It’s been 14 years since an opposition party emerged victorious in a general election in Britain. Current opinion polls strongly suggest that this streak is on the verge of being broken by the Labour Party. As the voting nears its conclusion, here’s a comprehensive guide to what is expected to unfold tonight and in the days to come.
Release of Results
The first insight into the election outcome will be provided shortly after polls close at 10 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Eastern), when major British broadcasters will unveil the national exit poll. This survey, conducted with thousands of voters just after they have cast their votes, has been quite accurate in predicting the final results in recent elections, although there is always a possibility of deviation from this trend.
The counting of votes takes place overnight. Typically, the initial couple of parliamentary constituencies complete their counting within two hours of polls closing, and most districts are expected to announce their results by 7 a.m. local time (2 a.m. Eastern). Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, are likely to make their speeches once the results are declared in their respective constituencies, probably after 2:30 a.m. local time for Mr. Starmer and after 4 a.m. local time for Mr. Sunak.
Post-Election Procedures
In the event of a clear opposition victory, the transition of power would occur swiftly.
According to the Cabinet Manual, which outlines official protocols, “If the election results in an overall majority for a different party, the incumbent prime minister and government will immediately resign, and the sovereign will invite the leader of the winning party to form a new government.”
In practice, this transition would take place on Friday morning.
As per recent tradition, departing prime ministers typically take a final set of photographs with their families in Downing Street, which has served as their residence and workplace during their tenure.
