The next United Kingdom general election must be held no later than 15 August 2029. This deadline is established by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, which sets a five-year maximum parliamentary term [1]. The last general election was held on 4 July 2024, and Parliament first met on 9 July 2024. Under the statutory framework, Parliament automatically dissolves five years after its first meeting unless dissolved earlier by the monarch at the Prime Minister's request. Following dissolution, an election must take place within 25 working days, which places the ultimate legal deadline in mid-August 2029.

However, this date represents only the latest possible date for the next election. The Prime Minister retains the power to request an earlier dissolution and call a general election at any time before the statutory deadline. Historically, Prime Ministers have tended to choose election dates they believe are politically advantageous for their party, provided they have the support of the monarch. Since the repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, this discretionary power was restored to the executive.

Until the Prime Minister formally announces a dissolution and election date, the exact timing of the next general election remains unknown. The 15 August 2029 deadline serves as a legal certainty—a hard boundary that cannot be exceeded—but the actual election could occur substantially earlier depending on political circumstances and the Prime Minister's strategic judgment.