Prime minister Rishi Sunak (pictured) has announced the UK general election will take place on 4 July.
The prime minister ended growing speculation by confirming the UK will go to the polls in six weeks’ time.
In a rain soaked Downing Street announcement, Sunak revealed King Charles had granted the dissolution of Parliament for the beginning of the election campaign season.
Sunak had long maintained that the election would be held in the second half of this year but many commentators had expected this to be in the autumn.
The UK’s last general election was held in December 2019 which saw Boris Johnson lead the Conservatives into another five-year term.
Liz Truss succeeded Johnson in September 2022 after he was forced out following multiple scandals and controversies, but she then lasted only 50 days following her disaterous mini-budget, which resulted in Sunak taking charge.
