General Election 2024 updates: Rishi Sunak tells Brits why he’s the man to take nation forward as he triggers election
RISHI Sunak has sensationally called an election - and the date Britons will go to the polls is just weeks away.
In a snap move the PM announced an election date of July 4.
are currently way ahead in the polls, tracking at 44 per cent, while the Tories are on 23.
But Mr Sunak has set out his stall for the battle ahead saying why he was the man to lead Britain forward and promised to "fight for every vote" and prove to voters that only a Conservative government led by him would "deliver a secure future" for the UK.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Mr Sunak said:
"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 added: "You must choose in this election who has that plan, who is prepared to take the bold action necessary to secure a better future for our country and our children.
"Now I cannot and will not claim that we have got everything right. No government should.
"But I am proud of what we have achieved together the bold actions we have taken and I'm confident about what we can do in the future."
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Sunak hails party faithful
Rishi Sunak hailed Conservative activists as "the life blood of our incredible party" who were "up for this General Election" at a rally in London's ExCel Centre.
Flanked by Cabinet colleagues and introduced by Home Secretary James Cleverly, the Prime Minister spoke in shirtsleeves following his appearance in the rain in Downing Street earlier on Wednesday.
Referring to news that inflation had fallen to 2.3 per cent, he said he had delivered on his first pledge to the British people, adding: "We have shown the country that it is only this Conservative Party that can deliver the economic stability, the foundation of our national success."
He also repeated warnings that Labour would take the country "back to square one", adding: "We know the only certainty with Labour is they will run out of money and raise your taxes."
Rishi Sunak speaks during his first general election campaign event where he praised the party faithfulCredit: AFP Stability or change?
Voters will have to make a fundamental decision when choosing their next Prime Minister - do they want stability or do they feel the need things need to be shaken up?
Sunak has insisted he has turned things around and put the country on course for a “brighter future”.
He says Starmer would “take us back to square one.”
For his part, Starmer insists that “stability is change” and a switching of the guard is desperately needed.
Time will tell which way the voters fall.
WHAT THE BOOKIES THINK
The latest Betfair Exchange odds on which party will win the general election are:
- Labour majority 1/8
- No overall majority 9/1
- Conservative majority 49/1
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ECONOMY
The state of Britain's economy looks set to be a major battlefield to win votes.
The timing of the announcement came as the Office for National Statistics confirmed inflation hit 2.3% today.
Mr Sunak hailed the figure as a "major moment for the economy" and vowed that vowed that "brighter days are ahead".
Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation stood at 2.3% in April according to fresh figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is down from 3.2% in March and marks the lowest level since July 2021.
Downing Street statement
Downing Street has issued a statement formally confirming the general election:
"The Prime Minister has today asked His Majesty The King to proclaim the Dissolution of Parliament.
"His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify that He will comply with this request.
"Parliament will be prorogued on Friday 24 May. Dissolution will take place on Thursday 30 May.
"The General Election will take place on Thursday 4 July.
"The new Parliament will be summoned to meet on Tuesday 9 July, when the first business will be the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of members, and the State Opening will be on Wednesday 17 July."
Starmer targets Tory 'chaos'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at what he sees as "Tory chaos".
Responding to the news of a July 4 general election he said: “A vote for Labour is vote for stability, economic and political, a politics that treads more likely on all our lives, a vote to stop the chaos.”
He said he believed it is “time for change” and Labour would “reset both our economy and our politics”.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says it is 'time for change' Sunak: 'Challenging times'
Speaking from Downing St before hoards of cameras in the pouring rain, Mr Sunak said: "The last five years have been the most challenging times since the Second World War.
"Now is the moment to choose 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.
"Because of our collective sacrifice and your hard work, we have reached two major milestones in delivering that stability, showing that when we work together, anything is possible.
"Our economy is now growing faster than anyone predicted, outpacing Germany, France and the United States.
"And this morning it was confirmed that inflation is back to normal."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers hisspeech outside Number 10 Downing Street Royal Family to postpone engagements that could distract from general election
The Royal Family has said it will postpone engagement that could be a distraction from the upcoming general election.
Buckingham Palace said the Royal Family will “postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign”.
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.”
King Charles with his eldest son Prince WilliamCredit: PA Jeremy Hunt will stand at the election
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed he will stand and fight his seat in the upcoming general election.
Mr Hunt currently represents the marginal constituency of South West Surrey, which is set to be abolished and replaced with Godalming and Ash as part of the boundary review.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Hunt said that he would "fight hard for every single vote".
He wrote: "I will also stand for election in Godalming and Ash where I am proud of my local record and excited that the new boundaries include the town I went to school and the village I grew up in.
"It is a highly marginal seat so I will fight hard for every single vote!"
Bojo backs Sunak
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his support to Rishi Sunak in the July 4 general election.
The former Prime Minister’s spokesman said he would be “strongly supporting” the Conservatives.
“Boris Johnson is, as always, strongly supporting the Conservatives and encourages everybody to do the same,” the spokesman said.
BoJo has backed Rishi Sunak in the general election campaignCredit: AFP Why Sunak called a general election in weeks
The Sun on Sunday's Political Editor Kate Ferguson reveals why Rishi Sunak decided to go for a summer election.
Number 10 wasn't united on the decision either.
Her full analysis can be read here.
Farage will think 'overnight' about Reform candidacy
Nigel Farage has said he will think "overnight" about whether he will be standing for the Reform UK in the upcoming General Election.
There has been speculation that Mr Farage, the party's honorary president, could return to frontline politics for the election, which was announced for July 4 on Wednesday.
He has been heavily linked with a switch to the Conservative Party, with former Tory minister Robert Jenrick saying earlier this month he would "not oppose" Mr Farage joining the party.
Reform is seeking to attract disillusioned Conservative voters, mainly over the issues of immigration and net zero.
Speaking on GB News after the election announcement, Mr Farage said: "Richard Tice has got [Reform] up and running, there are 500 candidates selected, he will get more.
"The whole plan for Reform was that it was a six-year plan - fight this election, get ready for when Labour fail, which they will.
"[Sir Kier] Starmer's first cabinet will not have the competence that Blair's first cabinet had by an absolute mile.
"Reform will fight the election. As for what I do, I'll think about it overnight."
Mr Farage said there was "no commitment either way from me at the moment", adding: "I met a Cabinet minister at a social event on Monday this week, and the venom directed towards me was quite extraordinary, the fear was quite extraordinary."
Sunak closes speech with rallying cry
Closing his speech, the Prime Minister said: “We’re working for a Britain where we have renewed confidence in ourselves and our communities. A country where hard work will be met with fair rewards and where the opportunities enjoyed by the previous generations will be there for future ones.
“A country where our defence and our security is assured. So let’s take that message and that vision of a secure future to every future of our United Kingdom.
“And let’s show Labour that the British people will never be taken for granted.”
Rishi Sunak rallied the Tory faithful during his speech at the Excel CentreCredit: AFP Reform UK: 'common sense' policies can 'save' UK
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."
Question of 'trust' in election
Rishi Sunak fired the starting gun for a July 4 General Election, saying Sir Keir Starmer could not be trusted to lead the country through "uncertain" times.
The Prime Minister made the economy and combating the global security threats facing the UK the key elements of his pitch to the nation as he announced the election date.
In response, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told voters: "Together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start to rebuild Britain."
Mr Sunak said: "This election will take place at time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War."
He highlighted Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the tensions in the Middle East relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict, China's efforts to "dominate the 21st century" and migration "being weaponised by hostile states to threaten the integrity of our borders".
"These uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to chart a course to a secure future," he said.
"You must choose in this election who has that plan."
Which royal events are expected to still go ahead?
The Royal Family has postponed engagements "which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign" after Rishi Sunak called a surprise summer General Election.
Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen sent their "sincere apologies" to those affected, after Charles agreed on Wednesday to the Prime Minister's request to dissolve Parliament for an election - for the first time in his reign.
The King and Queen's D-Day 80th anniversary appearances in Portsmouth and Normandy in June are expected to go ahead as scheduled, but the announcement of a July 4 vote disrupted other events in the carefully planned forthcoming royal diaries.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution garden party on Thursday, marking the 200th anniversary of the lifesaving charity, will still go ahead, with thousands of guests set to descend on the Palace.
Charles, who has only just returned to public-facing duties after his cancer diagnosis, and Camilla are not, and never were, due to attend the outdoor gathering.
But the King's public engagements for the rest of the week are now off - including a visit to Crewe on Friday to tour a Bentley factory and a community centre which supports people struggling financially, and another as yet-not publicly announced event that was due to happen elsewhere on Thursday.
It is understood the move is not a blanket approach to future events, and engagements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The unusual July election date means the King's official birthday - Trooping the Colour on June 15 - falls in the run-up to the vote, but it is not yet clear whether the celebrations and famous balcony appearance will take place.
The date is also traditionally used to release the King's Birthday Honours, co-ordinated by the Cabinet Office.
There is no confirmation as to whether the upcoming Japanese state visit, which was previously postponed due to the pandemic, will still happen in June.
Some royal events will be cancelled due to the upcoming general election on July 4Credit: Reuters Sunak hails party faithful
Rishi Sunak hailed Conservative activists as "the life blood of our incredible party" who were "up for this General Election" at a rally in London's ExCel Centre.
Flanked by Cabinet colleagues and introduced by Home Secretary James Cleverly, the Prime Minister spoke in shirtsleeves following his appearance in the rain in Downing Street earlier on Wednesday.
Referring to news that inflation had fallen to 2.3 per cent, he said he had delivered on his first pledge to the British people, adding: "We have shown the country that it is only this Conservative Party that can deliver the economic stability, the foundation of our national success."
He also repeated warnings that Labour would take the country "back to square one", adding: "We know the only certainty with Labour is they will run out of money and raise your taxes."
'Economy has turned a corner,' says Sunak
Rishi Sunak has told party activists that the "economy has turned a corner";,
Speaking to the Tory faithful at his first election rally the Prime Minister said the "plan is working".
Mr Sunak said: “The economy is growing again, faster than Germany, France and the United States.
“Wages have been rising faster than prices for 10 months now. The economy has turned the corner. Friends, our plan is working.”
Cleverly says election is about 'choices'
Speaking ahead of Rishi Sunak at the Excel Centre, James Cleverly said the election was all about "choices".
The Home Secretary told the Excel Centre audience: “We are going to present a choice and it is a clear choice.
“It is a simple choice, and it’s a choice about leadership. It’s a choice about decisiveness is a choice about integrity.”
He added: “I don’t know what we’re getting with a Keir Starmer-led Labour Party.
“Is it the Keir Starmer who backed relentlessly, not once but twice, Jeremy Corbyn to be Prime Minister? Is it that Keir Starmer? Or is it the Keir Starmer that then promised to be continuity Corbyn when running for leadership to tickle the tummy of the Left wing voter bloc in the Labour Party?
“Is it that Keir Starmer or the Keir Starmer that then denounced Jeremy Corbyn? Or is it the Keir Starmer who’s now worried about the Left wing party and starting to flirt, once again, with the language that he’s used in the past?”
Sunak explains why he is going to the polls
Rishi Sunak has used social media to reveal why he has gone to the polls.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said it was because “hard won economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning”.
“Our economy is now growing faster than France, Germany and the United States, and this morning we received the welcome news that inflation has returned to normal,” he said.
“Now this is a sign that our plan and our priorities are working.”
He added: “So that we can decide whether we want to build on the progress that we’ve made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.”
Sunak holds his first election rally
The Prime Minister has wasted no time in getting his election campaign underway and has started his first election rally.
Earlier today Mr Sunak announced the country would go to the polls in a summer general election on July 4.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter he said: "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future."
Why Sunak called a general election in weeks
The Sun on Sunday's Political Editor Kate Ferguson reveals why Rishi Sunak decided to go for a summer election.
Number 10 wasn't united on the decision either.
Her full analysis can be read here.
Sunak fires starting pistol on general election
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has got the ball rolling, announcing Brits will head to the polls on July 4.
The Prime Minister unveiled the plans in a speech outside Downing Street this afternoon following a feverish day of speculation.
Read his speech in full here.
Rishi Sunak announced his plans outside Number 10Credit: Rex Bojo backs Sunak
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his support to Rishi Sunak in the July 4 general election.
The former Prime Minister’s spokesman said he would be “strongly supporting” the Conservatives.
“Boris Johnson is, as always, strongly supporting the Conservatives and encourages everybody to do the same,” the spokesman said.
Boris Johnson has put his support behind Tory leader Rishi SunakCredit: PA SNP: 'Vote to put Scotland first'
The leader of the SNP John Swinney said a vote for his party at the general election would be a “vote to put Scotland first”.
Mr Swinney said: “I very much look forward to leading the SNP in this election campaign.
"This is the moment to remove the Tory government and put Scotland first by voting SNP.
"We will work night and day to protect them from the damage done by Westminster.
“The SNP offers a better future to the broken Westminster consensus.
"In this election we’ll be making the case why decisions about Scotland should be made here – and I’ll take that message to every part of Scotland.
“In government, we’ve grown Scotland’s economy, doubled frontline funding for the NHS and ensured Scotland has the highest number of GPs per head in the UK.
“We’re helping with the cost of living through measures such as free prescriptions, free bus travel for under-22s and off-peak rail fares all day.
"A vote for the SNP is a vote to put Scotland first – and for Scotland to become an independent country.”
SNP leader John SwinneyCredit: Getty
