Voters in Gorton and Denton are currently participating in a crucial by-election to select their new Member of Parliament, held to fill the seat left vacant by former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down at the beginning of the year due to health reasons.

As Greater Manchester casts its ballots, many across the United Kingdom are contemplating the timing of the next general election, which will allow the wider populace to vote.

While a general election is not legally mandated for several years, the Prime Minister holds the authority to request a dissolution of government and call an election at any point before the statutory deadline.

According to the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, a Parliament is automatically dissolved five years from the day it first convened, and given that the current Parliament met in July 2024, the absolute final date for the next general election would be August 15, 2029.

The Gorton and Denton by-election is not an isolated event but rather the commencement of a politically active year, with several significant elections slated for this summer.

On Thursday, May 7, over 5,000 seats across 136 English local authorities, including numerous constituencies within Greater Manchester, will be contested.

Furthermore, full general elections are scheduled for the Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru in Wales, with voters also electing six directly appointed mayors across England.

The outcome of the Gorton and Denton by-election, expected on Friday, is being closely monitored as a key barometer for the Labour Party following their return to government in the 2024 general election, marking the end of 14 years of Conservative leadership.