Rishi Sunak to face first election as UK Prime Minister on July 4

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the general election will be held on July 4. The announcement came after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Sunak stood outside his Downing Street office, stating, "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future." He highlighted his government's achievements, including the furlough scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Political editors from major news outlets such as the BBC, ITV, Sky News, and The Guardian had predicted this announcement. The anticipation grew when Foreign Secretary David Cameron was recalled from Albania and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps postponed his trip to Eastern Europe to attend the cabinet meeting.

ALSO READ: Nepal PM Prachanda secures fourth vote of confidence in Parliament within 18 months

Prime Minister's first election

This will be the first general election Sunak faces as Prime Minister. He became the leader of the Conservative Party in October 2022 after an internal vote. This election will be the third general election since the Brexit referendum in 2016.

ALSO READ: Rougher Skies Ahead: How Climate Change is Increasing Air Turbulence

Sunak had previously indicated that the election would take place in the latter half of 2024. However, today, he confirmed the July 4 date in response to a lawmaker's question about a summer vote. The UK is required to hold a national election by January 2025.

Pre-election surveys suggest that the Conservatives, who have been in power for 14 years, are likely to lose to the opposition Labour Party. Labour leader Keir Starmer’s spokesperson stated that they are fully prepared and believe the country is eager for a change.