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UK General Election: Rishi Sunak Calls Election For July 4- Key Dates As Cumbrian MP Says ‘Here We Go’

By Rachael Grealish

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a general election for July 4 in a statement outside Downing Street.

This decision comes amidst a complex political landscape, marked by economic challenges, debates over Brexit’s long-term impacts, and a shifting international environment.

In his statement, the PM emphasised the need for a fresh mandate to address the nation’s pressing issues.

He said: “Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future.

“To decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.”

The election, he said, will “take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War”.

The announcement comes after official figures showed inflation had come down to 2.3% in April – Sunak said this is “proof that the plan and priorities I set out are working”.

Whereas Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has called for “change”.

Some of the Cumbrian MPs have reacted to the news with the former Liberal Democrats leader, Tim Farron – MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale – has said: “here we go.”

The other Cumbrian MPs are yet to publicly reply to the election news.

What are the key dates of this general election?

According to Sky News, the exact details, dates and timings leading up to the election are now also confirmed.#

Parliament will be prorogued on Friday, May 24  – marking the formal end of this session of parliament.

On Thursday, May 30, parliament will formally be dissolved.

This means that members of parliament cease to be members of parliament, and become candidates in the election – or not if they are standing down, such as in the case for the current Copeland MP, Trudy Harrison.

The campaign will then occur ahead of polling day on Thursday, July 4, when polls close at 10pm.

Following the vote, the newly elected MPs will travel to London to meet in parliament for the first time on Tuesday, July 9.

The Speaker of the House of Commons will be elected and MPs will be sworn in.

The formal state opening of parliament and a King’s Speech will take place on Wednesday, July 17.