The Petitions Committee has confirmed MPs will debate calling an early general election in January after a petition surpassed one million signatures
MPs are set to debate the possibility of an early snap general election in January, following a petition that has amassed over one million signatures. The petition, titled “Call an immediate general election”, was launched six months ago and quickly gained significant support.
It has now been confirmed that MPs will discuss the matter in Westminster Hall on January 12, as announced today by the House of Commons Petitions Committee. Conservative MP John Lamont will spearhead the debate, with a government minister required to respond.
This marks the second time in this parliament that calls for an early general election have been debated, following a previous petition initiated by publican Michael Westwood which secured three million supporters.
In response to the petition, the government issued a brief statement in August, asserting: “This Government was elected on a mandate of change at the July 2024 general election.
“Our full focus is on fixing the foundations, rebuilding Britain, and restoring public confidence in government.”, reports the Express.
However, they also acknowledged that the Prime Minister “can call a general election at a time of their choosing by requesting a dissolution of Parliament from the Sovereign within the five-year life of a Parliament.”
Current polls suggest that Labour would suffer a devastating defeat if a general election were held tomorrow, retaining only a fraction of their current seats.
Reform UK could potentially sweep to victory, with Nigel Farage moving into 10 Downing Street, either with a clear majority or in coalition with the Tories.
However, those backing the petition may be left disheartened, as the government seems more inclined to ditch elections altogether rather than gauge their appeal among voters.
Today, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson was compelled to refute claims that Sir Keir is acting like a “dictator”, following outrage over the postponement of mayoral elections scheduled for next year until 2028.
This follows a wave of cancelled council elections earlier this year, which sparked indignation from Nigel Farage.
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