Sunak sees election 'in second half of 2024'

(Sharecast News) - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he expects a general election to take place in the second half of next year after weeks of speculation that he would call an early poll in May.

"My working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year and in the meantime I've got lots that I want to get on with," he told broadcasters on a visit to a youth centre Nottinghamshire.

Sunak's ruling Conservative Party trail the main opposition Labour Party by just under 20% in the polls and would face electoral wipeout if a vote was held now. His own popularity rating is dire, with a minus 61% approval rating as people face the highest tax burden since World War 2, lowest living standards since records began, wages failing to keep pace with inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

"I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people's taxes. But I also want to keep tackling illegal migration," he said on Thursday. "So, I've got lots to get on with and I'm determined to keep delivering for the British people."

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com