How often is there a general election in Britain?

Question

Are general elections held every two or four years, for example? Or are elections called whenever the government feels the need?
Thanks.

Answer 1

General elections are held at least every five years. However not all Parliaments run for the whole five years, and a general election may be held before this period is up. In the event of a government having a small majority the election may well take place much earlier. For example, the general election of February 1974 resulted in a minority Labour government. The then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, therefore called another election in October 1974, which resulted in Labour increasing its representation to just above 50% of the number of seats. Despite its small overall majority, the Labour government then remained in power for four-and-a-half years, finally calling an election in May 1979.

The last General Election was held on 5 May 2005.

In between general elections, by-elections are held as necessary to elect a new Member of Parliament to an individual constituency.

Answer 2

Whenever the Government and a majority of the Parliament wants within a 5 year period of the last election.

If the Prime Minister of even Government want an election before the five years are up but another party or person can form a majority in theHouse of Commons the King/Queen can disregard the PM and ask someone else to form Government without an election.

Answer 3

every 5 years but the controlling govement can set the date earlyer so they will hold one when they think they might win so if the budget is going to upset people they can hold the election before and hope they win.

Answer 4

I lived there for 3 years (I'm American) and though I never really figured out the election system, I know it's not on a regular basis like the US is. It's more like whenever the country has lost confidence in the Prime Minister. I think Tony Blair is probably long overdue!