5 weeks, 650 seats, 86 days to Brexit: UK election numbers

Britain’s five-week election campaign officially began Wednesday, when Parliament was dissolved ahe of Dec. 12 vote. Here’s a look at some key numbers in an election that could determine t only who governs Britain, but when, how — or even wher — country leaves European Union:

46 million: number of eligible voters in U.K.

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650: number of seats in House of Commons, all up for grabs in election. Any party that wins a majority — or becomes largest party, even without a majority — can form a government, with its leer as prime minister.

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298: number of seats held before election by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ruling Conservatives — more than 20 short of a majority. government’s lack of a majority meant it struggled to pass key measures needed for Britain to leave European Union.

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243: number of seats held by left-of-center opposition Labour Party, which is battling to return to office for first time since 2010. Labour plans to downplay Brexit and focus on health care, education and social welfare, which all saw funding cuts under Conservative governments.

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96: number of years since Britain last h a December election. British elections are usually held in late spring, when wear is better and days are longer.

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86: number of days until Britain is due to leave EU. Brexit day was supposed to be Oct. 31, but with Britain’s politicians delocked, EU granted a three-month delay until Jan. 31.

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More than 60: number of lawmakers t running for re-election amid Britain’s toxic political atmosphere. Politicians on both sides of Brexit argument have received abuse and threats, both online and in person. Those leaving include many moderate pro-EU Conservatives, Labour legislators who say ir party has t stamped out anti-Semitism and high-profile female legislators, who have received a disproportionate amount of abuse.

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42.8%: portion of political parties’ campaign spending that went to digital vertising during last election in 2017 — up from just 0.3% in 2011. It’s expected to be even more this time.

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35: number of seats in Parliament held by Scottish National Party, which opposes Brexit and wants Scotland to leave U.K. and become an independent country.

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20: number of seats held in Parliament by pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who want to cancel Brexit altoger.

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19.5 million pounds ($25 million): maximum a party can spend on vertising, campaigning costs and or expenses if it contests all 650 constituencies across U.K. spending limit is calculated at 30,000 pounds ($38,650) per seat.

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9: number of years Conservative Party has been in power.

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0: number of seats in Parliament w held by recently formed Brexit Party, which wants to leave EU without a divorce deal. party, led by Nigel Far, plans to run hundreds of candidates in Dec. 12 election.

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Follow AP’s full cover of Brexit and British politics at https://www.apnews.com/Brexit