Rishi Sunak has announced the 4th July 2024 as the date of the UK General Election in a vote the ruling Conservative government are expected to lose heavily.
The announcement perhaps sums up the sense of disorder and chaos that has plagued this government throughout its term as the rain thrashed down on the Prime Minister with his words drowned out by music blasted out by protesters in front of the gates of Downing Street. Sunak already looks like a defeated man and will need a miracle to remain in number 10.
Since taking office in 2010 the Conservatives have been led by five different leaders (and therefore Prime Ministers), including the disastrous Liz Truss and the deeply polarising Boris Johnson.
Labour’s leader Keir Starmer has tried to make the party acceptable again after the public soundly rejected left-wing activist Jeremy Corbyn who as Labour leader could not connect with voters in the last election.