tories. Starmer has promised a "new age of hope and opportunity" and stated that his cabinet is "ready for government."
Sunak, who called for the election earlier than anticipated, has shifted his campaign strategy in recent weeks. He has abandoned the pursuit of a fifth consecutive victory, focusing instead on warning against an unchallenged Labour supermajority.
"This is what unites us. We need to stop the Labour supermajority that will put up your taxes," Sunak urged voters on social media.
There are reports that Sunak fears losing his Yorkshire constituency of Richmond and Northallerton, a seat he secured in 2019 with a 27,000-vote majority. The Guardian reports that despite denials from Conservative sources, close confidants say Sunak is concerned about the tight race.
The last general election in 2019 saw Boris Johnson's Conservatives win 365 seats, securing an 80-seat majority. Labour won 202 seats, the SNP 48, and the Liberal Democrats 11. This time, the Tories are facing voter backlash after a period marked by internal strife and five different prime ministers in eight years
