Voting is underway in the United Kingdom, where the British people are electing a new parliament in a snap election called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Polls have been open since 06.00 AM and will close at around 10.00 PM on Thursday.
Indian-born Sunak, 44, voted early with his wife, Akshata Murty, in Richmond, northern England. In contrast, Keir Starmer of the Labour Party voted with his wife in his north London constituency around 08.30 AM.
Sunak, who called the election earlier than expected, shifted from seeking a fifth Conservative term to warning of the risks of an unchecked Labour Party. He urged voters to avoid a Labour government, which he claimed would increase taxes, hinder economic recovery, and leave Britain vulnerable amidst geopolitical tensions—accusations Labour denies.
“They will do lasting damage to our country and our economy—just like they did the last time they were in power,” Sunak warned. “Don’t let that happen.”
But opinion polls leading up to today’s vote put Keir Starmer’s Labour Party ahead as the favorite over Sunak’s Conservative Party—British people are already tired of the bickering in the Conservative bloc. If Labour wins, it will mark the end of the Conservatives’ 14-year run in office, which has seen five prime ministers amid turmoil and intraparty infighting.
Starmer, a 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, could assume office with a substantial agenda without overwhelming support or financial resources.
“Today, Britain can begin a new chapter,” Starmer stated. “We cannot afford five more years under the Conservatives. But change will only happen if you vote Labour.”
An exit poll could give the first glimpse of the outcome well before official results are published, likely tomorrow.
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