After months of questioning and speculation, Rishi Sunak has announced the date of the next General Election. Sunak announced today that the country will head to the polls on July 4.
Speculation Started in the Afternoon
When asked at PMQs when he would announce a general election, Sunak responded with, “There is, Mr Speaker – spoiler alert – there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year.”
Caught Fire When Ministers Were Called to Number 10
The speculation turned into a full-blown news story when ministers from all departments were called to Number 10 Downing Street to be briefed. Although there was still no official announcement at that point, the story wouldn’t go away.
Official Government Trips Cancelled
David Cameron cut short a trip to Albania and headed home. Grant Schapps, the Defence Secretary, delayed a trip to the Baltic States, and Jeremy Hunt pulled out of a TV appearance at short notice.
Press Briefed About a Statement
Media outlets were told there would be a statement from the Prime Minister at 17.00 from Downing Street, and the news was that Sunak would be announcing an election.
Suank Setting Out Backdrop of Government
His speech started by discussing the nation’s challenges over the last five years. He mentioned the pandemic and furlough. He said, “For so many of us, it is easy to forget the scale of what we have been through.”
Putin Also Mentioned
Hinting at the cost-of-living crisis, he also mentioned that “war returning to Europe as Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine” has impacted energy bills.
Onto the Good News
As expected, Sunak discussed the reasons for being cheerful about life under the Conservatives. He pointed to economic growth and inflation getting back to normal. He said we should trust their plan to work.
Sunak Making It a Choice for the Electorate.
He said it’s time to decide on the country’s future and outlined it as a simple choice—either “build on the future you’ve made or risk going back to square one”.”
Sunak Asking for Trust in His Plan
He said, “Migration is being weaponised by hostile states to threaten the integrity of our borders”. He also said that his government has a clear plan. The issue is we’re yet to see it bear fruit despite them being in power for 14 years.
Proud of the Work of His Government
In what may surprise many, Sunak said he is “proud” of his government’s work. He said they have “created a better future for children in the UK.” He lists further achievements as providing “record funding” to the NHS, improving children’s reading, putting energy security over “environmental dogma”, and increasing defence budgets.
Sunak Promising Economic Success
Whilst there has been some recent muted improvements in the economy, it’s nothing to write home about. Sunak insists however, “I will prove to you a Conservative government led by me will not put our economic stability at risk.”
Prime Minister Opening the Fight With Labour
When talking about the Labour Party, he said, “I don’t know what they offer – and in truth, I don’t think you do either”.
Starmer on the Front Foot
In response to Sunak’s speech, Starmer described the election as “a moment the country needs and has been waiting for” before saying, “This is the time to change communities and the country.”
Urges the Country to Vote Labour
Starmer says that if the Tories win, “they will be entitled to carry on exactly as they are. Nothing will change.” He promises that “A vote for Labour is a vote for stability, and a vote for a politics that treads more lightly and stops the chaos”.
Rallying Cry Complete
Starmer continues, “I believe with patience and determination we can unlock the potential of the country. The future is in your hands. On July 4, you have a choice. Together we can stop the chaos, turn the page, and we can start to rebuild Britain and change our country.”
Buckingham Palace Confirms Parliament to Be Dissolved
A 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.”
Mixed Reception to the News
Whilst opposition parties are delighted, there’s a suggestion in the Tory ranks that people aren’t happy about the timing or the delivery. Talking to the BBC off the record, a Tory MP said, “I just don’t understand it. The economy is improving. Why not give that more time to bed in?”
Lib Dems Excited by the News
Lib Dem leader, Sir Ed Davey, said it was a “chance to kick Rishi Sunak’s appalling Conservative government out of office and deliver the change the public is crying out for”.
Davey Attacking Tory Record
“The NHS has been brought to its knees, people’s mortgages and rents have soared by hundreds of pounds a month and water companies have got away with pumping filthy sewage into our rivers and beaches. All because this Conservative government is more interested in fighting between themselves than standing up for the needs of the country.”
Polls Expecting a Clear Result
The polls are clear—the Tories are trending at their lowest ever, and Labour is flying high. The traditional Tory vote is splitting in half, and in Scotland, the SNP is struggling, which has emboldened Labour even more.
Difficult to Predict Anything Other Than a Huge Labour Win
Considering the polls and the Tory track record since they’ve been in power, it should be a one-horse race. A terrible Brexit, record national debt, record NHS waiting times, strikes, and a cost-of-living crisis all happened under the Tories. Labour’s biggest problem will be deciding which bruise to press!
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