Speculation mounted over a July general election on Wednesday with the Prime Minister refusing to rule out the move in the House of Commons.
“As I have said repeatedly [...] there is, spoiler alert, going to be a general election in the second half of this year,” Rishi Sunak said during Prime Minister’s Questions.
His response came after SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn asked for a clear answer on plans for a potential summer election.
Speculation had been fuelled as a cabinet meeting was scheduled for around four o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, straying from the usual timing on Tuesday mornings.
According to the Telegraph, several insiders from 10 Downing Street remained silent over questions on an election being called in the wake of Wednesday data showing inflation subsided to 2.3% in April.
Time has been ticking for the government to call an election, with the final deadline set for five years after the current Parliament first met on December 17.
Given the 25 days then granted to allow for preparations, the absolute latest an election could be held is next January 28.
Eyes have turned to Wednesday’s cabinet meeting as a result, with Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman reporting ministers “had not been told” what would be discussed.
Ministers have been told to attend cabinet at 4pm on pain of death. They have not been told what they will be discussing ???? Today is the final day the election could be called for June 27. Given that Sunak has said it will be in the second half of the year, July is more likely
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) May 22, 2024
The odds for a July election have crashed, according to Betfair.
"An autumn election had long been expected but at the time of writing July is the 2.0 favourite," punters were told. "In what is a rapidly moving Exchange market July has been backed as short as 1.73 (a 58% chance). It was 17.0 a month ago."