Rishi Sunak has called a snap election on July 4 as Sir Keir Starmer declared “it’s time for change”.
The prime minister addressed the nation in the pouring rain, as he battled against the deafening sound of ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ playing in the background – the 90s hit which famously became a New Labour anthem during Tony Blair’s successful campaign.
In a drenched suit, he said the King granted his request to dissolve Parliament and promised to “fight for every vote” over the next few weeks.
In a sign that security and the economy will be key battlegrounds, Mr Sunak said: “This election will take place at time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War.”
Sir Keir Starmer declared “it’s time for change” and told Britons to “vote Labour” in response to the PM’s announcement.
He said: “By the force of our democracy, power returns to you. A chance to change for the better your future.
“It will feel like a long campaign, I’m sure of that. But no matter what else is said and done, that opportunity for change is what this election is about.”
John Swinney encourages Scottish voters to ‘put Scotland First by voting SNP’
The First Minister of Scotland said he is looking forward to leading the SNP in the July election.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain22 May 2024 18:18
Ask John Rentoul anything following July 4 snap election announcement
After months of speculation we now know when the UK will head to the polls.
But why is Rishi Sunak calling a snap election now? What significance will the date have on the results? And can we make any reasonable predictions on the outcome?
The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul will be answering all your general election questions tomorrow afternoon — simply submit them here.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain22 May 2024 18:10
Tories launch new election slogan: Clear plan, bold action, secure future.
The Conservatives have launched their new election slogan for the campaign: “Clear plan, bold action, secure future.”
The party had been expected to campaign on the “stick to the plan” mantra often repeated by Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt, particularly when discussing good economic news.
And it now seems to have developed it into a slogan with a graphic alongside it, Archie Mitchell writes.
In his speech announcing the election, Rishi Sunak said: “And with a clear plan and bold action will deliver a secure future for you, your family and our United Kingdom.”
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 18:10
Tory MP: ‘Emotionally this is a lot to digest’
A former minister has said Rishi Sunak’s decision to call a general election was “emotionally a lot to digest”.
Dehenna Davison, who is stepping down at the general election, said: “We had so much more to do, and thought we had a little more time.”
She has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and conduct research into one-punch assaults after her father was killed in a one-punch attack.
Ms Davison said it has been “bloody hard” being an MP but that she remains “ever grateful” to her Bishop Auckland constituents.
She was the first Conservative MP for the constituency since its creation in 1885.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain22 May 2024 18:04
General election: Who is leading the polls?
Labour (44%) are maintaining a 20+ point lead over the Tories (21%) in latest polls from Techne UK, as Reform and Lib Dem both snatch up 12% of the vote.
With just 43 days to the general election, what does this mean?
Alicja Hagopian22 May 2024 18:01
Sir Ed Davey reacts after July election announcement
The Lib Dem leader has reacted to the PM’s July general election announcement.
Addressing voters, he says: “Every vote is a vote for a local champion, for an MP who will fight for your and your family and your community get a fair deal that you so deserve.
“This government is out of touch, out of excuses and is out of time. And it’s time to get this conservative government out of office.”
He then vows to transform UK politics by sorting out health crisis, get economy back on track and sort the sewage scandal.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 18:00
‘Things Can Only Get Better’: Rishi Sunak’s election announcement drowned out by Blair’s 1997 theme tune
The soundtrack to Mr Blair’s arrival at Downing Street was the last thing Mr Sunak wanted to hear.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain22 May 2024 18:00
‘Let’s go out and win!’ Lib Dem’s Ed Davey reacts to general election
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said a snap election is a chance to make change happen for “people in the UK crying out”.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain22 May 2024 17:58
Mapped: All the MPs standing down at the next election
More than 100 MPs have decided to quit ahead of the next general election.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 17:53
Watch: Blair’s landslide victory song interrupts Sunak election announcement
Rishi Sunak’s general election announcement speech was drowned out by someone loudly playing Tony Blair’s campaign song. Labour used D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better” during the party’s successful campaign which ended with their landslide victory in 1997. The prime minister was drenched in the rain on Wednesday (22 May) as he spoke over the music, confirming he had spoken with King Charles III to request the dissolution of Parliament for the general election to be held on 4 July 2024. “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.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain22 May 2024 17:52
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
