Rishi Sunak 'to call General Election' in statement outside Downing Street today
Rishi Sunak is expected to call a General Election in a statement outside Downing Street this afternoon (May 22).
Earlier today, the Prime Minister was asked directly on when the country would be going to the polls by the SNP's Stephen Flynn - who described speculation as "rife". Sunak cryptically confirmed: "There is, Mr Speaker - spoiler alert - there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year".
According to reports, he is now expected to confirm a summer date for a General Election. It is expected this will be on July 4.
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The BBC's chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman said: "The Prime Minister is currently informing the cabinet of his plans. Parliament will be dissolved next week."
Earlier today, Ministers began arriving at Downing Street amid speculation an election would be called. Rumours about an imminent general election announcement had swirled amid some rare welcome news for Mr Sunak, as official figures showed inflation slowed to 2.3% in April, the lowest level since July 2021.