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What is a snap election?
A snap election is when a general election is called earlier than legally required. Usually, this happens when the government wants to capitalise on a surge in popularity or needs a stronger mandate to pass difficult legislation. It's different from the Greater Manchester byelection, which is just filling one specific vacancy.
Stories that explain this
Greater Manchester mayoral byelection sees Labour expected to win comfortablyQuestions this opens up
Who calls one? Why call one early? What's a mandate?Related explainers
What is a byelection? Who calls a byelection? What is an electoral officer? How long is a mayoral term? What does a mayor do? What is a monarch? How often are byelections? How do polls work?The full catalogue
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