Rishi Sunak has called a surprise general election for 4 July in a high stakes gamble that will see Keir Starmer try to win power for Labour after 14 years of Conservative-led government.
Addressing the nation outside Downing Street, Sunak said it was “the moment for Britain to choose its future” as he claimed the Tories could be trusted to lead the country during a time of global instability.
Sunak’s words were met with alarm by senior Tories who are concerned that their party, trailing 20 percentage points behind Labour in the polls, could face electoral wipeout, with some MPs even considering submitting letters of no confidence.
What happens next in parliament?
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed parliament will now be prorogued, or closed for business at the end of this week.
That means there is just one, or possibly one-and-a-half, days of what's known as "wash-up", which is when the government can try to get Bills through in backroom deals before the official business session ends.
This very short period could give enough time for Sunak to get his Tobacco and Vapes Bill to pass as it's likely to form part of his political legacy. But other Bills still in progress will "fall", meaning they'll be ditched by MPs at this point.
Calling the general election now means the next parliamentary recess, which was MPs' next holiday period and was due to start next week, is now cancelled as campaigning officially begins.
Parliament will then be dissolved on Thursday 30 May, which gives the legally necessary 25 working days until polling day on Thursday 4 July.
The prime minister needs to request permission from the King for their general election schedule.
Starmer is widely expected to become the next prime minister
Starmer is widely expected to become the next prime minister after transforming Labour since its historic election defeat almost five years ago.
In a televised address in front of union flags, the Labour leader said the election gave voters the opportunity to bring about change. “Here it is. The future of the country in your hands,” he said.
“On 4 July you have the choice and together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start to rebuild Britain, and change our country.”
The date
Sunak finally decided to name the date after claiming the economy was improving. Earlier, he told his cabinet that falling inflation and net migration figures would reinforce the Tories’ election message of “sticking to the plan”.
However, two cabinet ministers – Esther McVey and Chris Heaton-Harris – reportedly expressed reservations about the date amid concerns that voters are not yet feeling better off despite the improved economic outlook.
Speaking outside the door to No 10, Sunak said: “I hope that my work since I became prime minister shows that we have a plan and are prepared to take bold action necessary for our country to flourish.
“Now I’ve stuck with that plan and always been honest with you about what is needed even when that’s been difficult.
“I cannot and will not claim that we have got everything right. No government should, but I am proud of what we have achieved together, the bold actions we have taken. I’m confident about what we can do in the future.
“The question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family and our country.”
Sunak’s speech gave a sense of how he plans to fight the election, focusing on the issue of who the country should trust in difficult times and warning that the British people cannot believe any promise made by Starmer.
“This election will take place at time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the cold war,” he said. “These uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to chart a course to a secure future. You must choose in this election who has that plan.”
Addressing the nation outside Downing Street, Sunak said it was “the moment for Britain to choose its future” as he claimed the Tories could be trusted to lead the country during a time of global instability.
Sunak’s words were met with alarm by senior Tories who are concerned that their party, trailing 20 percentage points behind Labour in the polls, could face electoral wipeout, with some MPs even considering submitting letters of no confidence.
What happens next in parliament?
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed parliament will now be prorogued, or closed for business at the end of this week.
That means there is just one, or possibly one-and-a-half, days of what's known as "wash-up", which is when the government can try to get Bills through in backroom deals before the official business session ends.
This very short period could give enough time for Sunak to get his Tobacco and Vapes Bill to pass as it's likely to form part of his political legacy. But other Bills still in progress will "fall", meaning they'll be ditched by MPs at this point.
Calling the general election now means the next parliamentary recess, which was MPs' next holiday period and was due to start next week, is now cancelled as campaigning officially begins.
Parliament will then be dissolved on Thursday 30 May, which gives the legally necessary 25 working days until polling day on Thursday 4 July.
The prime minister needs to request permission from the King for their general election schedule.
Starmer is widely expected to become the next prime minister
Starmer is widely expected to become the next prime minister after transforming Labour since its historic election defeat almost five years ago.
In a televised address in front of union flags, the Labour leader said the election gave voters the opportunity to bring about change. “Here it is. The future of the country in your hands,” he said.
“On 4 July you have the choice and together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start to rebuild Britain, and change our country.”
The date
Sunak finally decided to name the date after claiming the economy was improving. Earlier, he told his cabinet that falling inflation and net migration figures would reinforce the Tories’ election message of “sticking to the plan”.
However, two cabinet ministers – Esther McVey and Chris Heaton-Harris – reportedly expressed reservations about the date amid concerns that voters are not yet feeling better off despite the improved economic outlook.
Speaking outside the door to No 10, Sunak said: “I hope that my work since I became prime minister shows that we have a plan and are prepared to take bold action necessary for our country to flourish.
“Now I’ve stuck with that plan and always been honest with you about what is needed even when that’s been difficult.
“I cannot and will not claim that we have got everything right. No government should, but I am proud of what we have achieved together, the bold actions we have taken. I’m confident about what we can do in the future.
“The question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family and our country.”
Sunak’s speech gave a sense of how he plans to fight the election, focusing on the issue of who the country should trust in difficult times and warning that the British people cannot believe any promise made by Starmer.
“This election will take place at time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the cold war,” he said. “These uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to chart a course to a secure future. You must choose in this election who has that plan.”
Follow US
Most Viewed Stories
