In a bold move, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a surprise general election for July 4, despite the Conservative party trailing behind Labour by 20 points in the polls.
The election comes after 14 years of Conservative-led government, and Sunak is hoping to secure a new term for his party.
Sunak made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street, citing improvements in the economy and his confidence in the Conservative party’s plan for the future.
However, Labour leader Keir Starmer is widely expected to become the next prime minister, following his transformation of the party since its historic election defeat in 2019.
The election announcement follows a day of speculation in Westminster, triggered by rare good economic news for the government and an unusually timed cabinet meeting.
Government insiders suggest that Sunak decided to call the election now, rather than waiting until the autumn, due to concerns that the economic backdrop may not improve significantly before then.
The Labour party is ready for the election, with a spokesperson stating that they have a “fully organised and operational campaign ready to go” and that the country is “crying out for a general election”.
The election will take place on July 4, with the “wash-up” process, where the government finalises non-contentious legislation, expected to take place next week before parliament is dissolved.
