Calls for a general election have gained strength following the resignation of Liz Truss, with Labour leader Keir Starmer urging for an immediate vote.
The House of Commons saw chaotic scenes on Wednesday that resulted in the PM handing in her notice the following day. Now just 44 days after electing Truss, the Conservative party is once again debating on who to pick as the next prime minister.
The fast-tracked election is expected to see a successor announced October 28. With the next general election years away, many Brits are left wondering if one can be called immediately - and who has the power?
When is the next general election?
At present, the latest date the next general election can take place is January 2025.
Why then? The maximum term of Parliament is five years from the day they first met - December 17, 2019, in this case.
That means Parliament will automatically be dissolved on December 17, 2024. Polling would be expected to take place 25 days later, marking the latest possible date for an election January, 24 2025.
Who can call for a general election?
The power to call a general election rests in the hands of the prime minister, which means the decision is up to Liz Truss' successor.
This last happened in 2017 when Theresa May called an early election in a bid to gather more seats for the Conservative party. The plan backfired and the Tories ended up losing seats.
However, just two years later, Conservatives won a landslide victory when Boris Johnson called an election in 2019.
How is a general election called?
If a PM wishes to call an election, they must first ask King Charles to 'dissolve' Parliament, which means the House of Commons and House of Lords are closed in order to hold the election.
MPs would then need to campaign again for their seat. Polling day would typically take place 25 days after an election is called.
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