In Plain English
AI-generatedThis bill repeals the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 and restores the pre-2011 system for calling general elections. In practice, the Prime Minister would be able to advise dissolution of Parliament and call an election at a time of their choosing, subject to constitutional conventions, rather than relying on the 2011 Act’s rules.
Key Points
- Repeals the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.
- Restores the Prime Minister’s prerogative to seek dissolution and call a general election.
- Removes the two mechanisms for early elections created by the 2011 Act (two-thirds Commons vote and no-confidence trigger).
- Returns election timing to constitutional conventions and the prerogative power, with timing not fixed by statute.
- Election timing-focused change; other election laws and processes remain as they are.
Progress
The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the Lords. If it passes, it will move to the Lords’ committee stage, then to the Lords’ report stage and third reading, before moving to the House of Commons for consideration.
Who is affected?
Voters and the general public in the UKMembers of Parliament (MPs) and LordsThe Prime Minister and the governmentPolitical parties, candidates and election campaignsElectoral administrators and the Electoral CommissionCivil servants involved in electionsDevolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Generated 21 February 2026
