UK Elections 2024: Key issues, candidates and voting process explained
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Photo: Reuters
The United Kingdom is gearing up for its first general election in almost five years, with voters going to the polls on July 4. The election could be a defining moment for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, which has faced significant backlash for failing to deliver on promises made during its 14-year tenure.
The centre-right Conservatives came to power during the global financial crisis and have won three more elections since. However, their time in office has been marred by economic stagnation, deteriorating public services and numerous scandals, making them a prime target for critics from both the left and the right.
The left-leaning Labour Party has taken a lead in most polls by basing its campaign on a single, telling word: change.
But the Conservatives also face challenges from the new Reform Party, which has been able to attract votes from the right wing of the Conservative base by criticising the party’s failure to control immigration.
Below is an in-depth look at the upcoming UK election and what’s at stake.
How are the UK elections going?
On July 4, voters in the United Kingdom elect all 650 members of the House of Commons, with one representative for each constituency. There are no primaries or second rounds; a single ballot determines the outcome.
The United Kingdom uses a ‘first past the post’ voting system, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, even without a majority. This system typically favours the two largest parties, Conservatives and Labour, making it difficult for smaller parties to win seats unless they have strong regional support.
How is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom elected?
The party that wins a majority in the House of Commons, either alone or with the support of another party, forms the next government. Its leader becomes Prime Minister.
Given that the Conservatives have been in power for 14 years, this election could significantly change the political landscape. The Labour Party is currently seen as the strongest candidate.
Main candidates in the British elections
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer who has led the country since October 2022, is the Conservative candidate. His main opponent is Keir Starmer, a former Director of Public Prosecutions and leader of the Labour Party since April 2020.
Other parties, such as the Scottish National Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Democratic Unionist Party, could play a crucial role in forming a coalition government if no party wins an outright majority. In addition, the Reform Party, led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, could siphon off votes from the Conservatives.
Why are the Conservatives under pressure?
Since coming to power in 2010, the Conservatives have faced relentless challenges. First, they had to deal with the aftermath of the global financial crisis, imposing years of austerity to balance the budget. Then they led the country through Brexit, managed one of the deadliest Covid-19 outbreaks in Western Europe, and grappled with soaring inflation after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Many voters blame the Conservatives for a host of problems plaguing Britain, from sewage spills and unreliable train services to the cost of living, crime and the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel. The party’s reputation has also been damaged by numerous scandals, including lockdown-breaking parties that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the short, economically disastrous tenure of his successor, Liz Truss.
What are the major problems?
Economy
Britain is struggling with high inflation and slow economic growth, leaving many people feeling poorer. Although the Conservatives have managed to keep inflation under control, which slowed to 2 percent in May from a peak of 11.1 percent in October 2022, economic growth remains sluggish, raising doubts about their economic policies.
Immigration
The Conservatives have been criticised for their handling of immigration, particularly the thousands of asylum seekers and economic migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats. Their plan to deport some migrants to Rwanda has been condemned as inhumane and ineffective.
healthcare
The National Health Service is struggling with long waiting lists and underfunding. Reports of patients waiting hours for ambulances and hospital beds have become commonplace, highlighting the dire state of the system.
Environment
Sunak has been criticised for backtracking on environmental promises, including delaying the end of sales of petrol and diesel cars and allowing new oil drilling in the North Sea, which critics say undermines global efforts to combat climate change.
Why are elections being held in the UK now?
Sunak surprised many by calling the election for July 4, earlier than expected. The decision was a gamble, aimed at capitalizing on positive economic news to convince voters that Conservative policies were working. However, allegations that party members and police officers had insider knowledge of the election date have caused controversy, damaging Sunak’s claims of trustworthiness.
The timing of the election has been the subject of speculation for months, with many expecting a fall election. The prime minister’s decision to call early elections is seen as a strategic move to gain political advantage.
Can Indians vote in UK elections?
Indian citizens living in the UK can indeed participate in UK elections, including local, supralocal, devolved parliaments and general elections. This right to vote also applies to citizens of all Commonwealth countries, including India and Ireland, living in the UK.
(With input from the agency)
First print: 03 Jul 2024 | 12:19 PM IST