“WE WILL HAVE A GENERAL ELECTION ON JULY 4”: UK’S SUNAK

Wed 22 May 2024:

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unexpectedly called for a general election on July 4, a move widely seen as a desperate bid to retain power despite the governing Conservatives’ 14-year tenure and poor standing against the opposition Labour Party.

Ending months of speculation about the election date, Sunak, 44, announced the early poll outside his Downing Street office on Wednesday.

“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future,” he said, listing what he considers to be the highlights of his time in government, including the introduction of the so-called furlough scheme that helped businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. “We will have a general election on July 4.”

Sunak faces the election with significant challenges: trailing Labour in the polls and somewhat isolated within his party, relying heavily on a small group of advisers for the upcoming contentious campaign.

Having taken office less than two years ago, Sunak has struggled to clearly define his leadership, frustrated that his perceived achievements have not gained public recognition.

Both the Conservatives and Labour have effectively begun their campaigns, focusing heavily on economic and defense issues.

The Labour Party declared on Wednesday that it was well-prepared for the election.

“We are fully ready to go whenever the prime minister calls an election. We have a fully organised and operational campaign ready to go and we think the country is crying out for a general election,” Labour leader Keir Starmer’s spokesperson told reporters ahead of Sunak’s announcement.

Despite highlighting successes such as reduced inflation and increased defense spending, Sunak’s Conservatives remain significantly behind Labour in the polls.

Sunak is the third Conservative prime minister since the last election in 2019. While he has stabilized the economy, this has not translated into increased popularity for the Conservatives.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22