RISHI Sunak has appeared to rule out a General Election in May, instead suggesting that the Westminster ballot will be held in the "second half" of this year.
The Prime Minister has been coming under growing pressure to set a date for the next UK-wide vote from opposition parties.
Sunak, during a visit to Mansfield, East Midlands, on Thursday, declined to categorically rule out a May election but said he was working towards one in the later months of 2024.
READ MORE: HMRC doesn't know how many Scotland Office staff work in Edinburgh hub
A Westminster election has to be held by January 2025 at the latest.
Asked by ITV if a spring election was on the cards, the Prime Minister said: "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."
It comes after growing speculation that the PM would call a UK-wide election this year, with opposition politicians urging the Tory leader to call it sooner rather than later.
Labour claimed a spring ballot is the "worst kept secret in Parliament", while the LibDems urged Sunak to hold the vote in May rather than trying to "cling on" to power for the rest of the year.
During a visit to a youth centre, Sunak said: "I've got lots that I want to get on with."
He added: "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."
READ MORE: Scottish Government asked controversial tycoon to arrange dinner
SNP Westminster group leader Stephen Flynn said in response to the PM's comments on timing: “The Tories haven’t won an election in Scotland since 1955 so irrespective of whether it’s an election in May, or in the autumn, we already know that they won’t win here.
“The battle in Scotland will be fought on who the public believe is best placed to stand up for their interests and their values in Westminster.
“As the only party who believe that economic growth can be achieved by trading with our European allies, embracing freedom of movement and investing in our energy potential the SNP will proudly stand on the basis of our values.
“Independence offers us the best route to achieve those economic aims, take real action to resolve the cost of living and to protect our NHS – and only a vote for the SNP can make that future possible.”
In response, Keir Starmer (below) has demanded Sunak set a date for the election rather than “squatting” in No 10.
In an interview with BBC News, the UK Labour leader said: “We are ready for a general election. I think the country is ready for a general election.
“The Prime Minister has hinted without setting a date that it might be later this year. Why can’t he set a date? Him squatting in Downing Street for months on end, dithering and delaying while the country wants change.”
UK LibDem leader Ed Davey accused “squatter” Sunak of having “bottled it” after he appeared to rule out a May election.
Davey said: “Rishi Sunak has bottled it and is running scared of a May general election.
“Squatter Sunak is holed up in Downing Street, desperately clinging on to power rather than facing the verdict of the British people.
“We need an election in spring, so that voters can finally get rid of this appalling and out-of-touch Conservative government.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel