The United Kingdom is set to hold its first general elections since Brexit in 2020. The UK Parliament was dissolved on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Consequently, all activities in both the House of Commons and House of Lords have ceased. There are currently no MPs, and every seat in the Commons remains vacant until after the general election on 4 July 2024.
As Britain heads to the polls on Thursday to choose a new government, here is a guide to some key election terms you should know!
Battle Bus
During the five-week campaign, the main political parties rent luxury coaches to transport politicians and journalists across the country for various campaign stops. Labour's red bus features the word "change," while the Conservatives' blue bus highlights a "clear plan, bold action, secure future". The centrist Liberal Democrats' yellow bus has taken leader Ed Davey on a noteworthy journey, including activities like paddleboarding, roller coaster riding, Zumba, and bungee jumping.
Blue Wall
The "Blue Wall" refers to a group of constituencies in southern England, the nation's wealthiest region, where voters have historically backed the Conservative Party, symbolised by the colour blue. With the Conservatives currently lagging in the polls, the centrist Liberal Democrats aim to attract these affluent, socially liberal voters in hopes of winning some of these seats.
Soapbox
Notably used by former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major in 1992 to speak to crowds of voters while travelling across the country. It also had the added benefit of energising John Major personally and boosting media interest in what was starting to be seen as a lacklustre campaign.
First past the post
It is the voting system used in the UK. Although the name suggests otherwise, there is no actual "post"; it simply means that the candidate with the most votes wins.
Coalition Governments
In the United Kingdom, coalition governments are uncommon. They occur when two or more political parties share ministerial positions, make policy compromises, and agree to govern together. The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition from 2010 to 2015 was Britain's first coalition government since World War II. This term refers to an electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in each district wins, even without securing a majority. The system generally benefits the two major parties, the Conservatives and Labour, which have historically won a majority of parliamentary seats while receiving less than half of the total votes.
Supermajority
An American term without a clear definition in Britain, introduced by the Conservatives in the UK election to warn that Labour could gain unchecked power if it wins too many seats in Parliament.
Swingometer
A long-standing feature of the BBC’s election night coverage, the swingometer is a pendulum-style tool that shows the percentage of voters switching from one party to another, predicting parliamentary seat outcomes. It was once a physical prop but is now shown through digital graphics.
Tactical voting
This term refers to voters supporting a party they don’t usually back to defeat another candidate. There is speculation that this election might see significant tactical voting by centrist and left-leaning voters to unseat Conservatives.
King’s Speech
An annual address delivered by the monarch at the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament, written by the government to outline its legislative agenda. This year, King Charles III will deliver the speech on July 17, presenting the plans of either Labour leader Keir Starmer or Conservative leader Rishi Sunak.
Marginal seat
Constituencies won by a small margin, making them more likely to change hands in an election. The opposite is a safe seat.
Red wall
A group of constituencies in England's Midlands and north, historically dominated by mining, steelmaking, and other heavy industries, that traditionally voted Labour (represented by the colour red). After experiencing high unemployment and social decline, many voters in these areas switched to the Conservatives under Boris Johnson. Labour aims to win back many of these seats in the upcoming election.
Spoilt ballot
A spoilt ballot occurs when a voter makes errors on their ballot paper, such as leaving it blank or marking more than one choice. Spoilt ballots do not contribute to the final result.
House of Lords
The unelected upper house of Parliament reviews legislation passed by the Commons. It consists of life-appointed peers from political parties, as well as some judges, bishops, and hereditary nobles. Its increasing size and undemocratic nature are frequently criticized, but reforms have been challenging to implement.
Canvassing
During a campaign, active party supporters reach out to voters to ask whom they plan to vote for and to encourage support for their own candidates.
Hung Parliament
A situation where no single party holds a majority of seats in the House of Commons. In such cases, parties attempt to form agreements to create a working majority that can pass laws. If the opinion polls showing Labour with a double-digit lead are accurate, this outcome is unlikely.