British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has chosen July 4 as the date for a snap general election, ending months of speculation about when a new poll will be held. This call is coming earlier than expected. The Prime Minister who stood outside his Downing Street office on Wednesday stated that “Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future,” he said, listing what he considers to be the highlights of his time in government, including the introduction of the so-called furlough scheme that helped businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. “We will have a general election on July 4.”
According to reports making rounds, Sunak's party, the Conservatives who have been in power for 14 years is widely expected to lose to the opposition Labour Party.
The 44-year-old became the third Conservative prime minister since the last election in 2019, took office less than two years ago, and has struggled to define what he stands for, becoming increasingly frustrated that what he sees as his successes have failed to be appreciated.
He will therefore head into the election not only far behind the Labour Party in the polls but also somewhat isolated from some in his party. increasingly dependent on a small team of advisers to steer him through what is set to be an ugly campaign.
British elections must be held at least every five years, but the timing is the prime minister’s choice.
