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The UK general election is days away and, as the nation prepares to vote, pollsters are predicting a landslide victory for Labour. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose campaign has been plagued by mishaps, has urged voters to support the Conservatives to avoid a sweeping Labour majority, while Reform UK, Green and Liberal Democrat leaders are seeking to win over voters disillusioned by the two main parties.
Here is a guide to the people and pledges that will shape the vote on July 4.
Labour party
Since becoming Labour leader in 2020, Sir Keir Starmer has worked to convince business leaders and voters that his party can be trusted with the nation’s purse-strings. It has pledged to boost economic growth and ruled out increasing the rate of several taxes, but a lack of concrete revenue-raising proposals has led to accusations that the Labour manifesto is based on “vibes.”
Starmer has stated that wealth creation is Labour’s “number one priority”. However, fiscal experts have warned that any party that wins the election will need to raise taxes or cut spending significantly as the UK grapples with poor public finances.
Labour’s key policies
Conservatives
The Conservatives’ 14 years in power have been marked by turmoil and a series of stark contrasts. Rising employment levels and the pensions “triple-lock” sit alongside a decline in real wages, a deterioration of public services, and the costs and complications of Brexit. Since the 2016 referendum, the party has struggled to contain infighting, producing five prime ministers in nine years. Sunak’s promise to cut inflation has been kept, but pledges to reduce NHS waiting lists and “stop the boats” that bring in illegal migrants have failed.
Key policies
Liberal Democrats
Traditionally the UK’s third major party, the Lib Dems have not been in power for more than a century, except as a coalition partner with the Tories from 2010-15. Leader Sir Ed Davey’s manifesto pledge to secure a favourable trade deal with the EU has set them apart in a political landscape largely devoid of any debate on Brexit. Earlier this year, Davey told the FT that the party expects to win votes from “Theresa May Conservative[s]” in Tory strongholds.
Reform UK
Founded by Nigel Farage as the Brexit party, the since-rebranded Reform UK aims to tap into discontent with the major parties over issues including immigration. The party chose not to stand against the Conservatives in 2019, but is now fielding candidates in almost every seat. Described by its leadership as an “entrepreneurial political start-up”, Reform has been a growing force in the election, overtaking the Tories in some polls.
Though not expected to win many constituencies, Reform is likely to take support from the Tories that may cost the incumbent party a significant number of seats.
SNP
The current largest party in Scotland, the SNP dominates areas that were traditionally held by Labour. However, the party has struggled to raise campaign funds following a police investigation into alleged embezzlement of party coffers and the forced resignation of two leaders in as many years.
Green party
The Green party has moved beyond its traditional environmental focus to position itself as the pre-eminent leftwing Labour alternative, in the hopes of stealing voters disillusioned by Starmer’s policies on Gaza, taxation and public investment.
Plaid Cymru
Plaid Cymru’s campaign has focused on advocating for the interests of Wales in Westminster. The party has emphasised the need for greater investment in the Welsh economy and healthcare system and has pledged £4bn in funds from HS2 to improve the country’s public transport.
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