Rishi Sunak faced a grilling on GB News over his decision to call a snap election amid a backdrop of Tory rebellion threats.
The Prime Minister yesterday made the shock announcement outside 10 Downing Street in a move that is said to have baffled several backbenchers.
Speaking on GB News, Sunak was keen to highlight “economic stability returning” after a “difficult few years”.
But GB News star Ellie Costello was keen to grill the Prime Minister over the timing of his decision.
Rishi Sunak joined Ellie Costello on GB News
GB NEWS
“The timing has shocked so many, hasn’t it?”, she said.
“Including in your Cabinet. You had those appalling local election results in May, interest rates are yet to fall, Rwanda flights are yet to take off.
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“You’re 20 points behind in the polls. A former Cabinet member said this is ‘madness’ and ‘Charge of the Light Brigade stuff’.”
Sunak responded: “If you look at what has happened over the last few weeks, it’s clear the economy has turned a corner.
“The economy and economic stability is the foundation of what we want to achieve as a country.
“Inflation is now back to normal, wages are rising and energy bills are falling. That gives us the opportunity to talk properly about the future.
Rishi Sunak made the announcement yesterday outside Downing Street
GB NEWS
“I am clear that it’s only me and the Conservatives that has got a clear plan and that is how we’re going to be delivering a secure future for this country.”
The Prime Minister is embarking on a two-day whistlestop trip taking in all four nations of the UK.
As well as preparing for an election, Sunak is seemingly having to grapple with Tory divisions with suggestions of a plot to have the vote called off.
One rebel Tory MP has told GB News he believes “several” more letters of no confidence in Sunak have been submitted to 1922 chairman Sir Graham Brady.
The MP told GB News: “Today has clearly been an absolute disaster but the election is NOT irrevocable; up until the point of the Dissolution of Parliament – when the writs are moved to begin the contests, it can still be aborted.
“In other words, if enough Tory MPs, who are clearly going to lose their seats in this already utterly shambolic campaign, write to Sir Graham Brady, tomorrow , the election could still be revoked.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is heading to south-east England as he begins his attempt to eat into Tory areas.
Upon launching his campaign, he said: “If they get another five years they will feel entitled to carry on exactly as they are. Nothing will change.”
He promised a “new spirit of service”, putting the country before party interests.
“I am well aware of the cynicism people hold towards politicians at the moment, but I came into politics late, having served our country as leader of the Crown Prosecution Service, and I helped the Police Service in Northern Ireland to gain the consent of all communities.”
He added service was the “reason, and the only reason why I am standing here now asking for your vote”.
