UK Election 2024: British voters pick a new government against a backdrop of economic malaise and deep pessimism

Opinion polls throughout the six-week campaign have consistently shown a significant lead for Labour under leader Keir Starmer. Projections suggest Labour could win over 400 seats, its biggest-ever majority, while the Conservatives are predicted to suffer their worst defeat. The election comes against a backdrop of economic challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis, and widespread dissatisfaction with the government. Many voters are hoping for change after years of Conservative rule marked by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and political scandals. However, some populist undercurrents in British politics, represented by parties like Reform UK, could complicate the picture. While Labour's lead appears solid, party leaders have warned supporters not to be complacent. The Conservatives have acknowledged the likelihood of defeat but urged voters to limit Labour's power.

The outcome of the UK election on Thursday could hinge on voter turnout, which remains a significant unknown factor. While the total number of votes cast won't be known until polls close, turnout is expected to play a crucial role in determining the winner. The UK has a population of approximately 67 million, with 46.5 million registered voters as of the last general election in 2019. In that election, turnout was estimated at 67.3%. However, in the local elections held in May, when the Conservative Party suffered heavy losses in council seats and mayoral offices, turnout averaged just 30%, according to the Institute for Government, an independent think tank. The Conservative Party has expressed optimism that reports of high turnout on Thursday could help them overcome the significant lead held by the Labour Party in the polls. Labour, on the other hand, fears that their supporters may become complacent and fail to vote, despite their double-digit lead in the polls. As a result, Labour has been urging its supporters to turn out in force on election day. Historically, low turnout has had a disproportionate effect on Labour's vote share, as their supporters tend to be younger and from working-class backgrounds, who are traditionally less likely to vote. However, this trend may be changing in an era of partisan dealignment.

According to the BBC: Glasgow City Council has reassured voters their ballots will still be counted after incorrect advice was spotted at a polling station. Posters at Notre Dame primary school told people to number their chosen candidates in order of preference, using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, rather than marking a single "X" under the first-past-the-post system. The council told BBC News that a "few" voters in the Glasgow West constituency had seen the advice, which was taken down quickly. It is not known whether anyone followed the advice. It said that ballots would still be counted and that whoever has a "1" next to their name on the ballot paper will receive the vote.

Until polls close in the UK, human's canine friends are the winners. If you were watching the news coverage of the UK election, you would be forgiven for thinking it has gone to the dogs. Seemingly every news site had a gallery of images with dogs outside polling stations, patiently waiting for their owners to do their civic duty while the news business fulfilled an obligation of its own to protect the sanctity of elections. The UK has restrictions on what can be reported on election days before the polls close to avoid influencing voters. Unlike the United States or india, where there is wall-to-wall coverage and analysis, there is no such reporting in Britain.

Polls will close at 10pm on Thursday night (BST), 2.30am Friday night (IST). An exit poll commissioned by the main UK broadcasters will be published as soon as the polls close, giving an indication of the likely result. Counting will begin immediately but most of the results will only be announced late Friday morning.

London's FTSE 100 closed higher on Thursday, boosted by gains in medical equipment company Smith & Nephew, while parliamentary polls in the country were underway with the Labour Party looking set to win. The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up 0.9% and saw its best day in nearly two months. The mid-cap FTSE 250 edged 0.4% higher. Both indexes logged gains for the second consecutive day.

There’s a distinct desi flavour in the UK general elections in which Rishi Sunak, the United Kingdom’s first non-white Prime Minister hopes to stave off defeat for the Tories after 14 years in power. The outgoing House of Commons had 15 Indian-origin MPs and the number is set to increase. A total of 107 British-Indian candidates are in the fray for the 680 seats in UK General Election 2024.

There are lots of British Indians in the fray in this year’s general election, many of them Sikhs but few have a profile as unique as Nadia Whittome. The youngest MP (when she was elected) in the House of Commons – Baby of the House so to speak – is one of the few Queer MPs in the House of Commons and was Pink News’ Politician of the Year in 2020. When she was elected in 2019 on a Labour ticket, she became the youngest-ever MP in the House of Commons.

The 2024 UK general election results, expected to be declared by late morning of July 5 (IST), are expected to have minor impact on India-UK relations as both the Rishi Sunak-led Conservative (Tory) and Keir Rodney Starmer-led Labour parties have expressed support for strengthening ties with India. While there should be no major impact in the bilateral relationship regardless of the election outcome, the snap poll has diminished the prospects of the much-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being finalised by the current Conservative government led by Sunak.

In Britain, where betting is a popular pastime, politics is open for wagering. This election cycle has seen increased attention due to a scandal involving the election date, one of many gambling opportunities.Tens of millions of pounds are expected to be wagered on this year's election, though this sum will be dwarfed by the amount bet on the US election in the autumn. The 2020 presidential election became the biggest betting event globally, with 1.7 billion pounds staked on the Betfair Exchange.

UK voters are choosing a new government Thursday in a parliamentary election expected to bring the Labour Party to power amid economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions, and a fraying social fabric.The electorate is delivering its verdict on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, which has been in power since 2010. Polls have opened at 40,000 locations, including church halls, a laundromat, and a crematorium.

As the United Kingdom conducted its elections on Thursday with nearly 46.5 million eligible voters, King Charles III and the Royal family opted not to participate, maintaining their stance on political neutrality.

“The King and active members of the royal family can legally cast a vote at general elections on the same basis as other eligible citizens, but in practice do not do so for obvious reasons, especially because it would cause a furore of media speculation and violate the constitutional requirement today that they maintain a strict party political impartiality,” Robert Blackburn, a professor at King's College told TIME magazine.

As the voting for snap general elections began on Thursday, the Indian community in the United Kingdom expressed confidence that the Labour Party would end the nearly 15-year stint of the Conservatives. The Indian-origin UK residents, in a conversation with ANI, also acknowledged that Rishi Sunak has done a good job as Prime Minister, but the party will lose because of the "mess" created by his predecessors.

As polling stations in the United Kingdom opened for voting on Thursday in historic snap general elections in the country, it becomes significant to see how issues like economy, tax, and immigration turn the tide for contenders, including current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.Polling opened at 7am (local time) today and will close at 10pm. The six-week campaign that saw all major parties comb the nation will end today with the voting to decide the next Prime Minister of the country.

No matter what the outcome of Thursday's landmark general election in the UK is, Rishi Sunak's place in the history books as Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage is secure. The 44-year-old was undoubtedly the underdog in the election, coming at the end of a long line of Conservative Party leaders over 14 tough years that underwent some seismic shocks in the form of Brexit and then the Covid pandemic. It was in the midst of the latter that Sunak shone as Britain's first Indian-origin Chancellor, stepping up to the seemingly impossible task of reassuring a panicked public about their finances.

Northern Ireland's First Minister and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill has cast her vote at a polling station in a County Tyrone school, according to the BBC.

The pound gained on Thursday against a broadly weaker dollar which was hurt by soft US economic data, as Britons voted in a parliamentary election that investors hope will bring some stability to British politics.Opinion polls show Keir Starmer's centre-left Labour Party on course for a landslide victory over Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks's Conservatives, who have led the country for 14 often turbulent years.The pound was up 0.1% against the dollar at $1.2755 on Thursday, having gained 0.46% Wednesday after soft US economic data sent the dollar lower across the board.

Europe's main stock markets advanced in initial deals on Thursday as Britons began voting in a landmark general election.London's benchmark FTSE 100 index rose 0.4 percent to 8,205.46 points, one hour after polls opened.British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's right-wing Conservatives are widely expected to lose heavily to the main opposition centre-left Labour Party.In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 stocks index added 0.5 percent to 7,669.11 points and Frankfurt's DAX won 0.2 percent to 18,417.54 before France's legislative vote this Sunday.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was spotted leaving the polling station at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow this morning, accompanied by his wife Furheen and their son Aliyan, after casting their votes, as reported by BBC.

Britons on Thursday voted in ongoing parliamentary election widely expected to bring Keir Starmer's Labour Party to power, potentially ending Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives administration after 14 years.Opinion polls indicated a significant victory for Starmer, reflecting a public desire for change driven by internal strife within the Conservative Party, which has seen five prime ministers in eight years. This shift could place Starmer, a 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, in office with a substantial agenda but without overwhelming support or financial resources to address it.

Millions of voters in the UK cast their ballots in a national election to choose the 650 lawmakers who will sit in Parliament for the next five years. Polls opened at 7 am (BST) and will close at 10 pm (BST). Even before in-person voting began, hundreds of thousands of people had cast their ballot by postal vote.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer cast his vote in the election that widely anticipate his party's return to power after a 14-year absence and potentially elevate him to the position of prime minister.

Despite leading in polls and receiving predictions of a landslide victory, Starmer has cautioned his supporters against complacency. He participated in voting in his London neighborhood, emphasizing the importance of every vote.

Throughout the six-week campaign, pollsters have consistently shown Labour with a substantial double-digit lead. Starmer has actively campaigned across the country, urging voters to embrace change.

Central to his platform are promises to revitalize a sluggish economy, invest in the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure, and address the challenges facing the National Health Service, originally established by his center-left party in 1945.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie has voted at Seagoe Primary School in Portadown in Northern Ireland.

Keir Starmer has arrived to vote in London with his wife, Victoria. Recent polling suggests he is currently the frontrunner to become the next Prime Minister of the UK, marking a potential turnaround for his Labour party after suffering a significant defeat in the December 2019 general election, which saw Boris Johnson returned as UK Prime Minister. Since then, the country has seen two changes in leadership without a general election being held.

Gavin Robinson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), cast his vote at Dundonald Elim Pentecostal in Belfast, accompanied by his wife.

John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister and leader of the SNP, has cast his vote at Burrelton Village Hall in the village of Burrelton, Blairgowrie.

European stocks climbed as key elections dominated the scene, and traders evaluated the likelihood of Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts following US economic data that bolstered the case for easing.France’s CAC40 benchmark index rose for a second consecutive day ahead of this weekend’s final round of voting in the snap parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, voting is underway in the UK’s general election, with investors anticipating the first official exit polls at 10pm local time, reported Bloomberg.

There’s a distinct desi flavour in the upcoming UK General Elections in which Rishi Sunak, the United Kingdom’s first non-white Prime Minister hopes to stave off defeat for the Tories after 14 years in power. The misadventure that started with the Brexit referendum saw a procession of Tory PMs, each with progressively diminishing popularity. David Cameron was followed by Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss before Rishi Sunak took over in October 2022.

London's FTSE 100 climbed, helped by gains in Smith & Nephew, while the Labour Party looked set to win the ongoing parliamentary polls. The FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, after having its best day in nearly two weeks, whereas the FTSE 250 dropped 0.1% by 0716 GMT, as reported by Reuters.

Polling started at 0600 GMT and will continue throughout the day, with an exit poll expected at 2100 GMT. Opinion polls suggest that the Labour Party will replace the Conservatives, who have been in power for 14 years. This anticipated change is believed to be already priced into the market, with results expected early on Friday.

Trading activity is anticipated to be low due to the US markets being closed for a holiday.

Medical equipment and services stocks saw the highest sectoral gains at 4.7%, led by Smith & Nephew's 6.7% rise after Cevian Capital disclosed a 5% stake in the company. The automobile and parts sector rose 1.2% following news of an increase in new car registrations in June, surpassing the half-year "million motors" mark for the first time since 2019.

Among individual stocks, Barclays increased by 1.1% after agreeing to sell its German consumer finance business to BAWAG Group AG for a small premium to net assets, payable in cash.

"We have built this campaign from nothing. We don’t have party machinery. We don’t have big donors. We have something more powerful: people. Come to our campaign HQ at 89-93 Fonthill Rd to help us Get Out The Vote. Let’s do this. Vote Independent in Islington North!," posted Jeremy Corbyn on X.

Voters in the UK are participating in a national election to choose 650 lawmakers for Parliament, with results determining the next five years of governance. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unexpectedly called the election on May 22, though it could have been delayed until January 2025. The Conservative Party, in power for 14 years under five prime ministers, is expected to lose to the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer. Key issues influencing voters include the rising cost of living and a crisis in the National Health Service.

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm, and an exit poll will be published immediately after polls close. Counting of votes will start right away, with most results expected early Friday.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty cast their votes during the general election at Kirby Sigston Village Hall in Kirby Sigston, England. Voters in 650 constituencies across the UK are electing members of Parliament to the House of Commons via the first-past-the-post system.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (R) and his wife Akshata Murty cast their votes during the general election at Kirby Sigston Village Hall in Kirby Sigston, England. Voters in 650 constituencies across the UK are electing members of Parliament to the House of Commons via the first-past-the-post system.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty walked to a polling station to vote near Richmond, North Yorkshire, England

As polling stations across the United Kingdom opened at 7 am local time for the historic snap general elections, key issues such as the economy, taxes, and immigration are expected to significantly influence the outcome for candidates, including the incumbent Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. The polls will remain open until 10 pm.

Britons are heading to the polls in a general election expected to return the opposition Labour party to power, ending nearly 15 years of Conservative rule.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to call an early election is anticipated to result in a heavy defeat for his party. Labour leader Keir Starmer is projected to win by historic proportions, potentially achieving Labour's first general election victory since 2005.

Voting is taking place at over 40,000 polling stations, with results expected overnight. Polls suggest the Conservatives will face significant losses, with Labour projected to secure at least 430 seats, potentially surpassing Tony Blair's 1997 victory. The Liberal Democrats are also expected to gain seats, while Nigel Farage's Reform UK party might win a few seats.

If the predictions hold, Sunak is likely to resign, and Starmer will become the new prime minister, facing the challenge of revitalizing public services and the economy.

After the polls close at 22:00 BST, ballot boxes from the 650 constituencies are transported from polling stations to counting centres, where counting begins immediately.The first results are typically declared around 23.00 (local time), with the majority of seats announced before 09:00 (local time) on Friday morning.Around 20 results are anticipated to come in before 02.00, with the pace accelerating thereafter.Between 02.00 (local time) and 04.00 (local time), 325 seats are expected to be declared, followed by another 275 between 04.00 (local time) and 06.00 (local time). The final results will trickle in later on Friday morning.Determining whether any party has won the election, by securing enough MPs to form a majority in the House of Commons, depends on the closeness of the contest. A party needs to win in 326 constituencies to achieve a majority.While the exact timing is uncertain, it is likely that we will know if any party has won sometime after 03.00 BST.

Polls open in British election in which voters appear eager for change after 14 years of Conservative government.

As the voters turn up for the UK's general election, Labour Party's pick, Keir Starmer is favoured by pollsters to emerge victorious in the upcoming election and assume the role of prime minister. Starmer is running against incumbent PM Rishi Sunak, who is trying hard to maintain the Conservative Party's grip on power despite the electorate's weariness stemming from the party's 14-year tenure.

Uday Nagaraju, a 45-year-old Telugu man with origins in Telangana, is competing in a five-way race for the North Bedfordshire parliamentary seat in the upcoming UK general election on July 4. Despite the challenging contest, Nagaraju is confident about his prospects of securing victory.

Interestingly, Nagaraju shares a distant familial connection with PV Narasimha Rao, the former Prime Minister of India. Nagaraju's family originally hails from Shanigaram village, located in Koheda mandal of the former Karimnagar district. He is representing the Labour party in the UK elections.

Having relocated to the UK many years ago, Nagaraju has established himself as an IT professional. Alongside his career, he has been actively engaged in social service initiatives and has been a committed member of the Labour party, working towards the betterment of his constituency.

The latest polls for the upcoming United Kingdom election paint a bleak picture for the Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The MRP poll conducted by YouGov forecasts a significant victory for Keir Starmer's Labour Party, with a projected 431 seats, marking an increase of 229 seats compared to their performance in the 2019 election. In contrast, the Conservatives are expected to secure only 102 seats, a staggering decline of 263 seats from the previous election. These projections suggest that Labour could potentially achieve a historic majority of 212 seats, surpassing any previous record held by the party. The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, are also predicted to make substantial gains, securing 72 seats, an increase of 61. Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK party is anticipated to win three seats, a Politico report said.Such a resounding Labour victory would mark a significant shift in British politics, ending the Conservative Party's 14-year tenure, during which the country has witnessed five prime ministers and faced divisive issues such as Brexit and ongoing debates surrounding immigration. The poll conducted by More in Common, released on Wednesday, further reinforces the likelihood of a Labour landslide, projecting a 210-seat majority for the party.

This is the first time since December 2019 that the whole country has a say on who will sit as MPs in the House of Commons and which party will form the next government. as reported by BBC.Ballot boxes will open at 07:00 BST across the UK and eligible voters can cast vote until 22:00 (local time)

Polling stations in 650 constituencies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will open at 07:00 BST.

British voters are participating in a parliamentary election expected to bring the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, to power. The election is occurring against a backdrop of economic issues, distrust in institutions, and social challenges.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, in power since 2010, faces significant voter dissatisfaction.

Starmer emphasizes the need for change and urges votes for Labour. The Conservatives acknowledge Labour's likely victory but warn against giving them a "supermajority." Sunak insists the election's outcome isn't certain, urging votes to limit Labour's power.

Labour's campaign, focused on economic growth, infrastructure investment, and clean energy, has been steady and supported by much of the business community and some traditionally conservative media. The Conservatives' campaign has been troubled by gaffes and scandals, including investigations into insider betting.

Voter distrust extends beyond the Conservatives to politicians in general, with figures like Nigel Farage attracting attention with anti-immigration rhetoric. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party also seek to appeal to disaffected voters. Some voters remain undecided, weighing their options between the known and unknown political entities.

Keir Starmer has proclaimed a “new age of hope and opportunity” as millions prepare to vote in a general election that could potentially bring the most significant transformation in British politics in a generation.

The Labour leader declared he was “ready for government” and assured that his proposed cabinet would “hit the ground running” if they triumph in Thursday’s election.

With Rishi Sunak’s key allies seemingly acknowledging a likely defeat for the Conservatives and final opinion polls forecasting an extraordinary Labour victory, the Guardian sources said that Sunak had privately confided to his inner circle about fears of losing his own seat. Additionally, a new YouGov poll indicated that 16 cabinet ministers were at risk of losing their seats, potentially granting Starmer the largest majority for any single party since 1832.

Rishi Sunak became the UK Prime Minister in October 2022 following the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss. Initially, he succeeded in stabilizing the economy but struggled with internal party conflicts and couldn't close the polling gap with the Labour Party. Sunak's campaign for the July 4 election faced several setbacks, including his early departure from D-Day events and a scandal involving election date bets. His wealthy background and awkward voter interactions further hampered his appeal during a cost-of-living crisis. Despite his rapid rise and notable achievements, Sunak's tenure has been marred by controversies and challenges.

There has been a tangible shift in British Indian support away from the Conservatives at this election with many desis choosing to support Independents, Labour and Lib Dems.

A section are still supporting Conservatives but support is not as strong as 2019.Walking through Slough Karpal Singh (76), who came to the UK in 1972, said: “All the Sikhs are voting Labour because they like Tan Dhesi.

There are no jobs and things should be better with Labour.”