Rishi Sunak announces July 4 General Election

Rishi Sunak has announced that the general election will take place on July 4, 2024, after months of speculation.

His announcement comes after factions within Downing Street had been vying between a “do or die” early pitch to the country or holding on until November 2024.

During his tenure, Mr Sunak has faced resignations, defections and abysmal poll ratings, but until now had refused to name the date.

Current polling predicts a Labour landslide, as Sir Keir Starmer’s party sits around 20-points ahead in opinion polls.

Over 60 Tory MPs have said they will stand down at the next general election.

Outside Downing Street, Rishi Sunak addressed the nation.

He said: “In the last five years our country has fought through the most challenging times since the Second World War.”

The prime minister reflected on his time in Downing Street, reminiscing about the “generation-defining moment” he spoke of years ago when he was chancellor.

Mr Sunak continued: “You met that challenge, and then some, and I have never been prouder to be British.

The PM said he will “forever” do “everything in my power to provide you with the strongest possible protection I can.

“That is my promise to you.”

Confirming a July 4 general election, he said:

“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.”

Mr Sunak said the election will “take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War”.

He also urged Brits to call for a “clear plan” and “bold action to chart a course to a secure future”.

The prime minister said: “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.”

Mr Sunak added that he “cannot and will not claim to have got everything right”.

He added: “No government should.

“But I am proud of what we have achieved together, the bold actions we have taken, and I am confident about what we can do in the future.”

Concluding his speech, Mr Sunak said:

“I hope that my work since I became prime minister shows that we have a plan and are prepared to take bold action necessary for our country to flourish.

“I’ve stuck with that plan, and always been honest with you about what is needed, even when that’s been difficult, because I’m guided by doing what is right for our country, not what is easy.

“I can’t say the same thing for the Labour Party.”

Mr Sunak has struggled to maintain unity with his colleagues amidst five years of economic and party chaos.

The election was called after a day of fevered speculation in the Commons which took almost all MPs by surprise.

The first signs came as Lord Cameron cut short an overseas trip and Grant Shapps cancelled his plans to attend an emergency cabinet meeting at 4 pm.

The election announcement comes ahead of a recess week where many MPs had planned to take a break.

One senior backbencher said: “This is utter madness. The Tory party is not ready, MPs are not ready. We need a break. This was the last chance for many to have a proper holiday.

“It shows that the PM does not give a s*** about backbenchers. I am not sure the party is ready yet to fight this election anyway.”