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Rishi Sunak, the first British prime minister of Indian heritage, announced on Wednesday that the UK's general election will be held on July 4. He stated that it is time for the country to choose its future.

 

In a speech from the lectern on the steps of 10 Downing Street on a rainy London evening, Sunak confirmed that a summer poll would take place in six weeks. He also mentioned that the Parliament would soon be dissolved after he formally informed King Charles III of the election timeline.

 

The announcement comes as most opinion polls forecast a general election defeat for the governing Conservative Party. The opposition Labour Party holds a strong lead following recent byelections and local election victories.

 

The 44-year-old leader highlighted his record, dating back to his term as finance minister during the COVID lockdowns, in his pitch to the British electorate, who will soon give their verdict at the ballot box.

 

"Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament, and the King has granted this request, and we will have a general election on the fourth of July,” said Sunak, drenched in the pouring rain.

 

Setting out his election stall, Sunak, who assumed office in October 2022, pointed to the furlough scheme he introduced as Chancellor of the Exchequer to protect jobs during the pandemic and the “economic stability” he brought as Prime Minister over the "darkest of days" in the country.

 

In his pitch to the voters, he said: “As I did then, I will forever do everything in my power to provide you with the strongest possible protection I can. That is my promise to you.

 

"This hard-earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning. The question is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family and our country? Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on our progress or risk going back to square one, with no plan and no certainty,” Sunak said.

 

The leader of the party that wins a majority (326 constituencies) of the UK’s 650 constituencies automatically becomes the prime minister.