LONDON (AP) - With just hours remaining before the highly anticipated national election in the United Kingdom, the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, finds itself far ahead in the opinion polls. The election is expected to bring a potential end to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's 20 months in office and a decisive shift in the country's political landscape.

The Conservative Party, led by Sunak, has been criticized for failing to deliver on promises made during their 14 years in power. The sluggish economy, declining public services, and a series of scandals have made them easy targets for critics on both the left and right of the political spectrum.

As the campaign draws to a close, Sunak has tirelessly traveled across the country, visiting various locations such as a food distribution warehouse, a supermarket, and a farm. Despite the mounting expectations that his time as prime minister may be coming to an end, Sunak remained adamant that the outcome of the election is not predetermined.

During a Conservative rally on Tuesday night, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who led the party to a resounding victory in 2019, delivered a pep talk to boost party morale. However, it appears that the rally's impact has been minimal, as Conservative Cabinet minister Mel Stride acknowledged on Wednesday that Labour seemed to be heading for an "extraordinary landslide" victory.

If the opinion polls ring true, the Labour Party stands a chance of forming a government for the first time since 2005. With their campaign focused on the promise of change, Starmer has resonated with voters seeking a shift in leadership and policies.

Thursday's national election will allow voters to cast their judgment not only on Sunak's time in office but also on the four Conservative prime ministers who preceded him. The mood among Conservatives remains subdued, while Labour supporters are filled with anticipation for a potential shift in power.

It remains to be seen whether the outcome of the election aligns with the current polls, but one thing is clear: the UK is on the brink of a potentially transformative change in its political landscape.