Rishi Sunak predicts an election in the second half of 2024

       Speculation is mounting over when Rishi Sunak will call a general election.

       A national vote is almost certain this year and must take place by January 2025 at the latest.

       The Prime Minister has said it is his "working assumption" that the UK will "have a general election in the second half of this year".

       Speaking last week during a visit to a youth centre in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Mr Sunak said: "So my working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year and in the meantime, I've got lots that I want to get on with."

       The Conservative leader declined to categorically rule out a May election but repeated his intentions to go for later in the year.

       He said: "I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people's taxes. But I also want to keep tackling illegal migration. So I've got lots to get on with and I'm determined to keep delivering for the British people."

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       A later election gives Mr Sunak more time to turn around the Tories' dire polling and for the economy to improve.

       But it also risks a summer of small boat crossings as the PM struggles to get the Rwanda policy off the ground.

       Labour and the Lib Dems are demanding Mr Sunak goes to the country earlier.

       Sir Keir Starmer accused the Prime Minister of putting "vanity before country" if he is waiting to clock up two years in Downing Street before calling an election.

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       Speaking to Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme, Sir Keir demanded a ballot "as soon as possible".

       He said: "I have to say, the Prime Minister is sort of almost taking himself out of this - the 'working assumption' is as if it is somebody else's working assumption.

       "If he had a plan, he would set the date and he should set the date because at the moment it is very hard to see how him continuing in Government improves the lives of anybody in the country, so there is drift.

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       "I can't help feeling that all he really wants to do is to get two years clocked up of his own premiership, and that means he is putting vanity before country.

       "And so my challenge to him would be: if you've got a plan, set the date.

       "If you haven't got a plan, just get on with it as quickly as possible."

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