General election – live: Millions head to polls across UK to cast their votes

Millions of people across the country are heading to polling stations to vote in a general election that could deliver a major shake-up of British politics and end 14 years of Conservative government.

The prime minister was up early to cast his ballot alongside his wife Akshata Murty in his North Yorkshire constituency and Keir Starmer, who appeared all smiles, cast his ballot accompanied by his wife, Victoria , in London.

Former Boris Johnson made an appearance in his constituency, where he urged supporters to vote against “nightmare” wokery and tax rises he claims would come with a future Labour government.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pleaded with voters to re-elect him as he cast his ballot in Godalming and Ash, where he is fighting to defend his seat against the Lib Dems.

A major poll for The Independent yesterday suggested Rishi Sunak would lead the Conservatives to the worst defeat in history with only 82 seats.

If the forecast is accurate, chancellor Jeremy Hunt and defence secretary Grant Shapps are among the veteran Conservatives set to be ousted .

Sir Keir could enter the doors of No 10 triumphant, with an unprecedented 272-seat majority, polls suggest.