Achi news desk-
Although nothing has been officially announced, there are plenty of signs pointing to a big announcement later today.
Here’s what we know so far.
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Why is there speculation?
Mr Sunak has been saying for months that there will be a general election in the second half of this year.
The latest he could possibly hold is January 2025, but he has made it clear that it will be this year.
There have been rumors of snap elections at other times this year, always quickly denied by No 10. There have been no such denials this time.
What has the Prime Minister said?
Mr Sunak was asked the question directly by the SNP leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, and he ruled nothing out.
He repeated his “second half of the year” line.
So what makes people think it’s going to be published today?
Well, there is the fact that nobody denies it to begin with.
A cabinet meeting has also been called for 4.15pm today, and it seems to be quite an important one.
The foreign secretary, David Cameron, is flying back from a trip to Albania early – which is awkward as they gave him quite the welcome.
They’ve laid all this out for David Cameron in Tirana, and he’s flying straight back. Bad form. pic.twitter.com/6VHFYd7Dne
— Damian McBride (@DPMcBride) May 22, 2024
Defense secretary Grant Shapps has also postponed an overseas trip, while chancellor Jeremy Hunt has canceled an appearance on ITV’s Peston None of these things indicate a regular cabinet meeting.
When will we get an announcement?
So far we don’t even know it will be an announcement. However, there will be a statement from the First Minister at 5pm.
When will the election be?
Again, we don’t know for sure that there even will be one – but the smart money seems to be on July 4th.
That is technically the second half of the year, which would allow the six-week campaign period to start immediately.
July 4 will also be right in the middle of the school holidays, not to mention Euro 2024, which could contribute to less voting. With the Tories so low in the polls, that’s probably something they’d like.
What will happen if Mr Sunak calls the election?
The first thing that will need to happen is to cancel next week’s parliamentary recess: parliament would have to dissolve a week tomorrow.
There will then be a six-week campaign before the vote, assuming it is announced for July 4.
Who is likely to win the election?
All the polls point to a landslide victory for Labor and a huge majority for Keir Starmer.
However, things can be random once the campaign starts.
