Rishi Sunak has refused to rule out calling a general election in July amid mounting speculation an improving economic picture could prompt the Prime Minister to trigger a national contest.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader in Westminster, told Mr Sunak at PMQs that “speculation is rife” about a potential summer election as he asked the premier to give a clear answer on his plans.
A grinning Mr Sunak, with a grinning Jeremy Hunt sat behind him, replied: “As I have said repeatedly to him, there is, spoiler alert, going to be a general election in the second half of this year and at that moment the British people will in fact see the truth about the honourable gentleman opposite me [Sir Keir Starmer] because that will be the choice at the next election.
“A party that is not able to say to the country what they would do, a party that would put at risk our hard earned economic stability, or the Conservatives that are delivering a secure future for our United Kingdom.”
Numerous No 10 insiders were silent this morning on whether a general election could be called after Mr Sunak was given a significant boost by official data revealing a fall in inflation.
Speculation on the election question has also been fuelled by the fact the Cabinet is meeting this afternoon at about 4pm. The timing is unusual, with Cabinet normally meeting on Tuesday mornings.
You can follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section here.
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.
