An exclusive Express poll shows readers overwhelmingly calling for an immediate general election, long before the next one due in 2029.
Majority of Express readers want an early election (Image: Getty)
Express readers have delivered a resounding verdict in favour of an immediate general election, with 98% backing the idea in an online poll. Out of the Express poll’s 31,288 respondents, 30,642 voted “Yes” to an early election, 524 (2%) said “No,” and 122 (less than 1%) were unsure.
The result comes amid mounting public pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with a petition calling for a fresh ballot surpassing 700,000 signatures. Petition organisers argue “the majority need and want change” and that waiting until the next scheduled election in 2029 is too long.
One commenter said they’ve “never been so angry” with a government (Image: Getty)
Under parliamentary rules, any petition with more than 100,000 signatures must be considered for debate.
In a formal response, the Government rejected the demand, insisting it is focused on “fixing the foundations” and “delivering change” for the public.
The Cabinet Office statement promised “more jobs and money in people’s pockets” and a rebuilt NHS, citing “a stable economy, national security and secure borders” as the basis for progress.
It pledged to “continue to deliver the manifesto of change that it was elected on.”
However, reader comments on the Express website reveal deep frustration.
One called for a two-yearly referendum on government performance, likening it to workplace appraisals.
They said: “The problem is the public has no recourse if the elected government fails for 4-5years..
“I believe that we should have a referendum every two years on the Government’s performance, with the option of a GE. If they are doing a good job, they have no fear!”
Another long-time voter said they had “never been so angry” with a government, accusing it of “lies and total incompetence” and claiming it was “destroying the country.”
Others expressed disappointment despite having voted Labour in 2024.
One commenter said the Government was “trying to woo potential Reform voters” and warned this was a repeat of mistakes made by David Cameron’s Conservatives.
The overwhelming result shows a mood of dissatisfaction among sections of the public.
Whether Parliament will agree to debate the petition remains to be seen.
