The general election campaign is almost over. Many people have already voted by mail, but tomorrow is the big voting day for everyone else.
It’s been six weeks since Prime Minister Rishi Sunak started his campaign, but despite all the efforts, the big gap in polls between Labour and the Conservatives hasn’t changed much. The Conservatives expect a big defeat, while Labour is way ahead in the polls.
Labour has been preparing for government but is careful not to be overconfident. Sunak’s attempts to improve his party’s standing haven’t worked.
The Conservative Party has tried to reinvent itself but faced many challenges. The past 14 years have been shaped by major events like Scottish independence and Brexit referendums, Covid, and the war in Ukraine. These events changed UK politics and the Conservative Party.
The Conservatives elected in 2019 were a mix of different views, which became unstable under Boris Johnson. People around the world noticed when the UK went through three prime ministers quickly in 2022. History might be kind to Sunak for bringing stability, but his efforts might not be enough to win the election. No party has won five general elections in a row in modern times, which is a tough reality for Sunak.
For Labour, led by Keir Starmer, this is also challenging. Labour has lost four general elections in a row and knows it won’t be easy. They aim to reassure voters and show they can be trusted. If Labour wins, they will face tough public finances and a restless electorate.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has also been a factor, with Farage becoming a candidate and leader. Another emerging figure is Zia Yusuf, a successful tech entrepreneur supporting Reform UK.
The Liberal Democrats, led by Sir Ed Davey, have used stunts to grab attention and hope to do well. They aim to become the third biggest party in Westminster, which could impact Scottish independence discussions.
The Green Party is also working hard in areas like Brighton, Bristol, and Suffolk.
This election could reshape politics beyond just the biggest parties. Soon, voters will decide how things will look.
This summary is based on a report by BBC.