Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced calls for a snap general election following the unexpected departure of three Members of Parliament, which triggered multiple by-elections.

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The resignations have provoked calls for an early election in order to address the evolving political landscape and ensure representation in affected constituencies.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation as a Member of Parliament on Friday evening, he claimed he is being forced out of parliament. His resignation comes after he received an advance copy of a Commons Privileges Committee report. This committee had been looking into claims that Johnson misled the House of Commons about lockdown breaches at Downing Street during his tenure as Prime Minister.

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Following Boris Johnson’s departure, two other Members of Parliament known to be strong allies of his, Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams, resigned from Parliament as well. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has a Conservative majority in Parliament and is not have to call a general election until January 2025. Choosing to convene an election earlier can have strategic benefits. 

A strong election outcome can give Sunak a renewed mandate to govern and help him address his opponents’ criticism. It allows the government to demonstrate its policies, acquire public support, and potentially consolidate its position. However, the outcome of an election is unpredictable, and there is always the potential that the results will not match the anticipated outcome.

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According to current polling statistics, the opposition Labour Party has routinely outperformed the Conservative Party. Sir John Curtice, a polling specialist, has even declared that the Labour Party is “odds-on to form the next administration.” These polling results show a shift in public attitude and suggest that if an election were held soon, the Labour Party would have a better chance of gaining a majority and forming the government.