The Prime Minister yesterday met the King who granted permission to dissolve parliament.
After parliament has been dissolved all business in the House comes to an end and every seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant, meaning there are no longer any MPs. Government ministers, however, remain in post until a new government is formed after the election.
During this time, we enter a pre-election period known as Purdah when government departments and civil servants are expected to act in a politically neutral manner.
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