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Monday, February 9, 2026
PoliticsGeneral Election: Polling stations have opened

General Election: Polling stations have opened

Polling stations are now open for people to cast their votes in a general election that could see Labour claw back power for the first time in 14 years.

There are 650 constituencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with ballots open from 7am to 10pm. Vote counting will start as soon as the polls close, with results expected on Friday morning.

This election follows six weeks of intense campaigning by the prime minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer.

The Conservatives say if they take control, they promise to bring in mandatory national service for a year for all 18-year-olds, raise the tax-free pension allowance and to fund apprenticeships.

Labour has pledged to recruit 6,500 teachers, cut NHS waiting lists by providing 40,000 more appointments each week, launch a border security command to stop people-smuggling gangs from arranging small boat crossings and build 1.5 million new homes.

Liberal Democrats offer a For A Fair Deal manifesto, and their policies include fining companies for dumping sewage, creating a legal right to see a GP within a week and building at least 150,000 new council and social homes each year.

Voters do not need too take a polling card to their local station, but they must have a verified form of photo ID.

Editorial credit: Gareth Willey

 

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
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