Rishi Sunak working towards general election in 'second half of the year'
The PM said on Thursday it is his 'working assumption' that he would not be sending the public to the polls in the spring, ITV News Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana reports
Rishi Sunak has said he is working towards a general election in the second half of the year after coming under pressure to call a vote soon.
The prime minister said on Thursday it is his “working assumption” that he would not be sending the public to the polls in the spring, as opposition figures have been talking up.
Mr Sunak dangled the prospect of future tax cuts to voters and attacked Sir Keir Starmer’s green proposals as the two leaders set out their stalls at the start of the election year.
Labour has claimed that a spring vote is the “worst kept secret in Parliament” in a possible ploy to claim Mr Sunak has bottled it if he goes longer.
The Liberal Democrats have also been calling for Mr Sunak to hold the vote in May rather than trying to “cling on” to power for the rest of the year.
But Mr Sunak told broadcasters on a visit to a youth centre in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, the Prime Minister said: “So my working assumption is we’ll have a general election in the second half of this year and in the meantime I’ve got lots that I want to get on with.”
Rishi Sunak said on Thursday it is his “working assumption” that he would not be sending the public to the polls in the spring
The Conservative leader declined to rule out a May election categorically but repeated his intentions to go for later in the year.
“I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people’s taxes. But I also want to keep tackling illegal migration,” Mr Sunak said.
“So I’ve got lots to get on with and I’m determined to keep delivering for the British people.”
Sir Keir has demanded that Mr Sunak sets a date for the election rather than “squatting” in No 10 after the prime minister downplayed the prospect of a spring vote.
He said: "If the prime minister is now hinting that it is going to be later in the year, I think the question is what's he hiding?
"This is a serious issue for the country, if he can't name a day, then effectively he's just squatting in Downing Street holding the country back with his dithering and delaying."
Sir Keir Starmer asks "what's he hiding?" in response to Rishi Sunak ruling out a May election
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Sunak of having “bottled it” and said a Spring election is needed.
Sir Ed said: “Rishi Sunak has bottled it and is running scared of a May general election.
“Squatter Sunak is holed up in Downing Street, desperately clinging on to power rather than facing the verdict of the British people.
“We need an election in spring, so that voters can finally get rid of this appalling and out-of-touch Conservative government.”
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...