Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, is facing a potential landslide loss in the next General Election. This has led to speculation that he may call an early election to avoid a post-local election challenge to his leadership. According to insiders, Sunak might opt for a ballot in April, with the election held in June, to keep Tory MPs occupied and prevent any potential leadership bids.
The speculation about an early election has been fueled by projected losses for the Conservative Party in the upcoming local elections. These losses, particularly in high-profile races like the West Midlands and Teesside mayoral elections, could trigger an “armageddon” situation for Sunak, potentially leading to a leadership challenge.
To avoid such a scenario, Sunak might call an early General Election, which would force Tory MPs to focus on their own re-election campaigns rather than plotting against him. This move would also allow Sunak to reset the political landscape and potentially improve his chances of winning a second term.
However, it is important to note that these are just speculations at this point, and no official decision has been made regarding the timing of the next General Election. Sunak has remained reticent to commit to a date, and the Conservative Party will be closely monitoring the results of the local elections before making any further moves.
