Democracy Dies in Darkness

U.K. election date set for July 4, polls forecast end of Conservative rule

This is the first general election in 14 years with a high probability of ousting the Conservative Party and ushering in a new era of Labour Party leadership.

By Karla Adam

and

William Booth

Updated May 22, 2024 at 12:26 p.m. EDT|Published May 22, 2024 at 12:17 p.m. EDT

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers a speech outside Number 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, May 22, 2024. REUTERS/Toby Melville (Toby Melville/Reuters)

4 min

LONDON — In a highly anticipated announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday said Britons would be heading to the polls on July 4 — the first general election in 14 years with a high probability of ousting the Conservative Party and ushering in a new era of Labour Party leadership.