Pressure for Early Election
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden has urged Rishi Sunak to call an election sooner rather than later, as fears of a Tory wipeout loom large.
Timing of the Election
The PM's "working assumption" is a general election in the second half of this year, but some senior figures are considering a vote in June or July due to record low opinion polls.
Potential Leadership Flashpoint
Tory critics believe that the local elections on May 2 could be a flashpoint for leadership, with some ministers speculating that Mr. Sunak might choose to call an election to avoid a showdown with rebel Tory MPs.
Automatic Dissolution of Parliament
The maximum term of a Parliament is five years, meaning the next general election will take place on January 24, 2025, at the latest. However, candidates must be given 25 days notice before an election.
With the pressure mounting and concerns over party fortunes, the decision on the timing of the election remains a crucial one for the Conservative party.
