UK General Election to take place on July 4, Rishi Sunak confirms
The prime minister hopes his summer election gamble will return him and the Tories to power for another five years, as Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen reports.
Words by Elisa Menendez, Westminster Producer
Rishi Sunak has called a snap General Election for July 4 in a rain-soaked Downing Street speech, declaring it is "the moment for Britain to choose its future."
As Mr Sunak began his speech in the pouring rain, D: Ream's hit song 'Things Can Only Get Better' - associated with Labour’s 1997 General Election victory - could be heard blaring loudly in the background.
A sodden Mr Sunak asked the nation who it trusts to guide the UK through a time when "the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War", pledging his focus will be battling global security threats and building the economy.
After months of speculation over when an election could take place, the PM confirmed the King earlier today granted permission to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for the UK to head to the polls in just six weeks.
In response, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves posted on X saying “Bring it on”, while Sir Keir Starmer declared “it’s time for change” and the Labour Party shared a video criticising the Tories' track record after 14 years in power.
Faced with the monumental task of prepping for an election campaign in just a few short days, ITV News Political Correspondent Harry Horton speaks to MPs in Westminster
Almost immediately after the PM's announcement, Sir Keir held a press briefing with two UK flags placed behind him, telling the British public: "Here it is. The future of the country is in your hands.
“On July 4 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.”
Mr Sunak vowed he will "fight for every vote" as he faces the task of overturning a 20-point opinion poll deficit.
It is expected to be a seismic election, with the polls currently in favour of the Labour Party who have not been voted in to govern since 2005.
The announcement follows on from a bruising set of local election results for the Conservatives and two Tory MP defections to Labour over concerns around the NHS and migration.
ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston explains why – after months of speculation – Rishi Sunak has decided to call an election now
Mr Sunak began his speech by reflecting on the difficulties of the Covid pandemic and his Cabinet debut four years ago.
“As I stand here as your prime minister, I can’t help but reflect that my first proper introduction to you was just over four years ago. I stood behind one of the podiums upstairs in the building behind me," he said.
“I told you that we faced a generation-defining moment and that we as a society could not be judged by some government action, but by the small acts of kindness we showed one another.
“You met that challenge and then some, and I had never been prouder to be British.”
His announcement came after inflation slowed to 2.3% in April, down from 3.2% in March - which is thought to have helped boost Mr Sunak's confidence to call an election earlier than expected. Most Westminster insiders had predicted a November election was most likely.
The PM continued: “This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, 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?
“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty."
He went on to attack Labour, accusing them of having no plan for the country.
“On July 5, either Keir Starmer or I will be prime minister," he said. “He has shown time and time again that he will take the easy way out and do anything to get power.
“I have to say, if he was happy to abandon all the promises he made to become Labour leader once he got the job, how can you know that he won’t do exactly the same thing if he were to become prime minister?
While for most, the cost of living remains stubbornly high, ITV News Business and Economics Editor Joel Hill explains how the latest inflation and growth figures may have influenced Rishi Sunak's decision
“If you don’t have the conviction to stick to anything you say, if you don’t have the courage to tell people what you want to do, and if you don’t have a plan, how can you possibly be trusted to lead our country, especially at this most uncertain of times?”
He concluded his address by insisting only a Conservative Government with him in charge would ensure economic stability.
“I will earn your trust and I will prove to you that only a Conservative Government led by me will not put our hard-earned economic stability at risk, can restore pride and confidence in our country, and with a clear plan and bold action will deliver a secure future for you, your family and our United Kingdom,” he said.
How have opposition parties reacted?
Labour leader Sir Keir said "nothing will change" if the Tories are voted in for another five years, saying "they will feel entitled to carry on exactly as they are" - putting party interests before the country.
“I am well aware of the cynicism people hold towards politicians at the moment, but I came into politics late, having served our country as leader of the Crown Prosecution Service, and I helped the Police Service in Northern Ireland to gain the consent of all communities," Sir Keir said.
He added service was the “reason, and the only reason why I am standing here now asking for your vote”.
Here, ITV News UK editor explains what will happen over the next six weeks, and the key issues the General Election is likely to be fought over
Sir Keir hailed the General Election "a moment the country needs and has been waiting for and where, by the force of our democracy, power returns to you.
“A chance to change for the better your future, your community, your country.
“It will feel like a long campaign, I am sure of that, but no matter what else is said and done, that opportunity for change is what this election is about.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said every vote for his party will be a vote for a “local champion”, as he said people across the country are "crying out for change".
“This Government is out of touch, it’s out of excuses and it’s out of time – and it’s time to get this Conservative Government out of office," he said.
“And if we do, we can transform our politics, we can sort out the crisis in the health and care system, we can get our economy back on track, we can end the sewage scandal and we can get the fair deal people deserve.”
Lib Dem MP, Munira Wilson, told ITV News London the party has “been ready for months” for a General Election and the public will be “breathing a sigh of relief”.
Reform UK leader Richard Tice said: “The electorate have a clear choice – people know that the Tories have broken Britain. Labour and ‘Starmergeddon’ will do what they always do, which is bankrupt Britain.
“It’s only Reform UK’s common sense policies that can now save Britain.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed to ITV News that Mr Sunak and the King met this afternoon at the Prince's Trust Awards reception. They met for 15 minutes in their usual Wednesday weekly audience slot and the PM is not expected to return to the Palace this evening.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a General Election, the royal family will, in accordance with normal procedure, postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign.
“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”
The Westminster rumour mill had been running hot all day after Mr Sunak twice refused to rule out a summer election earlier today.
Asked at Prime Minister’s Questions whether the rumours were true, the prime minister reiterated his stance that an election will be called in the “second half of this year” - leaving open the possibility of a July poll.
Most Westminster insiders had predicted a November election was most likely. But promising inflation figures announced this morning, as well as the recent Parliamentary approval of the Rwanda policy, is thought to have given the PM the confidence needed to finally call it.
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