How does a general election work?

A UK general election chooses all 650 MPs at once. Each constituency elects one MP by first past the post. The party that can command a majority in the Commons, usually with at least 326 seats, forms the government. The King appoints its leader as Prime Minister.

An election must be held at least every five years. The Prime Minister can ask the King to dissolve Parliament earlier. Polling day is 25 working days after dissolution. During the campaign, parties publish manifestos, candidates canvass voters, and broadcasters must give balanced coverage. The next election must take place no later than August 2029. Candidates must pay a £500 deposit, refunded if they win 5% of the vote.

On polling day, stations are open from 7am to 10pm. Voters in Great Britain must show accepted photo ID. Postal and proxy votes are also allowed. Votes are counted overnight in each constituency, and the returning officer declares the winner. You must be registered, aged 18 or over, and a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Overseas British voters can also take part.

If one party wins a majority, its leader goes to the palace and is asked to form a government. If no party wins a majority, the result is a hung parliament. The sitting Prime Minister can then try to stay on, build a coalition or seek a confidence and supply deal. At the 2024 election Labour won 411 seats and about 60% of registered voters turned out.