A record number of candidates are standing in this year’s general election.
More than 4,500 candidates are standing to be elected in the 650 constituencies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It means that the election, on 4 July, sees a 35.7% increase on the 2019 poll.
The increase primarily comes from Reform UK ending its promise not to stand against Conservatives, the Green Party standing more candidates and the Workers Party of Britain entering its first general election.
There has also been a large spike in the number of independent and smaller party candidates standing.
Matthew Flinders, professor of politics at Sheffield University, said an increase in candidates means this election means the next government will see “more marginals” and “more fluidity between elections”.
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