Stuart Anderson MP has said that the Prime Minister must "change course", as a petition calling for an early general election is set to soon reach one million signatures.
The petition states: "We want an immediate general election to be held. We think the majority need and want change." As of 22nd September 2025, the petition had gained more than 918,532 signatures.
This includes 1,681 signatures from South Shropshire. Stuart has said that the number of signatories from across Shropshire expresses "real discontent in rural areas."
Stuart's Plan for South Shropshire identifies six ways in which the government can support rural communities like South Shropshire.
This includes unlocking rural prosperity; enhancing public services; championing local farmers; supporting local communities; protecting the countryside; and investing in infrastructure.
In January 2024, Keir Starmer promised voters that his government would "lift the weight off our shoulders." However, Stuart has said that the government had used every opportunity to inflict harm on rural communities.
Stuart added that the government has "squandered public confidence", with historic tax rises hitting farmers and pensioners the most. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer's personal approval rating has hit an all-time low.
According to More in Common’s poll conducted between 5th and 8th September, 62% of those polled believe that the Prime Minister is doing a bad job.
Once a parliamentary petition has reached 100,000 signatures, it can be considered for debate in the Houses of Parliament. Having exceeded that threshold in August, the petition has been awaiting a date to be debated for 34 days.
Petitions on Parliament’s website run for six months. This means that residents have until 5th December 2025 to add their signature. Residents can do so at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727309.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Despite his recent reshuffle, polling reveals that the public has already lost patience with the Prime Minister and his government. Almost a million people have also signed a petition calling for an emergency general election. From South Shropshire, nearly two thousand people have already signed the petition, which is now awaiting a date for debate in Parliament. The number of signatories expresses the real discontent in rural areas that have badly been affected by government decisions, not least the Family Farms Tax. Their decisions have disproportionately impacted local farmers, pensioners, and the small businesses that form the backbone of our rural economy. It is crystal clear - the Prime Minister must change course, not just personnel."
