Will Boris Johnson get his election wish at the fourth time of asking?
Johnson's election motion yesterday failed well short of the two-thirds majority needed (299-70) but that isn't stopping him from pushing for one again today.
Despite three failed attempts already, this fourth one may be the closest he has ever been to successfully get to an election - or at least the optics may suggest so.
The likes of the SNP and Lib Dems appear to have resigned to the fact that their push for a second referendum may not happen unless there is some form of bigger change in UK politics, and an election may seem right in that sense.
That said, it's still not 100% sure that they are on board with the case so expect to see plenty of flip flop in the election mood/sentiment ahead of the vote later today.
What is Johnson proposing this time around?
He will be putting forward a bill that would only need a simple majority to succeed - unlike the two-thirds majority needed on previous attempts.
Conventional parliamentary procedure usually sees a bill debated over a few days but Johnson is likely to put forward a "short and simple" bill to try and get the bill through the necessary legislative measures to achieve an election on 12 December.
The issue of the election date
Although this vote requires only a simple majority to pass, it is still not a given that it will at this point in time. Opposition parties are skeptical about Johnson's push for a 12 December election and they would rather see an election on 9 December instead.
And by opposition parties above, I am referring to the SNP and Lib Dems. Labour remains uncommitted to an election - given their standing - but they risk looking like the sour grape spoiling the party in the public's eye.
A 9 December election requires parliament to be dissolved at the latest on Friday and in essence, it stops Johnson and the government from bringing back the withdrawal agreement bill back to parliament and trying to get it approved.
So, how do the numbers look like now?
For Johnson to have any chance to succeed, he needs the support from the SNP and Lib Dems at the very least considering he can't get Labour on board with the idea.
But at this stage, they still are not willing to firm up their commitment on supporting his election bill until they know what exactly he is asking them to vote for later today.
As such, expect the mood going into the vote to be a bit shifty during the day with any firm read on whether or not the bill will succeed only to come as we move much closer to the vote itself in Westminster.
Here's the roundup:
Conservatives - Yes, will vote for the election bill
SNP - Maybe, still no firm commitment
Lib Dems - Maybe, still no firm commitment
DUP - Not sure, no official word from them yet
Labour - Unlikely, minimal support for the election bill
