Explained in plain English

What is a general election?

A general election is when everyone in the UK gets to vote for who they want to represent them in Parliament. The party that wins the most seats usually forms the government, and their leader becomes Prime Minister. This is how Andy Burnham would need to become Prime Minister to appoint David Miliband.

Stories that explain this

Andy Burnham considers David Miliband for foreign secretary Prime Minister Andy Burnham rules out early general election

Questions this opens up

How often do we vote? What is a constituency? Who can vote?

Related explainers

Why delay an election? What is the cost of living? Who is David Miliband? What is foreign policy? What is a Foreign Secretary? What is a 'leadership challenge'? How do MPs vote? Who is the Prime Minister?

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