The UK is gearing up for a general election on 4 July and with it the possibility, for the first time in many years, of major political change.

Our team, based at Westminster but covering politics right across the UK, will bring you all the breaking news, big scoops, expert analysis and inside track on the parties during this crucial election period.

Our journalism plays a critical role in holding power to account. We have, between us, exposed the Partygate scandal that led to the fall of Boris Johnson, uncovered the truth about VIP-lane PPE contracts during the Covid pandemic, revealed Dominic Cummings' Barnard Castle trip, challenged Dominic Raab​'s poor treatment of staff, got our hands on budget leaks​, shone a light on Rishi Sunak's finances​ and exposed top Tory donor Frank Hester's racist remarks. ​

As the campaign gears up, we will also turn our focus on to the plans of Labour and the other opposition parties as they set out their own pitches for power. We can only ​d​o all this with your support. If you can, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis from £4. It takes less than a minute to set up, and with your help we will continue to hold power to account – whoever ends up in No 10.

Not everyone can afford to pay for news right now. That is why we keep our journalism open for everyone to read. If this is you, please continue to read for free.

But if you are able to, then there are three good reasons to support us today.

Help power the Guardian’s journalism in this crucial year of news, whether with a small sum or a larger one. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis . It takes less than a minute to set up, and you can rest assured that you're making a big impact every single month in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.