3 Months After UK PM Sworn In, Petition for Fresh General Election Hits Over 1 Million Signatures

Over 1 million people in the United Kingdom have signed a petition calling for a fresh general election, highlighting growing discontent with the Labour Party just three months after it took office. The petition, launched by Michael Westwood, quickly gained widespread traction on social media, far surpassing the 100,000 signatures needed for parliamentary debate. It now stands at over 1,020,000 signatures, a clear sign of frustration with the Labour government’s recent decisions.

The petition criticises the government for what it describes as a betrayal of promises made during the election campaign. It reads: “I would like there to be another General Election. I believe the current Labour Government have gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead-up to the last election.” The public outcry comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration faces growing opposition to its economic policies, including cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners and the end of the £2 bus fare cap. The government’s proposal to increase inheritance taxes has also sparked protests, particularly from farmers.

In addition to the policy reversals, Starmer’s approval ratings have taken a significant hit. A recent poll by think tank More in Common shows his approval rating has dropped to negative 38, a stark decline from +11 in August. Critics argue that Starmer’s “tough choices” on public spending, including austerity measures, are alienating many voters who supported him during the election.