The results: How Britain voted in 2024

Abstract With the repeal of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act in 2022, the power to call a general election returned to the Prime Minister. The latest possible date was 28th January 2025, and speculation around its timing had been mounting. One criticism of the UK’s lack of fixed terms is that it often benefits the governing party, prompting political pundits to try and calculate the optimal moment for the Conservatives to hold the contest. Most believed it would be November. However, Rishi Sunak surprised the nation, and even his own party, by calling the election on the 22nd May, setting polling day for 4th July 2024—the first July general election since 1945. Although he made the announcement around 5pm, news of an imminent speech had been circulating for much of the day. This gave protesters time to organize musical demonstrations, though it was not enough time for Sunak to check the weather and bring an umbrella. Standing in the rain, with ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ playing in the background, the Prime Minister did not look like he held the advantage.