A general election has been called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with a date set for 4 July. The election will give voters across the country the chance to have their say at the ballot box as they decide on a new government.

Whatever the outcome of the 4 July vote, there is guaranteed to be a huge number of new MPs entering the House of Commons for the first time. More than 100 have already said they will not be contesting their seats.

This influx of new faces presents an opportunity to build new relationships and demonstrate how library and information professionals can help them secure the best outcomes for their constituents – supporting economic sustainability, education, health and wellbeing, and much more besides.

CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn welcomed the announcement, saying: “In communities across the country, information professionals are driving economic growth, learning, and social mobility. Today's announcement is an opportunity for this skilled and trusted profession to show the next government how it could do even more for the public with the right support and investment.

“CILIP will share details of these manifesto pledges soon, in the meantime members are encouraged to share with CILIP their ideas about what the sector could offer and what it would need in return, as well as case studies of their positive impact.”