ALBAWABA- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will hold a national election on July 4, a pivotal vote to decide the nation's leadership. Sunak announced on Wednesday, choosing a day of positive economic news to rally support for his struggling Conservative Party.
The Conservatives have faced dwindling support after 14 years in power, grappling with an economic slump, ethics scandals, and a series of leadership changes over the past two years.
Speculation about the election date intensified when Sunak called a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon, instead of the usual Tuesday, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron cut short a trip to Albania to attend.
The election will take place amid a cost-of-living crisis and contentious debates over handling migrants and asylum seekers crossing the English Channel.
The announcement coincided with news that UK inflation had sharply dropped to 2.3%, its lowest in nearly three years, thanks to significant reductions in domestic bills.
This marked the most substantial progress on Sunak's five pledges made in January 2023, which included halving inflation from its peak of over 11% in late 2022. Sunak celebrated the new inflation figures as evidence of his plan's success.
On July 4, voters across the United Kingdom will elect all 650 members of the House of Commons for a term of up to five years. The party that secures a majority in the Commons, either alone or through a coalition, will form the next government, with its leader becoming the prime minister.
