Petition calling for immediate general election reaches over 500,000 signatures

Written by on 4th October 2022

Spark gauges Sunderland’s reaction after petition hits half a million mark in just over two months.

The petition, created by a member of the public in July 2022, asks for an election citing the ‘chaos of the current Government.’ 

While the UK is not due to hold another election until 2024, the organiser says in the petition’s description: “The chaos engulfing the UK Government is unprecedented.”

He adds: “This is the greatest set of challenges we have seen in our lifetimes. Let the people decide who leads us through this turmoil.”

The petition has gained traction on social media, prompting major networks to ask audiences their opinion. Credit: twitter.com/GMB

But when Spark asked people in Sunderland whether they think a General Election should be held, we found a mixed response, with people both ‘for’ and ‘against’ the idea.

Pensioner G. Rutter, 65 from Whitburn, said: “Yes, definitely. The state of the country… we are in big need of one.”

Alan Howard, a bus driver from Washington, said: “Not really. Whoever gets in is all the same, it makes no odds who is in at the time.” He added: “It wouldn’t change. It would probably get worse actually because Kier Starmer is an idiot.”

Dog groomer Kirsty Wight, 48, said: “Absolutely. It’s taking the country apart. The place is falling apart. We just need new leadership.”

The last General Election was held in December 2019, with the Boris Johnson-led Conservative party achieving a majority with 365 seats. Since then, the UK has faced the challenges of coronavirus, the war in Ukraine, and most recently the change in leadership to new Prime Minister Liz Truss. 

Former Minister Nadine Dorries, one of Boris Johnson’s closest allies, has also called for a general election. Credit: twitter.com/NadineDorries

The petition is currently waiting for a debate date, as all petitions that reach 100,000 signatures must be considered in Parliament. However, the Cabinet Office did respond to the petition on September, 20.

It said: “Following the General Election of December 2019, Members of Parliament of the governing party (the Conservative Party) were elected, such that there is a majority in the House of Commons.” They added: “A change in the leader of the governing party does not trigger a General Election – this has been the case under governments of successive political colours… The Prime Minister is determined to address the challenges the country faces and ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations.”

Do you think we should hold a General Election? Have your say on SparkSunderland.


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