After the UK general election on 4 July 2024, votes will be counted instantly and results will be announced overnight. The winning party will form a new government and Parliament will resume on 9 July for the election of a Speaker. The Opening of Parliament on 17 July will outline the government’s agenda. MPs will resume serving their constituencies and the House of Lords will resume its legislative role.
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The UK is set to hold a general election on 4 July 2024. On that day, polls will close at 10pm, with voting opening shortly after. Results are expected to start flowing in overnight. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens after a general election: Election Results will be announced.
Counting and Announcement of Results
As soon as the polling stations close, the ballot boxes are sealed. They are then taken to designated counting centers, where voters count the votes overnight. Results are then announced precinct by precinct. Most announcements are expected by the early hours of July 5th.
Establishment of a new government
Once the election results are known, the leaders of the winning party will be asked by the King to form a new government. If the incumbent government maintains a majority, the process is relatively straightforward. However, in the case of a hung parliament, where no party receives a majority, coalition negotiations or a minority government arrangement will take place. The party leaders will hold talks to form an alliance, which may take several days.
Swearing in of members of parliament and election of speaker
Parliament will resume on July 9, 2024. On this day, a Speaker will be elected. It is also the day when newly elected and re-elected MPs take the Oath of Allegiance or take a Solemn Oath. Once elected, the Speaker will preside over the House of Representatives. The Speaker’s role is to facilitate the orderly progress of debate and legislative proceedings.
Opening Ceremony of the National Diet
At the Opening of Parliament, scheduled for 17 July 2024, the King’s Speech will provide insight into the government’s proposed policies and legislative agenda for the next session. This long-standing tradition symbolises the official start of the new parliamentary year.
Transition of power and policy implementation
The newly formed government will begin implementing policies immediately after the election. Ministers are appointed to each ministry. The government will also begin working on the legislative agenda set out in the King’s Speech. This period will be marked by major administrative changes, policy reviews, and small steps towards delivering on election promises.
Impact on constituency activities
With the dissolution of the previous parliament, all MPs were suspended from their duties. However, once the election results are out, MPs will resume their duties, including working in their constituencies. They will reopen their offices, re-engage with their constituents and address local issues.
The role of the House of Peers
Unlike Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords retain their seats throughout this period. However, the business of the House of Lords is suspended during the dissolution of Parliament. Business of the House of Lords resumes when the new Parliamentary session begins. The House of Lords retains its role of reviewing and amending proposed bills.
The period thereafter UK General Election The election will be counted immediately and will culminate in the formation of a new government. Citizens are now awaiting the final results, but only time will tell how the newly elected government will tackle the country’s most pressing issues going forward.
