General Election

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An election in which voters choose MPs for all House of Commons constituencies.

Category: Parliament and elections

Also used as: general elections, UK general election, parliamentary general election, UK Parliamentary general election

Source / explainer: Read GOV.UK guidance on elections

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A general election is the election used to choose Members of Parliament across all House of Commons constituencies. It normally follows the dissolution of Parliament. The result determines the composition of the House of Commons and usually decides which party or group of parties can form the government.

Related terms

Dissolution of ParliamentThe formal end of a Parliament before a general election.First Past the PostAn electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.
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