The Cabinet Office has issued a written response after more than 14,000 people signed a petition calling for a general election. The petition, launched on July 1, argues that many people have lost confidence in the Government.
Petition's demands
The petition, created by Robert JF Barnes, reads: "In July 2024, Sir Keir Starmer was elected as Prime Minister. His Government introduced measures that weren't in the Labour Party's manifesto and he has resigned. We want an election now. If any PM resigns, their successor should have a mandate from the people and call an immediate General Election."
It continues: "We believe many people have lost confidence in the current Government, that we were misled, and we cannot go on like this for a further 3 years. It is time for action. We believe the Government has failed to defend our borders from the small boats, and illegal immigration is out of control. We have no confidence in the way this Government has acted. In our view, pensioners and farmers have been betrayed by policies that were not included in Labour's manifesto."
Government's response
By July 22, the petition had received more than 10,000 signatures, which means the Government is mandated to issue a written response. On August 13, the Cabinet Office issued a response which read: "At General Elections voters elect local MPs to represent their constituency, not the Prime Minister directly. The Government has no plans to change constitutional arrangements for General Elections."
Further information from the Government reads: "The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy. In a general election, the public does not vote directly for a Prime Minister; instead, voters elect an individual Member of Parliament (MP) to represent their local constituency in the House of Commons. Following that general election, the Government is usually formed by the political party or parties with the most seats in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Sovereign as the person best able to command the confidence of the House of Commons."
"There is no requirement to hold a general election when a Prime Minister resigns. A new Prime Minister is assumed to command the confidence of the House of Commons unless and until they lose a vote on a matter of confidence. Automatically triggering a general election during times of transition could create political and economic instability at a moment when the country requires continuity and steady leadership. In addition, under the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, the maximum term of a Parliament is five years, which ensures regular opportunities for the public to exercise their democratic rights and choose which MPs and which parties should represent them."
The Government believes the existing constitutional framework remains appropriate, providing a vital balance between democratic accountability and executive stability, and does not plan to change how general elections are triggered.
Next steps
If a petition goes on to hit 100,000 signatures, the Government will consider the topic for a debate in Parliament.
