What to know as Conservatives and Labour vie for votes 1 week into Britain’s election campaign

By JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The first week of Britain’s six-week election campaign has seen frenetic activity but not much movement. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s surprise decision to call a July 4 election set off a scramble by political parties to finalize candidate lists, arrange photo opportunities and send leaders off to key battlegrounds. The parties have also begun making campaign promises to British voters. The left-of-center Labour Party remains favorite to win the most seats in the 650-seat House of Commons and return to power after 14 years. Polls showing a double-digit Labour lead have changed little since Sunak called the election on May 22. Sunak’s party has focused on shoring up its vote by targeting older voters, the group most likely to vote Conservative.