Downing Street denies any imminent election announcement, but some influential MPs think the possibility is being used as a tactic to maintain control before this week's local elections.

A senior Conservative Party member has suggested that if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his despair and proposed leaving office, most Tory MPs would accept it.

However, some might push for an election.

The current mood among Tories is mostly one of resignation, but poor election results this week, including potential losses in mayoral races and council seats, could trigger an attempt to remove Sunak.

Analysts predict the Tories could lose up to half of the council seats they are defending.

The text discusses the current political situation in the United Kingdom, specifically focusing on the efforts being made to support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amidst potential challenges.

The majority of parliamentary seats were last contested in 2021, during which the government experienced a poll bounce due to the successful Covid vaccine rollout.

In response to any potential moves against Sunak, there have been public displays of support from cabinet members such as Grant Shapps and James Cleverly.

Matt Warman, a deputy chairman of the Conservative One Nation group, has also emphasized the importance of party discipline during this time.

Sunak has also pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as part of his efforts to maintain support.