British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the United Kingdom will conduct its general election on July 4, following discussions with senior ministers.
Standing before his Downing Street residence, Sunak said, “This is the time for Britain to decide on its path forward.” “He highlighted his tenure’s accomplishments, notably implementing the furlough scheme to support businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, and said, ‘We are set for a general election on July 4.'”
Leading news organizations such as the BBC, ITV, Sky News, and The Guardian had previously speculated that Sunak would reveal the election date after a Cabinet meeting. Speculations intensified when a sudden call brought David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, back from a trip to Albania. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps delayed his visit to Eastern Europe so that he could be present at the pivotal cabinet session.
The national election, which must legally occur by January 2025, is being called early by Prime Minister Sunak, who had earlier hinted at a late 2024 election.In response to a question about the timing of the vote, Sunak teased earlier in the day, “Spoiler alert: We’re looking at a general election in the latter half of this year.” This election will be Sunak’s first as Prime Minister since he became the leader of the Conservative Party in October 2022, following an internal party vote, making it the third general election since the Brexit vote 2016. Pre-election polls indicate a likely defeat for the Conservatives, who have been in power for 14 years, against the Labour Party.
The Labour Party, on its part, has expressed its readiness for the election. A spokesperson for Labour leader Starmer stated, “We have fully prepared for an election whenever the prime minister decides to call it. Our campaign is organized and ready to launch, and we believe the nation eagerly awaits a general election.”