LONDON — On Thursday, British voters appear almost certain to embrace momentous political change, handing the ruling Conservatives what could be a defeat of historic proportions, and casting their lot with the center-left Labor Party.

The widely forecast result — a resounding Labor win — would end Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's 20-month tenure, and usher in a new government led by Keir Starmer, the 61-year-old head of the Labor Party (spelled Labour by the British.)

What is at stake?

British parliamentary elections must be held at least once every five years. Whichever party, alone or in coalition, can marshal a majority in the House of Commons — currently consisting of 650 seats — forms the next government. Its leader becomes prime minister.

What are the big issues?

Polls suggest the British electorate is most concerned with the cost of living, how to deal with migrants and asylum seekers, and the dire state of the National Health Service, which provides free treatment for all. There are also deep divisions over Israel's war with Hamas.

Why is the election being held now?

Because Sunak called one. A national poll hadn't been expected until at least this autumn, and could have taken place as late as January 2025. But the prime minister apparently believed that an easing of inflation — a key voter concern — made it an auspicious moment to hold the election, and also feared that a downward trend in the party's popularity might only accelerate. So he called it for July 4 — nothing whatsoever to do with Independence Day in the obstreperous former colonies.

How has that strategy worked out?

An early or "snap" election, the thinking went, would at the very least leave Conservatives positioned to serve as a solid, credible political opposition while the party worked to rebuild — and waited for a governing Labor to do things that upset people.

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