Sunak calls UK general election for July 4

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called an election for July 4. 

For most of Wednesday, rumors swirled around parliament that the British leader was poised to call a vote. 

The strategy is risky. Sunak's Conservatives are running way behind Labour in the opinion polls, and despite hailing a decline in inflation and an increase in defense spending, they have failed to make a dent in the opposition party's lead.

"Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future," Sunak said in an address outside his Downing Street residence, listing what he considers to be the highlights of his time in government, including the introduction of the so-called furlough scheme that helped businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. "We will have a general election on July 4."

Sunak heads into the election not only far behind the Labour Party in the polls but also somewhat isolated from some in his party, increasingly dependent on a small team of advisers to steer him through what is set to be an ugly campaign.

But he seems to have decided with some economic gains, such as inflation falling and the economy growing at its fastest pace in almost three years, now was the time to take a risk and present his agenda for a new term formally to voters.

The former investment banker and finance minister took office less than two years ago, and since then has struggled to define what he stands for, becoming increasingly frustrated that what he sees as his successes have failed to be appreciated.

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Labour ready

Both parties have all but kicked off campaigning for an election, with the attack lines on the economy and on defence already firmly drawn.

Sunak and his government accuse Labour of being poised to increase taxes if in government and that the party would not be a safe pair of hands for Britain in an increasingly dangerous world as it lacks a plan, charges the opposition denies.

Labour accuses the government of 14 years of economic mismanagement, leaving people worse off, with a series of chaotic administrations that have failed to give the stability businesses have craved to spur economic growth.

If Labour win the election, Britain, once known for its political stability, will have had six prime ministers in eight years for the first time since the 1830s.

Labour said before the announcement it was more than ready for an election. It's held a lead over the Conservatives of around 20 points in opinion polls since late 2021. Sunak took office in October 2022.

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