RUMOURS that Rishi Sunak could call a snap general election coursed through Westminster this morning.
Downing Street sources downplayed speculation but have not categorically snuffed out the prospect of the PM going to the country imminently.
Rishi Sunak this morning following positive inflation stats[/caption]
The smart money has been on Mr Sunak calling it in the autumn to let the economy improve and get Rwanda flights off the ground.
But today’s news that inflation has effectively fallen back to its 2 per cent target set hares running he could use it as a springboard to launch a summer campaign.
The PM can call an election whenever he wants provided he gives the King and voters 28 working days notice.
He has consistently said it was his “working assumption” to hold an election in the second half of the year.
If he called an election today he could hold it on July 4 at the earliest – which technically would be the second half of the year.
As the Westminster rumour mill went into overdrive, the BBC’s Political Editor Chris Mason said he was “twitchy” about a possible announcement.
Odds for a July election were slashed, with Betfair putting a July poll at 10/11 compared with 16/1 a month ago.
Mr Sunak will break cover at lunchtime when he is due in the Commons for his weekly PMQs showdown with Sir Keir Starmer.
Trumpeting the fall in inflation today, the PM said: “Today marks a major moment for the economy, with inflation back to normal.
“This is proof that the plan is working and that the difficult decisions we have taken are paying off.
“Brighter days are ahead, but only if we stick to the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.”
