Rishi Sunak news – live: PM fails to rule out snap general election as ministers called to cabinet meeting
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Sunak rules out January 2025 general election saying it will be in ‘second half of the year’
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A possible snap election or cabinet reshuffle are at the centre of speculation in Westminster.
Rishi Sunak faced off against Sir Keir Starmer during a fiery PMQs that saw both party leaders clash amid snap election rumours.
SNP leader Stephen Flynn asked the prime minister what all voters are wondering: whether there will be a summer election.
But a laughing Mr Sunak, said: “There will be a general election in the second half of this year.”
A Cabinet meeting has senior Conservatives clearing space in their diaries on Wednesday afternoon, with some suggesting a reshuffle might instead be in the offing, with Jeremy Hunt’s position as chancellor at risk.
At PMQs the PM was keen to highlight the latest announcement that inflation figures have fallen to 2.3 per cent – the lowest in almost three years – but the news has been overshadowed by recent scandals.
The Labour leader addressed the infected blood scandal and asked the PM to ensure officials subscribe to the NHS duty of candour to avoid future failures.
MPs gave their colleague, Craig Mackinlay, a standing ovation when he appeared in the Commons following his battle with his sepsis.
Key Points
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Stephen Flynn asks the question everyone wants asking
Stephen Flynn did not mess about and asked the prime minister if he is going to call a summer general election “or is he feart?”
The SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “Can I begin by also welcoming the member for South Thanet back to the chamber, he is indeed an inspiration to all of us.
“Speculation is rife, so I think the public deserve a clear answer to a simple question: does the Prime Minister intend to call a summer general election?”
A laughing Rishi Sunak, replied: “As I have said repeatedly to him, there is – spoiler alert – there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year.”
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 12:19
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General election announcement ‘imminent’
Former BBC political editor Andrew Marr says he thinks an election call is happening after speaking to senior ministers.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 14:23
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Mackinlay: ‘I don’t remember being so welcomed’
The Conservative MP for South Thanet returned to the House of Commons despite losing all his limbs to sepsis.
He said the standing ovation from MPs and the clapping led by the Speaker was “quite overwhelming”
He added: “I have never seen anything like it, I don’t remember being so welcomed.
“It is times like this you see the House of Commons at its best, where people put their differences aside and realise we are all just people.
“It is not a day I ever wanted. I would rather be sitting on the backbenches whole and complete. I have been through eight months of hell, had sepsis, lost all my limbs, but I am back, and that is the beauty of this place that people will accept you, the House authorities will make sure that your return is well looked after.”
“Quite a day for me,” he added.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 14:21
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Analysis: Could we have a summer election?
A huge wave of snap general election rumours is sweeping Westminster.
We watched with expectation today’s PMQs wondering whether Rishi Sunak would press the election button or not.
But voters seem to have left with more questions than answers as the prime minister failed to deny a possible summer election.
Mr Sunak laughed: “As I have said repeatedly to him, there is – spoiler alert – there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year.”
This means voters could go to the polls any month between July and December, with many speculating it could even be on July 4.
And pouring more fire on the flames, No 10 is not ruling out calling an election today.
At a post-PMQs huddle with journalists, Rishi Sunak’s press secretary said: “I am not going to rule anything in or out… the PM said an election in the second half of the year”.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 14:20
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David Cameron cuts short trip to attend cabinet
David Cameron has also had to cut a trip short to get back in time for cabinet this afternoon – a move that will do little to dampen mounting speculation an election is about to be called.
The foreign secretary was in Albania to highlight a partnership designed to tackle illegal migration.
David Cameron was in Albania today discussing illegal migration (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Kate Devlin 22 May 2024 14:11
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Summer election rumours mount
It seems the speculation is just growing after today’s extraordinary PMQs.
ITV’s political editor Robert Peston, considered one of the best-informed Westminster journalists, is fueling rumours.
He says an earlier election could be underway.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 14:00
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Ministers change travel plans to attend today’s cabinet
Ministers can often get a pass not to attend cabinet if they are on a trip, especially abroad.
But cabinet ministers are changing their travel plans to attend today’s meeting, The Independent understands.
The defence secretary Grant Shapps is among them – and has had to delay a trip to eastern Europe in order to be there.
Kate Devlin 22 May 2024 13:40
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Inflation: ‘A major moment for the economy,’ says PM
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the latest inflation figures are a “major moment” for the economy and evidence “that when you stick to the plan, we can look forward to a brighter future”.
Conservative MP Tom Randall (Gedling) told the Commons: “40 years ago Mrs Thatcher described high inflation as a destroyer of industry, jobs and savings.
“Would (Mr Sunak) agree that that sentiment is as true today as it was then, and what assessment does he make of today’s announcement for my Gedling constituents who want to be able to save, get a good job and enjoy a reasonable cost of living?”
Mr Sunak replied: “(Mr Randall) is right that today does mark a major moment for the economy.
“Not only have we halved inflation, but it has returned back to normal thanks to the collective hard work and sacrifice and resilience of people up and down the country and this is further proof that our plan is working.
“Mortgage rates have come down, energy bills have come down, taxes are being cut and inflation now back to normal. That shows that when you stick to the plan, we can look forward to a brighter future.”
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 13:30
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Speculation about Jeremy Hunt’s future
Westminster is abuzz with speculation about the future of the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt.
Rishi Sunak was very clear earlier this year he wanted him to stay in the job up until the election.
But No 10 would not repeat that commitment today.
Instead, Mr Sunak’s press secretary praised his work in the role, but added: “We don’t comment on reshuffle speculation”.
Salma Ouaguira22 May 2024 13:21
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No 10 does not rule out calling an election today
Downing Street have poured fire on the flames of early election speculation.
At a post-PMQs huddle with journalists, Rishi Sunak’s press secretary said: “I am not going to rule anything in or out… the PM said an election in the second half of the year”.
Kate Devlin22 May 2024 13:18
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rishi-sunak-pmqs-starmer-labour-uk-politics-latest-b2549242.html
