General election
What happens constitutionally before and during a general election.
Latest analysis
Sunak, Starmer and the IfG agree: we need change at the general election
A return to stability would mean a transformational change to the way government works.
When will the next UK general election be?
The prime minister can call the next general election any time between now and 17 December 2024.
Mystery date: when is the right time to call a general election?
Inside Briefing brings together three veterans of elections to look back on their experiences and discuss what might happen next.
General election: what change do we need?
Lord Mandelson, Lord Willetts, Kate McCann and Kelly Beaver joined us to discuss what change the country needs and wants.
Key explainers
Calling a general election
Elections have to be held no more than five years apart, but the timing of elections can otherwise be determined by the prime minister.
Dissolution of parliament
Dissolution is the formal term for the end of a parliament. It occurs ahead of a general election for a new parliament.
2023 boundary changes
What is happening to constituency boundaries, and why? How are they changing? How are MPs affected?
How political parties prepare for government
Alongside campaigning for office, political parties also undertake other preparation for what they will do if they win an election and get into power.
How the civil service prepares for changes in government
This explainer looks at what happens to ministers and their civil servants during an election period.
Official opposition
As the second largest party in the House of Commons, the Labour Party is the current official opposition.
Restrictions on government activity during an election campaign
During an election campaign, there are restrictions in place on what the government can do – both in initiating policy and in use of official resource
Our experts
Hannah White
Director
Emma Norris
Deputy Director
Joe Owen
Director of Impact
Catherine Haddon
Programme Director