Rishi Sunak Advised Against Early Election

In a memo revealed by The Sunday Times, Rishi Sunak's senior aides, Isaac Levido, an election campaign director, and Michael Brooks, a Conservative strategist, advised against an early election.

Dated April 3, the memo highlighted concerns that voters would not feel 'financially optimistic' during the summer, limiting the Conservatives' ability to effectively challenge Labour.

The aides recommended delaying the election to autumn, suggesting October or November as strategic, to maximize communication about economic improvements.

An early election risked missing out on positive psychological effects from summer factors like lower energy bills and major sporting events.

The memo also warned of vulnerabilities such as internal party divisions if delayed too late.

It was revealed in extracts from Tim Shipman's book, 'Out: How Brexit Got Done and the Tories were Undone.'