United Kingdom general election

A United Kingdom general election is a national vote to choose Members of Parliament for the House of Commons, the lower house of the UK Parliament.

A United Kingdom general election is a national vote to choose Members of Parliament for the House of Commons, the lower house of the UK Parliament. General elections usually take place every five years, and the party that wins the most seats is normally invited to form a government. The last election was held on 4 July 2024.

Electoral system

The United Kingdom is divided into 650 constituencies, each electing one MP to the House of Commons. Voters cast one ballot for a candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins the seat.

Eligibility and voting rules

To vote in a general election, a person must be registered and meet nationality, residence, and legal eligibility requirements. Since May 2023, voters in England must present valid photo identification to vote in person at UK parliamentary elections.

Timing and dissolution

General elections usually occur every five years, although they can be held earlier if Parliament is dissolved before the maximum term. The current Parliament began on 9 July 2024, making the next election due by 15 August 2029 unless called sooner.

Recent elections

The 2024 general election, held on 4 July 2024, resulted in a large Labour majority under Keir Starmer. The Conservatives suffered a major defeat, while Reform UK and the Green Party each won a small number of seats.