Key dates between PM’s election call and polling day

Tuesday April 18 Prime Minister Theresa May calls for a snap election on June 8. Wednesday April 19 The Prime Minister tables a Commons motion calling for an election on June 8. It is the chance for MPs to give the green light for an election to take place. Under the terms of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, a two-thirds majority of MPs is needed to bring the election forward by three years from the scheduled date of May 2020. There will be a short “wash-up” period to clear up outstanding legislation such as the Finance Bill to enable the funding of Government to carry on. Saturday April 29 European Union leaders are to meet in Brussels for a summit when the remaining 27 member states are expected to approve guidelines on Brexit. A spokesman for European Council president Donald Tusk said: “The UK elections do not change our EU27 plans. We expect to have the Brexit guidelines adopted by the European Council on April 29 and following that the Brexit negotiating directives ready on May 22. This will allow the EU27 to start negotiations.” Wednesday May 3 Parliament is expected to be dissolved on Wednesday May 3, 25 working days before polling. It marks the start of the official campaign. Thursday May 4 Local elections are due for 34 English councils, including 27 county councils, and for all 32 Scottish councils and all 22 Welsh councils. Thursday May 11 Likely deadline for nominations. Voters should have a good idea about which candidates are running, who is standing down and who has been deselected. Monday May 22 Likely deadline for registering to vote. Wednesday May 31 Likely deadline for making an application for a proxy vote so that your ballot can be cast by someone on your behalf. Thursday June 8 Polling day The outcome of the general election is likely to become clear in the early hours of the next morning. New parliament Assuming there is a clear majority and no delay, the opening could be in the week starting June 12.