RISHI SUNAK AXES PLAN FOR A SUMMER GENERAL ELECTION

Rishi Sunak has ditched his plans for a summer election hoping that by improving the economy and seeing deportation flights to Rwanda finally take off, he can salvage his re-election bid.

The Prime Minister is now planning on carrying out an autumn election, rather than in July, following widespread Tory defeat at local elections up and down the country.

The Conservatives lost 397 council seats and only won one of the 11 mayoralties, with West Midlands mayor Andrew Street, who had distanced himself from the PM, narrowly losing to his Labour opponent Richard Parker.

Downing Street insiders warned that any plans from unruly backbenchers to oust Mr Sunak could result in an earlier election, however, the party's rebels are thought to have given up on a change in leadership before the general election.

Aides working on the Conservative campaign reportedly said it is '80 to 90 per cent likely' the Tory leader will reject a summer election in favour of an election later on in October or November.

'I definitely think the weight of views is to go later as there's still plenty we can keep doing to show delivery,' one told the Telegraph.

Research by Oxford University academics Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher suggested the local election results suggest there might be a hung parliament following the general election.

The researchers said Labour will hold 34 per cent of seats, compared to the Conservatives on 27 per cent.

Jumping on the analysis, Mr Sunak said: 'These results suggest we are heading for a hung parliament with Labour as the largest party.

'Keir Starmer propped up in Downing Street by the SNP, Liberal Democrats and the Greens would be a disaster for Britain.

'The country doesn't need more political horse-trading, but action. We are the only party that has a plan to deliver on the priorities of the people.'

Touring TV studios yesterday on behalf of Mr Sunak, Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted the polls giving Labour a massive lead 'are not correct'.

'There is everything to fight for. And the Tories under Rishi Sunak are up for the fight,' he told Sky News.

He added: 'It's been disappointing of course to lose dedicated Conservative councillors and Andy Street in the West Midlands, with his track record of providing great public services and attracting significant investment to the area, but that has redoubled my resolve to continue to make progress on our plan.

'So we will continue working as hard as ever to take the fight to Labour and deliver a brighter future for our country.'

The Prime Minister and his allies are on the defensive after the Conservatives 474 local council seats and the prestigious West Midlands mayoralty to Labour.

Labour's Richard Parker seized victory from outgoing Conservative mayor Andy Street by a mere 1,508 votes - with the Reform party winning more than 34,000 votes.

There has also been a furious wave of recriminations and criticism after the Tory candidate for London mayor, Susan Hall, was roundly thrashed by Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan.

He stormed to victory and an historic third term in office, with a majority of some 275,000.

Party chairman Richard Holden, who is also facing criticism over the election campaigns, also tried to calm furious politicians and activists.

Writing in the Telegraph he claimed that the result showed there was 'no surge in love for Sir Keir Starmer'.

'While Labour made some gains, they have failed to romp to victory, falling well short of the 350 predicted gains,' he said.

2024-05-06T00:43:12Z dg43tfdfdgfd