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Millions of people across the UK are heading to polling stations to vote in a general election which opinion polls indicate will end 14 years of Conservative government. Rishi Sunak, who has been prime minister since October 2022, is leading the Tory party into the election.His rival in the race for No 10 is Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party.Both politicians have spent the past few weeks trying to convince the British public that they are the right leader to run the country.As Britons cast their votes, The Independent looks at the lesser known facts about the two PM contenders. More

The general election is taking place on Thursday 4 July and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be voting for the first time.It’s fair to say the polling station can be a little daunting if you’ve not been before, and there are a number of rules you need to follow when casting your ballot.Ahead of the election, it’s important to know the regulations around snapping selfies, tweeting and talking about politics. Here, The Independent takes a look at what you can and can’t do when voting. More

Rishi Sunak’s parents and his wife Akshata Murty joined him for the final stump speech of the general election campaign.The prime minister stood for a photo with his family after giving a speech at Romsey Rugby Club, north of Southampton where he grew up on Wednesday evening (3 July).“This underdog will fight to the final whistle,” Mr Sunak said during his last speech on the trail.The prime minister also urged Tory activists to continue campaigning, claiming they had “urgent work to do” to “save the UK” from a Labour government. More

Boris Johnson’s father Stanley Jonson has admitted he will not be voting for the Conservatives in the general election.Mr Johnson reveals the party he plans to vote for in a video posted on X on Wednesday (3 July) by Liberal Democrat’s candidate for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale in Greater London Helen Baxter.Ms Baxter captioned the video: “I spoke to another Mr Johnson today who told me he was voting @LibDems – we had a long conversation about the negative consequences of #Brexit on our economy and our standing in the world.”Part of the way through the clip, Mr Johnson congratulates Ms Baxter before she asks “Are you voting for me?” More

Nigel Farage has called former prime minister Boris Johnson a “busted flush, a hypocrite and a liar” as he denied that a potential return from his fellow brexiteer to politics would affect his growing support.The Reform UK leader also said that British politics will “break up” in the next five years due to pressure for electoral changes.Mr Farage made his comments during a Reform rally at Clacton Pier in Essex on the eve of the general election (3 July).The Reform leader led crowds at the rally in a chant of “We want our country back” as he said the 2024 election is the “tip of the iceberg” for Reform. More

Johnny Mercer’s wife appeared to call the police on Gulf War veterans who carried out a peaceful protest against the veterans’ minister a day before the general election.Several members of Justice4Veterans, who claim to suffer from Gulf War Syndrome, arrived in Plymouth Moor View with banners on Wednesday (3 July), accusing Mr Mercer of betrayal.The banners also called for local residents to vote him out of office.In a video, shared by Justice4Veterans, Mr Mercer’s wife Felicity can be seen on the phone.She says: “I’m standing on Derriford Roundabout, and I’ve got some people with banners saying ‘Johnny Judas Mercer’and ‘Johnny Mercer out’. I’d like some police sent down please.”The Independent has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for further information. More

In recent elections, it seems that voters have been swayed more by charismatic candidates than the promises being made.Through the bumpy ride that has been Brexit followed by coronavirus followed by the cost of living crisis, amidst several crises of international security, it has to be wondered if charisma is really the best method to pick a good leadership candidate?Bethan Kapur speaks with academics about the mechanics of falling for charismatic leaders and whether voters in this general election are still looking to be swooned or something else this time. Get all your election coverage here. More

Rishi Sunak has revealed his general election night tradition.The prime minister explained how in all the elections he has stood as a candidate, he likes to spend the night at his home in Northallerton in North Yorkshire with his family – and said this year will be no different.Speaking on This Morning on Wednesday (3 July), Mr Sunak said: “It is a bit of a tradition. I go to my local butchers in Northallerton, Kitson’s, and they do me an election pie.“It is a very good pork pie with some chutney and cheese on the top. “I have had it on all the election nights I’ve been involved with.” More