'There won't be an election on that day'
Rishi Sunak confirms there won't be an election on 2 May pic.twitter.com/DWERCVBoO3
— ITV News West Country (@itvwestcountry) March 14, 2024
Rishi Sunak has finally ruled out a snap General Election on 2 May, after days of mounting gossip and speculation in Westminster.
Speaking on ITV West Country this evening, the Prime Minister categorically ruled out that he will hold a General Election on the same day as the forthcoming local elections.
He told the broadcaster: "In several weeks' time we've got elections for police and crime commissioners, for local councils, for mayors across the country, they're important elections and that's what I'm focussed on".
Asked whether he will hold a General Election on the same day, Mr Sunak bluntly replied: "There won't be a General Election on that day".
The decision by Mr Sunak to put an end to growing rumours he may launch a surprise snap election will also confirm his previous statement that he will go to the polls in the latter half of this year.
READ MORE: Odds slashed on May general election after PM holds private talks with top Tory
Mr Sunak has quashed rumours he will go to the polls early (Image: Getty)
It's thought that most Tory MPs and Conservative Party strategists have been telling Mr Sunak to hold firm and wait until October or November.
However despite the Tories' enormous polling deficit against the Labour Party, Westminster became enraptured this week that he could still surprise the country and call an election in the coming weeks to coincide with the locals on 2 May.
Yesterday Express.co.uk revealed that No. 10 has divided into two factions, with a 'sensible camp' of aides calling for an October or November poll, and a 'kamikaze group' calling for the PM to jump early.
Earlier today, Sir Keir Starmer demanded Mr Sunak call an election next week and give the public a say.
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Brandon Lewis became the 61st Tory MP to announce his retirement this evening (Image: Getty)
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Mr Sunak's recent leadership, specifically his political handling of both the Lee Anderson row and the Tory donor racism row, appeared to turn some Tory MPs in favour of getting the election over and done with sooner rather than later.
Despite the SW1 gossip, and demands by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to call a general election now, senior Tory MPs warned Mr Sunak against such a move in a meeting earlier this week.
The 1922 Committee Executive, which represents Tory MP backbenchers, met with the Prime Minister on Monday evening, telling Mr Sunak he would be “barking mad” to go early.
Asked by ITV whether he worries he doesn't have the support to make it through to November, Mr Sunak said: "The key is, when we get to that election, the choice and the choice is clear. Because look, if you stick with our plan we can deliver the change people want to see they can feel that it's happening".
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However minutes before finally getting a grip on speculation about the timing of the election, Mr Sunak was dealt a blow as yet another senior Tory MP announced they will be quitting whenever it is finally held.
Brandon Lewis, who has held a number of senior Cabinet jobs including Northern Ireland secretary, Tory Chairman and Justice Secretary, published a letter confirming his intention to quit parliament.
In a letter posted on social media, he said it was not a "decision taken easily", and he remains "steadfast in my support for the Conservative Party".
Mr Lewis is now the 61st Conservative MP to announce such a move, coming shortly after Theresa May also confirmed her retirement last week.
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Despite the already high number of Tories set to depart rather than face losing their seats, it’s though the final number could enter three figures.
Responding to Mr Sunak's announcement, the LibDems said he is "running scared of an election in May".
"He knows that voters will not put up with this Conservative government's failures on the NHS and the cost of living crisis any longer."
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