Great Britain: Sunak Announced Early Elections to Be Held on July 4

Surprisingly, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called an early election for July 4, 2024.

He decided to reschedule the consultations 6 months before the legislature’s term expires. Among the reasons for this unexpected move are the economic recovery and lower inflation rates, as well as the desire to play it safe in the face of possible risks that may arise in the coming months. “One of the key factors in this decision, according to those familiar with the thinking in Downing Street,” notes the Daily Telegraph, “is that a series of major commitments, including increased defense spending, a £10 billion (€11.7 billion) compensation package for victims of contaminated blood transfusions, and the postal scandals, will make any tax cuts impossible when the next government budget is prepared in autumn.” For now, however, Sunak can gamble on “a sharp drop in inflation, a return to economic growth, lower migration, and a program, which has become law, to deport illegals to Rwanda,” the London-based newspaper said.

But Labor has a clear advantage of 20 percentage points, ahead of the ruling Conservatives, according to the polls. Labor leader Keir Starmer is considered the favorite in the race that will determine the next occupant of 10 Downing Street. “It’s time for a change for the better,” said Starmer, in whose opinion “the Tories have left our country unsafe.” After 14 years of Tory rule, the Labor opposition is rushing to win popular support: “The country has been waiting for this moment, the opportunity to secure a better future for itself.”

For his part, Sunak stated: “We have a plan. In the coming weeks, I will fight for every vote and convince voters that only a government led by me can guarantee economic stability and put our country back on top.”

The current polls show the Labor Party leading with about 45% of the vote, the Conservative Party can count on about 25%, and the UK Reform Party, considered “populist,” has secured about 12%.