His party is deeply unpopular — so why did British PM Sunak just call an election?
NBCMay 22
Sunak and Starmer Kick Off Campaigns Ahead of July 4 Election
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The Facts
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer started campaigning on Thursday for Britain’s upcoming election, as Sunak’s Conservatives fight an uphill battle to remain in power.
Sunak surprised many Brits on Wednesday by calling for a general election on July 4, significantly earlier than most had expected. Recent poor polling performance by the Tories had led many to believe Sunak would call for an election closer to the January deadline.
The Spin
Left narrative
Every shred of evidence over the last few years points to a crushing defeat for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives. Sunak’s last Hail Mary is calling for a snap election far sooner than expected, but it would take a miracle to close a 20-point polling gap that has persisted for months. The Tories have held power since 2010, and the UK has deteriorated in every way under their stewardship. July 4 will officially end 14 years of failed policy.
Right narrative
While many dominos still need to fall for a Tory upset, Rishi Sunak’s gamble seems to be paying off. By calling a quick election, Sunak has prevented Nigel Farage from standing for the Reform Party, which has significantly eaten into Conservative support. The Tories can now focus on trying to bring all conservative and moderate Brits back into their coalition and show them how recent indicators reveal that the UK is on the upswing.