MPs will debate the matter next month after a petition secured over one million backers.
Keir Starmer is facing record-low popularity (Image: Getty)
MPs will hold a debate on calling an early snap general election in January after a petition surpassed one million signatures. The petition on the parliamentary website, entitled “Call an immediate general election”, was set up six months ago and immediately garnered a huge amount of support.
It’s now been confirmed that MPs will debate the topic in Westminster Hall on January 12, confirmed today by the Petitions Committee of the House of Commons. Tory MP John Lamont will lead the debate, and a government minister will be forced to respond. It’s the second time in this parliament that calls for an early general election will be debated, after a previous petition set up by publican Michael Westwood secured three million backers.
The government responded to the petition with a short statement in August, insisting: “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.”
However they also noted 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.”
According to current polls, Labour would be wiped out in a general election tomorrow, left with just a handful of their current seats.
Reform UK would likely storm to power, with Nigel Farage taking up office in 10 Downing Street, either with an outright majority or in a deal with the Tories.
Over 1m have signed the petition (Image: Getty)
One poll last night showed that Labour is now polling at just 14%, behind both Reform, the Tories and the Green Party.
Tyron Surman, Find Out Now’s head of research, said it is the “lowest score we have ever had for Labour”.
“People will point out that we have them lower than other pollsters… but worth remembering that every single pollster – not one exception out of roughly 20 pollsters – overstated Labour at the last election.”
Supporters of the petition are likely to be disappointed, however, as the government appears more willing to scrap elections entirely than test their popularity with voters.
