When is the next general election?

The timing of the next general election is uncertain. The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill (at the time of writing) has passed through each legislative stage in the House of Commons, and is currently being considered in the House of Lords. Once – as is likely – that bill becomes law, this would make the power to dissolve Parliament and call a new Parliament a prerogative power.

This means that it would be in the power of the Prime Minister, with the consent of the Monarch, to decide the timing of the next general election – without a Parliamentary vote.

However, legislation also sets a five year limit between elections: if Parliament is not dissolved early, Parliament will automatically dissolve after five years.

This means that the last possible date for the dissolution of Parliament would be 17 December 2024, with a general election in January 2025.