July 04, 2024 19:25 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Staunchly Conservative Voters In Clacton Weigh A Switch To Reform Party
Britain is going to the polls Thursday at a time when public dissatisfaction is running high over a host of issues.
From the high cost of living and a stagnating economy to a dysfunctional state health care system and crumbling infrastructure, some disillusioned voters have turned to the populist Reform Party.
Its divisive leader Nigel Farage, who championed Brexit, is drawing growing numbers of Conservative voters with his pledge to “take our country back.”
Britain’s Reform UK Party Leader Nigel Farage eats an ice cream, on the day of the general election, in Clacton-on-Sea, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
July 04, 2024 18:53 IST
UK Elections 2024: Labour’s ‘Supermajority’ Hints at Change in British Indian Voter Mood
Exactly how the votes stack up will start to unfold only once polling closes but YouGov’s final large-scale poll for ‘The Times’ on the eve of the election suggests the Opposition Labour could be handed a so-called “supermajority” – indicating a 212-seat parliamentary majority and the highest in decades.
But whatever the final outcome, this pattern is more a reflection of the political turmoil that ultimately brought Sunak into 10 Downing Street than a vote against his own leadership.
“I think for British Indian voters, in particular, this election is similar to the rest of the electorate; they’ve been given a chance to choose to keep or remove the government and after 14 years of a Conservative government, the mood is much more for change than for maintaining it,” reflected Sunder Katwala, Director of the British Future think tank.
July 04, 2024 18:36 IST
UK Election LIVE: Cost of Living Could Trump Pride In Sunak for British Indian Voters
The UK’s historic general election on Thursday marks the first real test at the ballot box for Rishi Sunak when pride in Britain’s first Prime Minister of Indian heritage might be trumped by the cost-of-living crisis and sheer fatigue with 14 long years of a Conservative Party-led government.
July 04, 2024 18:24 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Jas Athwal Says ‘Change Will Only Happen If We Vote For It’
“Polls are now open – it’s time to have our say & vote for the future we want for our country. Change will only happen if we vote for it,” said Labour’s candidate for Ilford South, Jas Athwal.
The UK general election on Thursday is expected to deliver the most diverse Parliament in the country’s history, including in the number of parliamentarians of Indian heritage likely to be elected from across the nation. Athwal is one of them.
July 04, 2024 18:10 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: All Voters In The UK Must Now Show ID
All voters in the U.K. were required to bring identification with them Thursday for the first time in a general election.
A change in the law has required voters in England, Scotland and Wales to prove their identity since 2023 by showing a passport, drivers’ license and more than a dozen other acceptable forms of ID.
Voters in Northern Ireland have had to show ID since 1985, and photo ID since 2003.
The Elections Act introduced by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022 was enforced, ironically, earlier this year when Johnson tried to vote without ID in a local election in South Oxfordshire.
He was turned away, but came back later with his identification and cast his vote.
July 04, 2024 17:36 IST
Why Do UK General Elections Always Fall On Thursdays? Why Not Sundays?
Millions of British voters are flocking to polling booths on July 4, continuing a longstanding tradition where general elections are held on Thursdays.
Dating back to 1918, this practice has historical roots and persists today due to several cultural reasons. Before 1918, when the UK’s Representation of the People Act expanded suffrage, general elections in the country could occur on any day of the week.
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A person leaves Fibber Magees pub at the city center of Belfast, Northern Ireland, May 31, 2024. (Reuters)
July 04, 2024 17:26 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Is British PM Rishi Sunak Afraid Of Losing His Seat?
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told members of his inner circle that he is concerned about losing his constituency at the general election on Thursday, a report by the Guardian said.
Sunak, according to the UK-based newspaper, confided to people in his inner circle that he is ‘fearful’ of losing his seat. He told people close to him that he thinks the vote in Richmond and Northallerton was too close to call.
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July 04, 2024 17:14 IST
UK Election: Record Number of Indian-Origin MPs Vying to Enter British Parliament
The UK general election on Thursday is expected to deliver the most diverse Parliament in the country’s history, including in the number of parliamentarians of Indian heritage likely to be elected from across the nation.
According to an analysis by the British think tank, the Labour Party is set to have by far the largest number of ethnic minority MPs if the party wins an overall majority and even more in a landslide scenario.
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July 04, 2024 17:07 IST
UK Elections LIVE: London Mayor Says ‘Turn The Page On 14 Years Of Tory Chaos’
“Today we have a chance to turn the page on 14 years of Tory chaos. Good to see so much support with teams out for @ChelFulhamBen across Chelsea and Fulham. Local residents & families are ready to vote for change,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a post on X.
July 04, 2024 16:54 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Green Party Co-Leader Carla Denyer Casts Her Vote
Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, posed for a photo outside a polling station in Bristol after casting her vote.
“No need to guess who I voted for. The energy in Bristol today is electric! On the short walk to the polling station, I met 8 Green volunteers and heard ‘well done’ and ‘I voted for you’ from voters. Thank you, everyone, and remember to bring ID to vote,” she said in a post on X.
July 04, 2024 16:40 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Ex-Labour Leader Corbyn, Now An Independent, Votes In North London
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is running for reelection as an independent, has voted in his north London district.
Corbyn posted a photo of himself on X outside a polling station with his right thumb up, saying: “Just voted for the independent candidate in Islington North. I heard he’s alright.”
Corbyn, a socialist who has won his seat for Labour at every general election since 1983, was suspended from the party and barred from running by Labour after his leadership faced antisemitism allegations.
July 04, 2024 16:12 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Nigel Farage Votes, Joins #DogsAtPollingStations Trend
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage arrived at a polling station to cast his vote, participating in the trending hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations.
Dogs adorned with bows, rosettes, and colorful leads have been spotted as voters turn out for the General Election, UK-based Sun newspaper reported.
Britain’s Reform UK Party Leader Nigel Farage eats an ice cream, on the day of the general election, in Clacton-on-Sea, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS
July 04, 2024 16:01 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: All Sizes Of Dogs Welcome At Polling Stations Across The Country
All dogs, regardless of their size, were welcomed at polling stations across the UK on Thursday.
People walk outside a polling station with a dog, during the general election in Cooksbridge Village.
A woman with a dog walks outside a polling station during the general election in Clacton-on-Sea.
A dog waits outside a polling station during the general election in London.
Credit: Reuters
July 04, 2024 15:53 IST
UK Elections LIVE: Who Is Keir Starmer, The Labour Leader Who Could Be Britain’s Next PM?
Labour leader Keir Starmer is a former human rights lawyer turned-state prosecutor whose ruthless ambition and formidable work ethic look set to propel him to Britain’s highest political office.
The 61-year-old, named after Labour’s founding father Keir Hardie, is the centre-left opposition party’s most working-class leader in decades.
Read more…
Britain’s main opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer visits Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Kingsbury, north London. (Image: AFP)
July 04, 2024 15:36 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Scottish Labour Leader Casts His Vote
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar cast his vote on Thursday morning. He was seen leaving the polling station at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow with his wife Furheen and their son Aliyan, according to BBC.
British opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar attend a Labour general election campaign event, at Caledonia Gladiators Stadium in East Kilbride, Scotland, Britain July 3, 2024. REUTERS
July 04, 2024 15:17 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Keir Starmer Says ‘Today, Britain’s Future Is On The Ballot’
July 04, 2024 15:03 IST
UK Elections LIVE: British Tennis Star Raducanu Unaware Of Polls Amid Wimbledon Success
British tennis star Emma Raducanu, focused on Wimbledon, expressed surprise when informed about the upcoming general election, UK’s Sky News reported.
After her victory over Elise Mertens, she admitted not knowing the election was the next day, planning to rest and practice instead. Fellow player Katie Boulter also prioritized tennis over voting, while Raducanu, a US Open champion, continues her Wimbledon journey as a wildcard entry.
July 04, 2024 14:53 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie Casts Vote in Northern Ireland
Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie has voted at Seagoe Primary School in Portadown in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie speaks to media at the Stormont Parliament Buildings on the day Northern Ireland lawmakers elect the Irish First Minister, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, February 3, 2024. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett
July 04, 2024 14:38 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Labour’s Starmer At Polling Station In North London
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer arrived at Willingham Tenants Hall in Kentish Town, north London, to cast his vote with his wife Victoria.
Britain’s opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer walk outside a polling station during the general election in London, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS/Claudia Greco
July 04, 2024 14:24 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Larry The Cat Poised To Welcome Britain’s Next Prime Minister
Downing Street’s resident cat remains at Number 10, waiting to welcome the winner of the British General Election. After more than a decade as ‘Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office’, Larry the cat’s tenure has endured longer than most recent British Prime Ministers. (AP)
July 04, 2024 14:13 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak Urges Conservative Vote to Block Labour Supermajority
“The polls are open. Vote Conservative to stop the Labour supermajority which would mean higher taxes for a generation,” Rishi Sunak said in a post on X.
July 04, 2024 14:05 IST
Who Won What In The Last UK General Elections In 2019?
At the last general election, held on December 12, 2019, Boris Johnson’s Conservatives were runaway winners with 365 seats, with Labour on 202.
The Scottish National Party won 48, followed by the Liberal Democrats on 11. Northern Ireland’s pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party secured eight seats, with Sinn Fein on seven, and Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru on four.
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July 04, 2024 13:59 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: See Polling Stations Across The Country
A worker prepares to deliver election ballot boxes in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain July 3, 2024. REUTERS
A person runs past a polling station shortly before the polls open and voting begins in the UK general election in London, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS
The presiding officer fixes the polling station sign outside a polling station during the general election in Burrelton, Scotland, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, walk outside a polling station during the general election in Northallerton, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS
Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) John Swinney stands outside a polling station during the general election in Burrelton, Scotland, Britain, July 4. REUTERS
July 04, 2024 13:50 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Why Is There No Political News Today In The Country?
UK broadcasters are abiding by stringent rules today, refraining from political news until polls close at 10 pm (2.30 am IST).
This blackout aims to prevent influencing voters’ decisions, adhering to Ofcom regulations that mandate ceasing all election-related discussions and poll result publications after polls opened at 7 am (11.30 am IST).
July 04, 2024 13:40 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE: Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney Casts Vote at Burrelton Village Hall
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney has just cast his vote at Burrelton Village Hall in the village of Burrelton in Blairgowrie.
Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) John Swinney waves next to his son Matthew outside a polling station during the general election in Burrelton, Scotland, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS
July 04, 2024 13:34 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Why Are Conservatives Under Pressure In This Election?
The Conservatives have faced one challenge after another since they took power in 2010. First, there was the fallout from the global financial crisis, which swelled Britain’s debt and caused the Tories to impose years of austerity to balance the budget.
They then led Britain out of the European Union, battled one of the deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks in western Europe, and saw inflation soar after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Regardless of the circumstances, many voters blame the Conservatives for the litany of problems facing Britain, from sewage spills and unreliable train service to the cost-of-living crisis, crime and the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel on inflatable boats.
July 04, 2024 13:26 IST
UK Election LIVE: What’s The Tradition Of Joke Candidates – Do They Bring Laughter Or Lessons?
The tradition of joke candidates in UK elections has long provided a colourful commentary on the country’s political landscape. Originating in the 1970s, these candidates often emerge as a satirical response to the perceived disconnect between political elites and the general public.
This tradition continues to thrive, with the upcoming UK elections featuring an eclectic mix of candidates, including those from the Monster Raving Loony Party and Count Binface, according to the BBC. At least 29 joke candidates are running in the polls this time around.
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July 04, 2024 13:16 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Rishi Sunak Votes In His Yorkshire Constituency | Picture
Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty walk to a polling station to vote near Richmond, North Yorkshire, England, Thursday, July 4, 2024. (AP)
July 04, 2024 13:09 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: The Monarch’s Role in UK Politics
Britain’s King Charles III will play a pivotal role post-election, nominating the leader of the largest party in parliament as prime minister.
In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.
The Sunday Times Rich List showed Britain’s King Charles’ fortunes grew slower than his Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s, as per the Sunday Times Rich List. (Image: Reuters)
July 04, 2024 12:59 IST
UK Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: What Are The Big Issues For Voters?
The economy: Britain has struggled with high inflation and slow economic growth, which have combined to make most people feel poorer.
Immigration: Thousands of asylum seekers and economic migrants have crossed the English Channel in flimsy inflatable boats in recent years, triggering criticism that the government has lost control of Britain’s borders.
Health care: Britain’s National Health Service, which provides free health care to everyone, is plagued with long waiting lists for everything from dental care to cancer treatment.
The environment: Sunak has backtracked on a series of environmental commitments, pushing back the deadline for ending the sale of gasoline- and diesel-powered passenger vehicles and authorizing new oil drilling in the North Sea.
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