General Election (Public Support) Bill

A Bill to provide for a mechanism for an early general election to be held in certain circumstances, where the public has demonstrated support for such an election; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Richard BurgonLabour (Co-op)

Parliament last updated

1 November 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would create a formal process to trigger an early general election if there is demonstrable public support for one. It aims to set out the circumstances, how public backing is demonstrated, and the steps to hold the election, with related provisions. It is currently at its first reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Establishes a mechanism to call an early general election in response to demonstrated public support.
Defines how public support is shown and verified before an early election can be held.
Sets out the timing and organisation requirements for the election if the mechanism is triggered.
Introduced in the Commons and sponsored by Richard Burgon (Labour Co‑operative).
Policy area is listed as technology, suggesting possible tech-related aspects in gauging or administering support.

Progress

The bill is at the 1st reading stage in the Commons, with the sponsor and origin noted; it has not yet progressed to subsequent stages.

Who is affected?

UK voters and the general publicPolitical parties and candidates contesting general electionsElectoral administration bodies (e.g., Electoral Commission and local electoral offices)Parliament and government departments involved in elections

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

25 Jan 2023

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

General Election (Public Support)

20 Mar 2023

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 237 2022-23 (as introduced)

BillCommons

25 Jan 2023

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.