UK: Why call an election now? - TDS

In view of the analysts at TDS, UK PM May’s motivation to call the election now is clear as she remains an unelected leader of the country: unelected by both the people, and her own MPs and a chance to return to the job elected will boost her legitimacy at home.

Key Quotes

“The Conservative party holds a slim “working majority” of just 17 in the House of Commons. Current polling suggests that they will increase this majority in the election, giving the party more power to push through more controversial policies.”

“The polls show the Conservative party near record levels of support vs the opposition Labour party. An election now would capitalise on this gap.”

“Holding an election in 2017 defers the next election from 2020 to 2022. This means that instead of holding an election in 2020, when the UK is likely still in a transitional agreement with the UK (meaning possibly even that the free movement of EU labour is continuing), it can defer the next election to 2022 at which point the transitional deal may be complete.”

“Heading into the Brexit negotiations with a fresh, large mandate will give the UK a larger voice at the negotiating table.”