‘Sunak gambles on July snap election’ – Paper Talk 

Thursday’s front pages all lead on the announcement of a July 4 general election. Regardless of political leanings, all the papers note the snap election is a “gamble” on PM Rishi Sunak’s part. 

The media, public and even Tory MPs were shocked by the announcement of a July 4 election. Many Tory MPs were hoping for a November election so the benefits of the improving economy could be felt in the pockets of the public. 

The opinion polls still put the Conservatives far behind Labour and many struggle to see what the government’s plan is now. 

It feels reckless, and like a government who’s already thrown in the towel and has accepted defeat. With the hopes the summer’s Euros might act as a distraction, perhaps if the Tories do lose power, it’ll be against a backdrop of a public enjoying themselves and not looking too hard at No 10. 

4 July general election – ‘Gamble or masterstroke?

The Conservative-leaning papers report on the ‘gamble’. 

The Telegraph says “Sunak gambles on snap poll,” the Times declares “Sunak bets the house,” and the Express leads on the PM’s message: “I am fighting for our nation’s future.” 

The Daily Express – via a double-page spread – asks the question on everyone’s mind. Is this snap election a “masterstroke” by Sunak or a “gift to Labour?” 

The Daily Mail and the Sun note the election takes place just one day before the first Euro 2024 quarter-final. The Sun frames it as just when the country was looking forward to the Euros, Taylor Swift, Wimbledon and the sunshine, Rishi calls an election. 

Of course, some might argue it’s great timing and could see a lower turnout – meaning even if Labour does win, it might not be a total wipeout for the Conservatives. 

The left-leaning media have their say, agreeing it’s a gamble.

The Guardian and the i newspaper headline the news as “Sunak’s big gamble” and “Sunak gambles.” 

The Metro leads with images of both Sunak and Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer. The captions read: “Stick with our plan” next to the PM. “Call for change” is next to Starmer. 

The i newspaper describes the election day as “judgement day” noting it’ll either end Tory run or Labour will suffer a huge shock. 

Several of the papers note the PM delivered the election news outside No 10 in the pouring rain – whilst a protester blasted out Labour’s 1997 anthem – Things Will Only Get Better. 

Images of the rain-soaked PM feature on most papers. Commentators ponder why the PM chose to deliver the announcement in such circumstances when Downing Street has a multi-million-pound media room. Many commentators suggest that the move was a massive error from the PM and got his campaigning off to a bad start. 

The Mirror says “Drown and out.” It shows an image of the PM soaked and looking downcast as he spoke. City AM says “Drowning Street.” The Daily Mail says “oh-so British rain-soaked speech.”  

There have been whispers behind the scenes that not even Tory MPs could see this snap election coming this soon. 

The Times says Tory MPs were “blindsided”. Cabinet ministers Esther McVey and Chris Heaton-Harris are mentioned frequently – they are both reported to have said a July election is a bad idea.
The Mail says one senior Tory branded the election “suicidal” while the FT says an unnamed former Tory called it “bonkers” adding none of his colleges are ready for an election campaign. The Guardian says some MPs are considering letters of no confidence, in the prime minister.