Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, posed for a photo outside a polling station in Bristol after casting her vote.
“No need to guess who I voted for. The energy in Bristol today is electric! On the short walk to the polling station, I met 8 Green volunteers and heard ‘well done’ and ‘I voted for you’ from voters. Thank you, everyone, and remember to bring ID to vote,” she said in a post on X.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is running for reelection as an independent, has voted in his north London district.
Corbyn posted a photo of himself on X outside a polling station with his right thumb up, saying: “Just voted for the independent candidate in Islington North. I heard he’s alright.”
Corbyn, a socialist who has won his seat for Labour at every general election since 1983, was suspended from the party and barred from running by Labour after his leadership faced antisemitism allegations.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage arrived at a polling station to cast his vote, participating in the trending hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations.
Dogs adorned with bows, rosettes, and colorful leads have been spotted as voters turn out for the General Election, UK-based Sun newspaper reported.
All dogs, regardless of their size, were welcomed at polling stations across the UK on Thursday.
Credit: Reuters
Labour leader Keir Starmer is a former human rights lawyer turned-state prosecutor whose ruthless ambition and formidable work ethic look set to propel him to Britain’s highest political office.
The 61-year-old, named after Labour’s founding father Keir Hardie, is the centre-left opposition party’s most working-class leader in decades.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar cast his vote on Thursday morning. He was seen leaving the polling station at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow with his wife Furheen and their son Aliyan, according to BBC.
British tennis star Emma Raducanu, focused on Wimbledon, expressed surprise when informed about the upcoming general election, UK’s Sky News reported.
After her victory over Elise Mertens, she admitted not knowing the election was the next day, planning to rest and practice instead. Fellow player Katie Boulter also prioritized tennis over voting, while Raducanu, a US Open champion, continues her Wimbledon journey as a wildcard entry.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie has voted at Seagoe Primary School in Portadown in Northern Ireland.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer arrived at Willingham Tenants Hall in Kentish Town, north London, to cast his vote with his wife Victoria.
“The polls are open. Vote Conservative to stop the Labour supermajority which would mean higher taxes for a generation,” Rishi Sunak said in a post on X.
At the last general election, held on December 12, 2019, Boris Johnson’s Conservatives were runaway winners with 365 seats, with Labour on 202.
The Scottish National Party won 48, followed by the Liberal Democrats on 11. Northern Ireland’s pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party secured eight seats, with Sinn Fein on seven, and Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru on four.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, walk outside a polling station during the general election in Northallerton, Britain, July 4, 2024. REUTERS
UK broadcasters are abiding by stringent rules today, refraining from political news until polls close at 10 pm (2.30 am IST).
This blackout aims to prevent influencing voters’ decisions, adhering to Ofcom regulations that mandate ceasing all election-related discussions and poll result publications after polls opened at 7 am (11.30 am IST).
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney has just cast his vote at Burrelton Village Hall in the village of Burrelton in Blairgowrie.
The Conservatives have faced one challenge after another since they took power in 2010. First, there was the fallout from the global financial crisis, which swelled Britain’s debt and caused the Tories to impose years of austerity to balance the budget.
They then led Britain out of the European Union, battled one of the deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks in western Europe, and saw inflation soar after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Regardless of the circumstances, many voters blame the Conservatives for the litany of problems facing Britain, from sewage spills and unreliable train service to the cost-of-living crisis, crime and the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel on inflatable boats.
The tradition of joke candidates in UK elections has long provided a colourful commentary on the country’s political landscape. Originating in the 1970s, these candidates often emerge as a satirical response to the perceived disconnect between political elites and the general public.
This tradition continues to thrive, with the upcoming UK elections featuring an eclectic mix of candidates, including those from the Monster Raving Loony Party and Count Binface, according to the BBC. At least 29 joke candidates are running in the polls this time around.
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Britain’s King Charles III will play a pivotal role post-election, nominating the leader of the largest party in parliament as prime minister.
In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.