Prime Minister faces playful grilling on election timing and tory prospects.

In a light-hearted yet probing interview on ITV’s This Morning, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chuckled in response to questions about the timing of the next general election and the Tories’ chances. Host Rylan Clark, alongside Rochelle Humes, questioned the PM on when viewers could expect to cast their votes, highlighting recent polls that indicated a trailing position for the Conservatives against Labour.

Amid laughter, Clark quizzed Sunak, asking, “You’re a very busy man, running the country. Autumn election – when’s it happening, what’s going on, are you going to win it?” The Prime Minister, maintaining his composure, replied, “I’ve said what I’ve said, on the timing. We’ve been very clear – we’ve been through a tough time over the last year as a country. I really believe – the start of this year – we’ve turned a corner and we’re heading in the right direction. You can see that most obviously with the economy.”

Pressed again on the election timeframe, Sunak mentioned his “working assumption” that the next general election would likely take place in the second half of 2024. However, he left the door open for a spring election, emphasizing the government’s resilience and recovery efforts.

As the latest polls showed Labour with a significant 22-point lead, Clark questioned Sunak’s confidence. The Prime Minister responded with a resolute “Absolutely.” However, the Tories have faced internal dissent, with some senior members urging a change in leadership to avoid a potential electoral “annihilation.”

During the interview, Sunak addressed the ongoing pay dispute with junior doctors, expressing disappointment at their rejection of a proposed 10% pay rise. He defended the government’s stance, stating it was fair and reasonable, endorsed by an independent body. When asked about the potential impact of resolving the pay dispute on the election, Sunak emphasized his commitment to doing what is right for the country in the long term.

The lively exchange provided viewers with a glimpse of the Prime Minister’s candid responses to election speculation and challenges facing the government.