UK PM Rishi Sunak rumored to unveil unexpected July election amid party's fight against challenging polls
Speculations suggest that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to announce a sudden general election on July 4, as his Conservative party battles to maintain its 14-year rule amidst unfavorable polling forecasts.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly planning to announce a snap general election for July 4. His Conservative party is facing a tough challenge to continue its 14-year rule.
Sunak had to schedule a vote by January 2025 but had been hesitant to reveal his intentions. However, with inflation rates dropping, he is expected to make the announcement outside Downing Street soon.
The decision to call for an election will kick off a six-week campaign that many predict will lead to the downfall of Sunak's Conservative government. This news will be well-received by the enthusiastic opposition Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, who is currently enjoying a surge in popularity and is positioning themselves as a reformed and moderate party prepared to take on leadership.
Sunak will be aiming for a successful campaign that could potentially lead to a surprising victory for the Conservative Party, continuing their rule that started in 2010. This period has been marked by austerity measures, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a challenging cost of living crisis.
He is the fifth leader of the Conservative Party to take charge since 2010. Sunak replaced Liz Truss, whose short-lived term as leader ended just six weeks after it began, worsening the financial difficulties facing the UK.
Sunak’s party is expected to focus on his efforts to address illegal migration during his campaign. A recent law allowing for the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda was passed last month, and the first deportation flights may take place during the campaign.
On the other hand, Labour will likely point out the government's challenges in controlling rising prices, the strained state of the UK's healthcare system, and the corruption scandals that have damaged the reputation of the Conservative party among many British voters.
Smaller parties have the potential to disrupt the plans of the two main political groups, even though it may be difficult for them to take control of the government. The new anti-migration Reform Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats are gearing up to give Sunak a run for his money in some of his party's traditional strongholds, making it challenging for him to maintain his position in power.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the pro-independence Scottish National Party is aiming to fend off challenges from the Labour party and reclaim its position as the dominant force in Scottish politics, despite facing some challenges and having recently welcomed its third leader in just 15 months.
The Conservative party, led by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, secured a strong majority in the most recent UK-wide election held in December 2019. Their main promise was to ensure that Britain successfully exits the European Union, a matter that had dominated the political landscape for over three years.
Following a series of scandals during Johnson's leadership, his position weakened, ultimately leading to his resignation. This created an opportunity for Rishi Sunak, who was serving as the Finance Minister at the time, to emerge as a top contender for the party's leadership.
Dozens of Tory MPs, including former cabinet ministers and ex-Prime Minister Theresa May, have stated that they will not be seeking re-election. This adds to the feeling that the Conservatives may be approaching the end of their time in power.
Opinion polls suggest a wide range of possible outcomes, from a comfortable win for Labour to a potentially devastating electoral defeat for the Conservatives.
Recent election and referendum campaigns have been unpredictable, with the Tories expressing optimism despite varying levels of support for Labour's proposals.
The upcoming vote is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, across all 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK. The counting will take place overnight, with both major parties aiming to reach the 326-seat threshold required for a majority.
A government will be formed as soon as that mark is crossed, and take charge immediately, pending the symbolic approval of King Charles III.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming UK general election promises to be a pivotal moment in British politics. Rishi Sunak's decision to call for a snap election in July sets the stage for a fierce contest between the incumbent Conservative government and the Labour Party. The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for the UK's future, as it grapples with the challenges of Brexit, economic recovery, and social divisions.
While the Conservatives hope to extend their 14-year rule, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, is seeking to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the cost of living crisis and other issues. Smaller parties, such as the Reform Party and the Liberal Democrats, may also play a significant role, potentially disrupting the plans of the two main parties. The result of this election is far from certain, as opinion polls indicate a range of possible outcomes, from a comfortable Labour victory to a Conservative defeat that could usher in a period of political uncertainty.
