Rishi Sunak's disastrous General Election announcement: From blaring speakers to soaking suit
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had hoped to set out the Conservative Party's stall as he confirmed a General Election would go ahead on July 4, but his announcement took more than one disastrous turn.
Following a day of growing speculation and rumours swirling around Westminster, Mr Sunak pencilled in the date for the General Election in early July. The Prime Minister decided to call the the date after inflation figures had come down which he claimed was a result of his party's plan, although he conceded the Conservatives "have not got everything right."
"I hope that my work since I became prime minister shows that we have a plan and are prepared to take bold action necessary for our country to flourish,” he said. “Now I’ve stuck with that plan and always been honest with you about what is needed even when that’s been difficult.”
A photo of Rishi Sunak outside No 10
But the Prime Minister's moment to paint himself and party in positive colours turned to disaster when his words were drowned out by a blaring speakers and heavy rain put a dampener on his moment. As Sunak addressed reporters, the New Labour anthem "Things can only get better," by D:Ream was blasted from speakers outside Downing Street.
Heavy rain soaked Sunak's suit as he announced the nation would go to the polls. Throughout his address, it became clear his suit was gradually becoming more and more soaked.
The Prime Minister listed increasing the state pension by £900, reducing taxes and reforming education as key achievements by his Government. "We prioritise energy security and your family finances over environmental dogma in our approach to net zero," he added.
"We fully funded an increase in defence spending to two and a half percent of GDP. We made a decision to invest more in local transport that you actually use rather than endlessly power more money into HS2."
While Sunak hopes to win the upcoming General Election, opinion polls suggest it will be an uphill struggle for the Conservatives. An average of the polls show Labour has just over a 20 point lead over the current Government.