When will the next UK election happen?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Wouldn't surprise me at all to see new elections before Obama runs for reelection really.

[Smid]

I'm going with the Canadian "every two years" model of minority government.

[k-onmmunist]

If hung: 2011.
If not: 2015

[Hans-im-Glück]

If hung: 2011.
If not: 2015

[You kip if you want to...]

2011.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

If we end up with a hung parliament, fresh elections could happen at almost any moment over the next five years. If not, the usual calculations apply.

[Psychic Octopus]

2011 or 2012.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

It's worth pointing out that fresh elections during a hung parliament would be more likely the result of the collapse of a coalition/ending of outside support and a subsequent (and successful) vote of no confidence, rather than the PM (whoever he be) calling a snap poll to win a majority unless it's this year or so. After a certain time window has closed, the incentive is usually to try to hang on for as long as possible; governments that have to impose large cuts to public services are rarely popular.

Saying that, Callaghan did think about calling a snap election at one point and might well have won had he done so, but he was personally popular in a genuine way (much like Rhodri Morgan, people liked the guy despite him being around since ever), not something that can be said of many leading politicians. And, of course, he chose not to do that, leading to the vote of no confidence after the Winter of Discontent. As you all know.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Shouldn't there be a 2010 option in this poll?  If Labour ends up third in the vote totals but gets the most seats, not being able to form a viable government seems like a real possibility in which case there could be a second election this year.

[Kevinstat]

If hung: 2011
If not: 2014

[minionofmidas]

In ten days or thereabouts.

[Joe Republic]

Next Thursday, I believe.

[k-onmmunist]

Shouldn't there be a 2010 option in this poll?  If Labour ends up third in the vote totals but gets the most seats, not being able to form a viable government seems like a real possibility in which case there could be a second election this year.

I sincerely hope there isn't. I want there to be one next year when I can vote.

[minionofmidas]

Shouldn't there be a 2010 option in this poll?  If Labour ends up third in the vote totals but gets the most seats, not being able to form a viable government seems like a real possibility in which case there could be a second election this year.

I sincerely hope there isn't. I want there to be one next year when I can vote.

And why shouldn't there be two general elections every year?

[k-onmmunist]

Shouldn't there be a 2010 option in this poll?  If Labour ends up third in the vote totals but gets the most seats, not being able to form a viable government seems like a real possibility in which case there could be a second election this year.

I sincerely hope there isn't. I want there to be one next year when I can vote.

And why shouldn't there be two general elections every year?

Because that would be insane. I actually support annual parliamentary elections (and would introduce presidential elections every 3 years, once I'd abolished the monarch) but there you go

[Franzl]

annual parliamentary elections? Do you want politicians to be even more in campaign mode constantly than they already are?

[afleitch]

Shouldn't there be a 2010 option in this poll?  If Labour ends up third in the vote totals but gets the most seats, not being able to form a viable government seems like a real possibility in which case there could be a second election this year.

I sincerely hope there isn't. I want there to be one next year when I can vote.

And why shouldn't there be two general elections every year?

Because that would be insane. I actually support annual parliamentary elections (and would introduce presidential elections every 3 years, once I'd abolished the monarch) but there you go

By the time that's introduced then you'd have done another 180 on your political positions again

[k-onmmunist]

Shouldn't there be a 2010 option in this poll?  If Labour ends up third in the vote totals but gets the most seats, not being able to form a viable government seems like a real possibility in which case there could be a second election this year.

I sincerely hope there isn't. I want there to be one next year when I can vote.

And why shouldn't there be two general elections every year?

Because that would be insane. I actually support annual parliamentary elections (and would introduce presidential elections every 3 years, once I'd abolished the monarch) but there you go

By the time that's introduced then you'd have done another 180 on your political positions again

Hehe I'm hoping this will be the last one.