A general election must take place in the UK at least every four years . The power of the monarchy has gradually dwindled since the 17th century . Power in the British parliament rests with the lower house , known as the Commons . The last election where no party had a majority was in 1997 -- analysts predict it will be in 2010 .
A general election must take place in the UK at least every five years . The power of the monarchy has gradually dwindled since the 17th century . Power in the UK parliament rests with the lower house , known as the Commons . The last parliament where no party had a majority was in 1974 -- analysts predict it will happen in 2010 .