Rishi Sunak rules out general election on 2 May

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed there will not be a general election on May 2, which coincides with local elections.

Previously, Sunak indicated the general election is likely in late 2024, yet speculation of an earlier date has circulated. Sunak, clarifying on ITV News, dispelled the notion of a May 2 election and criticized the Labour Party for suggesting an imminent call for a general election as a tactic to divert attention from their spending plans.

In the UK, general elections to choose Members of Parliament occur every five years. By law, the next one must occur by January 28, 2025, but Sunak has the authority to call it sooner. Although May 2 had been a potential date, the prime minister could select a different day in April or May.

To initiate an election, the prime minister must request the King dissolve Parliament, followed by the election 25 days later.

Labour's Pat McFadden argues for an expectation of a March 26 call for a May 2 election, while Liberal Democrat Ed Davey suggests Sunak is avoiding a spring election due to apprehension.