Rishi Sunak sets July date for General Election
The Prime Minister has confirmed the date of the next General Election
Last updated 22nd May 2024
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a General Election for Thursday July 4th.
The Cabinet were called to a meeting this afternoon shortly before the Prime Minister made the announcement outside Downing Street.
There have been rumours all day that an election date would be set as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps delayed a trip to the Baltic states by a few hours and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron cut short a visit to Albania so they could attend the Cabinet meeting.
An announcement on the next general election date has been widely expected as the Prime Minister has repeatedly stated there would be one in the 'second half of this year'.
Announcing a general election, Rishi Sunak said: “This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, 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.
“Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament.
“The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4.”
Immediately after Rishi Sunak made the announcement Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted a video:
The country will go to the polls on July 4th