Millions of people across the country are heading to polling stations to vote in a general election that could deliver a major shake-up of British politics and end 14 years of Conservative government.
The prime minister was up early to cast his ballot alongside his wife Akshata Murty in his North Yorkshire constituency and Keir Starmer, who appeared all smiles, cast his ballot accompanied by his wife, Victoria, in London.
Former Boris Johnson made an appearance in his constituency, where he urged supporters to vote against “nightmare” wokery and tax rises he claims would come with a future Labour government.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pleaded with voters to re-elect him as he cast his ballot in Godalming and Ash, where he is fighting to defend his seat against the Lib Dems.
A major poll for The Independent yesterday suggested Rishi Sunak would lead the Conservatives to the worst defeat in history with only 82 seats.
If the forecast is accurate, chancellor Jeremy Hunt and defence secretary Grant Shapps are among the veteran Conservatives set to be ousted.
Sir Keir could enter the doors of No 10 triumphant, with an unprecedented 272-seat majority, polls suggest.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for Rishi Sunak…
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 17:30
Pictured: Royal python spotted at polling station
A voter has decided to bring their royal python in Dorset to the polling station with them.
Canqi Li4 July 2024 17:20
Historic moments for major parties
As voters go to the ballot box today, the latest polls suggest that the results could make British history for all major parties.
Our data correspondent Alicja Hagopian reports:
The highest seats Labour has won was 418 in 1997, while the Tories’ lowest number was 156 in 19076. Yesterday’s final MRP polls (which estimate seat numbers) projected that both parties could see their highest high, and lowest low.
Meanwhile MRP polls are split on whether the Lib Dem’s could break their record of 62 seats in 2005. This could also be the first time that Reform (formerly the Brexit Party) could win multiple seats.
However, nothing is set until the polls close at 10pm today.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 17:10
Prepare for the battle of the leaders as trust and vision key
The individual performances of Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer during the election campaign have been key, with many voters likely to be influenced by who they can relate to and trust.
Polls suggest both men have their work cut out to persuade many voters that they can be effective, but it is the Prime Minister who the polls suggest is in the most difficult position.
Polling by Ipsos suggested 72% of voters are dissatisfied with Mr Sunak’s leadership, with 17% satisfied.
Sir Keir has both a higher satisfaction rating of 32% and a lower dissatisfaction rating of 50%.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 17:00
What happens if Sunak loses his seat before election result is called?
No sitting prime minister has ever failed to win their seat at a general election – but the opinion polls this time around raise the question of what would happen if Rishi Sunak loses in Richmond.
The constituency could be close, and a survey by Savanta has suggested that the Tory PM is on course to see the 27,000-strong majority in his North Yorkshire constituency overturned.
A report claimed on Wednesday that the prime minister had confided to members of his inner circle that he was fearful of losing his seat, warning confidants that he believed the race in Richmond and Northallerton was too close to call.
In the event of such an outcome being declared in the small hours of Friday, it is highly unlikely that Mr Sunak would stand down as prime minister prior to the final national election result being called later that day.
According to the Institute for Government (IfG), precedent suggests that a prime minister should be an MP – but there is no suggestion that they must immediately resign if they lose their seat.
Our reporter Andy Gregory has more:
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 16:30
Could tactical voting impact your seat?
According to YouGov’s first June MRP predictions, 130 seats are neck-and-neck, with majorities of 0-5% for winning parties.
Our data correspondent Alicja Hagopian reports:
If you’re hoping to vote the Conservatives out today, here is a map of seats where Labour, the Lib Dems or the SNP are closest to overtaking the party in power.
To read more about tactical voting and whether your constituency could be affected, read here.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 16:07
Some doughnuts with party leaders’ heads on them
Raspberry jam doughnuts featuring party leaders’ heads have been spotted at Dunn’s bakery in North London.
A number of voters might have savoured this treat as they headed to the polling stations on this sunny day.
Canqi Li4 July 2024 16:00
Local services and levelling up promises may hold sway
While the NHS usually dominates attention, public services in general can have a knock-on effect on demand within the health system, as well as serve as a day-to-day reminder of the impact of political decisions in Westminster, Jonathan Bunn reports.
Local government is heavily reliant on central funding and councils are often directed by policy sent down by ministers. Councils maintain and shape local environments, delivering services that are an important part of everyday life.
Local authorities also play a key role in housing provision, another big national issue, through the planning system and by facilitating development.
The perilous state of some councils’ finances, with some already declaring effective bankruptcy, could have far-reaching consequences for communities.
The Government’s levelling up agenda significantly raised expectations of the local environments, facilities, services and opportunities being improved in places that had previously experienced little investment.
Therefore, the perceived success or otherwise of levelling up could influence voters.
However, the Government’s current spending plans, which Labour has said it will largely stick to if it forms a government, suggest local government funding will continue to be restricted, as will funding for other key public services such as prisons and the criminal justice system.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 16:00