Record Number of Candidates and Migration & Taxation Issues Dominate UK General Election 2024 Campaign
A historic number of candidates are competing in the upcoming UK general election, set for 4 July, showcasing a significant rise in political engagement. Meanwhile, migration and taxation issues take centre stage in the campaign, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer presenting opposing proposals on these critical matters.
Record Number of Candidates in UK General Election 2024
A record-breaking number of candidates are standing in this year’s UK general election. Over 4,500 candidates are participating in the 650 constituencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The election, set for 4 July, marks a 35.7% increase from the 2019 election.
The rise in candidates is attributed mainly to the end of Reform UK’s non-compete agreement with the Conservatives, an increase in Green Party candidates, and the Workers Party of Britain’s first general election participation. There is also a notable surge in independent and smaller party candidates.
Professor Matthew Flinders of Sheffield University commented that the increase in candidates indicates “more marginals” and “more fluidity between elections,” suggesting a potential shift in the political landscape.
Reform UK has seen the largest jump, fielding 609 candidates this year compared to 277 in 2019. The Green Party has also increased its numbers by 131, now fielding 629 candidates. Meanwhile, the Workers Party of Britain, led by George Galloway, is entering the contest with 152 candidates.
Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London noted a broader trend of party system fragmentation across Europe, leading to more parties and candidates as voters move away from traditional partisan loyalties.
This general election sees 4,515 candidates, surpassing the previous record of 4,150 in 2010. Prof Flinders anticipates that future elections might see even more candidates as the dominance of the two main parties continues to weaken.
Migration and Taxation Issues in Election Campaign
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to halve net migration and further reduce it annually if re-elected. Recorded net migration figures were 764,000 in 2022, falling to 685,000 in 2023. Sunak targets reducing it to below 350,000 within a year, relying on measures already introduced.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has committed to deport more foreign criminals and illegal immigrants, proposing an enforcement unit in the Home Office. The Conservative spokesman criticized Labour’s past inaction on the issue.
In a BBC interview, Sunak faced scrutiny over his claim that Labour would increase taxes for the average household by more than £2,000 a year. This claim, derived from Treasury analysis, has been disputed by various officials. Despite the criticisms, Sunak reiterated the accuracy of his figures.
The interview also touched on Sunak’s absence from the D-Day commemorations in Normandy, for which he apologized again, hoping for public forgiveness.
Sunak defended the Conservative Party’s track record over the past 14 years and highlighted achievements, such as British children’s reading performance, as reasons for seeking another term.
