LONDON:
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.
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.
