debt, Reuters
Sunak also dissolved the Parliament. He said he had asked King Charles III on Wednesday morning to dissolve Parliament on May 30 to allow for a general election.
Earlier, Sunak, who was elected prime minister in October 2022, was expected to serve at least two years before fresh elections.
One possibility is that the election will be held later this year or in January 2025. In the current scenario, after successive changes, the United Kingdom is likely to have a fourth Prime Minister in two years. Sunak was not re-elected.
Experts say a longer period of time for new elections will provide more opportunities for improvements in the UK economy.
In London, Sunak said he was proud of what his government had done, fighting to honor “every vote” it received.
BBC News political editor Chris Mason points out that there was pressure on Sunac to call the election.
Members of the Conservative Party, including Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, were among those responsible for the allegations before the election.
One of the main reasons for this decision, according to experts, is the recent positive economic data.
Sunak's allies understand that the situation will not change much in the coming months, leading to an immediate conservative defeat among the electorate.
In other words, the partners understood that Sunak had to race against time so that the results were unlikely to deteriorate.
In the current scenario, the inflation rate has come down, which is considered a success, and Sunak can say that one of his objectives on taking office has been achieved or at least is on the right track.
“Of course [os resultados econômicos] All these are not only government actions. But governments are held accountable when inflation is high, so it's reasonable to expect that they'll try to borrow some when it's falling — and it has,” Mason said.
The decision to hold an election in July comes at a time when the Conservatives are in dire straits.
Polls of voting intentions in the United Kingdom point to Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labor Party and the Conservatives' main opponent, as the favorite for the election.
During his speech this Wednesday, Chung criticized Starmer and characterized him as someone without a government plan.
“I don't know what they're offering—in fact, I think you [eleitor] He also does not know,'' he said.
'It's time for a change'
After Sunak's announcement, Starmer invited the press to discuss the election date. He said that this is the moment the country needs and is waiting for a change of representatives.
With two United Kingdom flags as a backdrop, he said Labor had changed in recent years, asked for a chance, and said these elections represented a guarantee of a better future.
He said he would “return Britain to the service of working people” and transform the country.
Starmer said conditions targeted for complaints among Britons would improve, such as sanitation, public health and reversing the rise in mortgages and food prices in recent years.
If the Conservatives get another five years, Starmer continues, “they will have a right to continue as they are.”
“Nothing will change,” he added.
A vote in favor of Labor would be a vote for stability, Starmer says, and “in favor of a policy… to end chaos”.
“It's time for a change,” he added.
Unlike Sunak's statements about his opponents' lack of plans, Starmer said Labor had a long-term plan to rebuild the country.
He outlined three themes during his statement: “Stop the Chaos”, “It's Time for Change” and “Reset the Economy and Our Politics”.
“The future of the country is in your hands,” Starmer said. “Together we can stop the chaos, turn the page and start rebuilding Britain and transforming our country.”
Behind the scenes of the election announcement
For experts, Labour's main argument during the elections will be simple and can be summed up in one word: change.
The party will argue that the current government's plan has not worked and it is time for a new one.
There will be many more battles over issues such as the National Health Service, the NHS, immigration and national security.
British political scientist John Curtis said in an interview with BBC Radio about Sunak's announcement.
“He decided to hold the election early. “Whether he's doing this hoping for a win or he's throwing in the towel will be up for comment and speculation over the next 24 hours,” Curtis said.
“Rishi Sunak appeals for his actions in pandemic – he wants voters to accept this stability.”
“On the other hand, Keir Starmer says: 'You want stability, the kind the Conservatives can't give you – you have to change the government to get that stability'.”
Curtis reckons Sunak offers “an opportunity for the Labor Party”.
BBC political correspondent Henry Jeffman believes the next few hours will be a time of reflection for the Conservatives.
He pointed out that there are contradictions in some sections of the party regarding the conduct of the elections.
“I don't get it,” one conservative MP told Jeffman. “The economy is improving. Why not give more time (for fresh elections)?”
According to palace sources, the Prime Minister met the King on Wednesday.
The meeting lasted about 15 minutes. It took place in the usual Buckingham Palace courtroom, on the same day as the Prime Minister's usual Wednesday audience.
A palace spokesman said: “Following the Prime Minister's call for a general election this afternoon, the Royal Family will – in line with normal practice – postpone any engagements that appear to divert attention from the election campaign.”
“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to anyone who may have suffered as a result.”
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