Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office
Call an immediate general election to end the chaos of the current government
Closed
906,624 signatures
What the petition asks
Call an immediate general election so that the people can decide who should lead us through the unprecedented crises threatening the UK.
The chaos engulfing the UK government is unprecedented. Over 40 ministers resigned leaving departments without leadership during cost of living, energy and climate crises. War rages in Ukraine; the Northern Ireland Protocol has further damaged our relationship with Europe; recession looms; the UK itself may cease to exist as Scotland seeks independence. This is the greatest set of challenges we have seen in our lifetimes. Let the people decide who leads us through this turmoil.
Government response · 20 September 2022
The UK is a Parliamentary democracy and the Conservative Party remains the majority party. The Prime Minister has pledged to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations.
The United Kingdom is a Parliamentary democracy, not a Presidential one. Following the general election of December 2019, Members of Parliament of the governing party (the Conservative Party) were elected, such that there is a majority in the House of Commons. This remains the case. A change in the leader of the governing party does not trigger a general election – this has been the case under governments of successive political colours.
The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 provides that Parliament is automatically dissolved five years after it first meets (unless it is dissolved sooner), otherwise the timing is a matter of discretion for the incumbent Prime Minister (subject to re-established constitutional conventions).
In her speech of 6 September 2022, the new Prime Minister set out three early priorities: to grow Britain’s economy, deal with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war, and putting the national health service on a firm footing. The Prime Minister is determined to address the challenges the country faces and ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations.
Cabinet Office
The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 provides that Parliament is automatically dissolved five years after it first meets (unless it is dissolved sooner), otherwise the timing is a matter of discretion for the incumbent Prime Minister (subject to re-established constitutional conventions).
In her speech of 6 September 2022, the new Prime Minister set out three early priorities: to grow Britain’s economy, deal with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war, and putting the national health service on a firm footing. The Prime Minister is determined to address the challenges the country faces and ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations.
Cabinet Office
Debate in Parliament
MPs debated this petition on 17 October 2022.
Timeline
| 14 Jul 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Aug 2022 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
| 27 Sep 2022 | Government responded |
| 29 Sep 2022 | Passed 100,000 signatures, qualifying for a parliamentary debate |
| 17 Oct 2022 | Debated in Parliament |
| 28 Jan 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
906,624
Status
Closed
Department
Cabinet Office
Opened
14 Jul 2022
Closed
28 Jan 2023
Response
20 Sep 2022
Debated
17 Oct 2022
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.