Hold on tight! If you thought 2023 was intense in British politics, get ready for an even more action-packed year ahead.
A General Election is on the horizon, and the stakes couldn't be higher for Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer as they gear up for their campaigns.
As the New Year kicks off the race to become Prime Minister, both leaders will make fresh announcements and launch new attacks to sway undecided voters.
Beneath all the drama in Westminster, there are real-world decisions that will impact all of us.
So strap in, because this year in politics is going to be a rollercoaster.
GENERAL ELECTION
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Britain is heading for a General Election.
Technically, the latest Mr Sunak could go to the country would be January 2025, but he has ruled this out and confirmed it will be this year.
The big question now is "when".
There are two main theories: an early spring election or waiting until the autumn.
Those in favor of spring argue that Sunak would avoid potentially damaging May local elections and let defeat simmer until the General Election.
On the other hand, those advocating for autumn believe it would give the cost of living crisis time to ease and allow Sunak to notch up two years in No10.
Whenever it happens, the upcoming election will overshadow every political event this year, and every move by Sunak and Starmer will be seen through the lens of the election.
Mr Sunak is vying for a historic fifth term for the Tories, while Sir Keir aims to be the first Labour leader to win an election since Tony Blair.
The policy pledges will become more enticing, and the mudslinging will become uglier as polling day approaches.
And in the end, Britain could have a new Prime Minister.
RWANDA
Without a doubt, immigration will be a major battleground leading up to the election.
It's a key dividing line between the Conservatives and Labour, especially regarding the flagship Rwanda plan that Sir Keir opposes.
Despite the Supreme Court putting the current version of the policy to rest, Mr Sunak is determined to launch the first deportation flights to Kigali by spring.
In the coming months, Sunak will push for stronger legislation and a new treaty to salvage the scheme.
However, he faces a challenge from rebellious Tory right-wingers who want even stricter measures, which is fiercely opposed by centrist MPs.
Corralling his party's opposing factions to support the bill will be a crucial test of Sunak's leadership in the months ahead.
If the Rwanda policy succeeds, it will be a tangible achievement for Sunak to present to voters. Failure, on the other hand, would be a major setback.
And then there's the question of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Tory MPs calling to leave the Strasbourg court grow louder, but the PM is hesitant to sever ties completely.
TAX CUTS
In the next few days, Mr Sunak will finally be able to call himself a tax-cutting PM.
After a year of restraint to curb inflation, National Insurance will be reduced for millions of workers on January 6.
This will be the first of many giveaways expected in Jeremy Hunt's March 6 Budget, which could be the last fiscal event before Polling Day.
Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty, and Income Tax are all being considered for pre-election cuts to put more money in people's pockets.
FOREIGN WARS
The geopolitical conflicts of 2023 will continue to dominate Britain's foreign policy in the coming months.
Wars in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza will remain at the forefront.
But new challenges are emerging, including Venezuela's aggression in Guyana and escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.
Regardless of domestic events, the Prime Minister will constantly have to keep an eye on world affairs.
RETURN OF TRUMP?
As if one General Election wasn't enough, the United States will also elect its President in November.
It's shaping up to be a re-run of 2020, with an aged Biden refusing to step down and Trump leading the Republican candidacy.
Despite his legal troubles, the brash billionaire currently has the edge in the polls.
If Trump returns to the White House, it will have ramifications not only for Americans but for the world as well.
