The United Kingdom is on the brink of a significant political shift as the country votes today. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is heavily favoured to win a historic mandate in the general election, marking a potential end to 14 years of Conservative rule.

According to predictions, the Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are going to face their worst defeat in nearly two centuries.

Where to watch coverage of UK Elections 2024:

Tune in to NDTV for extensive coverage, analysis and results as they come in. Don’t miss out on the excitement as the UK prepares to elect its next government. Watch NDTV for all the latest updates and insights. 

The elections will also be covered by BBC, ITV, Sky News, Channel 4 and GB News. 

Election day

On July 4, registered voters in the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies will vote for their preferred candidate at polling stations set up for the day, typically located at schools or community centres.

Voters can vote in person from 7 am to 10 pm (BST) or by post beforehand. During this time, strict rules prevent any reporting or coverage related to politics or policy. 

After polls close at 10 pm, an exit poll will be announced, based on voter surveys in about 150 constituencies.

Election night timeline

• 10 pm (2:30 am IST): Exit polls

The first indicator of the election’s outcome, exit polls will be released, predicting the number of seats each party will win.

• 11 pm (3:30 am IST): Early results

The first results are expected, with Labour holds predicted in Blyth and Ashington and Houghton and Sunderland South.

• Midnight-3 am (4:30-7:30 am IST): Trickle of results

About 85 seats will be declared, including Basildon and Billericay, Swindon North and Rochdale.

• 3 am-5 am (7:30-9:30 am IST): Rush of results

The busiest period of the night, with 443 seats expected to declare, including Glasgow, Bristol and Belfast.

• 5 am-7 am (9:30-11:30 am IST): Final results

The remaining seats will be declared, with the final outcome of the election clear by 7 am.

• 7 am (11:30 am IST): A new government

The election results will be announced, and the UK will begin preparing for a new government.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said work on the trade negotiations with India “continue as before”. File.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The U.K. government said on September 19 that the “serious allegations” over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada will not impact its own ongoing trade negotiations with India.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson at 10 Downing Street was asked about the impact the issue may have on India-U.K. relations after a government spokesperson said the U.K. remains in “close touch” with the Canadian authorities.

It follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in Parliament on Monday that it is pursuing “credible allegations” of “potential” Indian links to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Chief of Khalistan Tiger Force and a designated terrorist. Canada also expelled an Indian diplomat.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi on Tuesday strongly rejected the claims as “absurd and motivated” and dismissed a senior Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal move.

“We are in close touch with our Canadian partners about these serious allegations,” a UK. government spokesperson said.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further during the ongoing investigation by the Canadian authorities,” the spokesperson said.

Later, when Mr. Sunak’s spokesperson was pressed on the matter, he said work on the trade negotiations with India “continue as before”.

India and the U.K. earlier this month agreed to continue to work at pace towards a “landmark” free trade agreement (FTA).