TRANSCRIPT
Britons will be heading to the polls on July 4th to vote in a national election, several months earlier than expected.
In pouring rain, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made the surprise announcement.
"Now, it's the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty. Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of parliament. The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on the 4th of July."
Mr Sunak's centre-right Conservative party, also known as the Tories, has been in power for 14 years and has had steadily decreasing support.
But he highlighted economic gains, such as falling inflation and a faster-growing economy.
"Over the next few weeks, I will fight for every vote. I will earn your trust. And I will prove to you that only a conservative government led by me will not put our hard-earned economic stability at risk, can restore pride and confidence in our country, and with a clear plan and bold action will deliver a secure future for you, your family and our United Kingdom."
Opinion polls are showing the centre-left Labour Party is strongly in favour to defeat the Conservative Party.
Mr Sunak's announcement was reportedly close to being drowned out by protestors blasting “Things Can Only Get Better,” a Labour campaign song from the Tony Blair era.
Leader of the opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer says the election is an opportunity for change, and voting for them would be a vote for both economic and political stability.
"We will stop the chaos. Look around our country, the sewage in our rivers, people waiting on trolleys in A&E (Accidents and Emergency), crime virtually unpunished, mortgages and food prices through the roof. It's all, every bit of it, a direct result of the Tory chaos in Westminster. Time and again, they pursue their own interests rather than tackling the issues that affect your family. And if they get another five years, they will feel entitled to carry on exactly as they are. Nothing will change."
Voters, like Florine Lips, are also keen for a change in government.
"Well, I'm just hoping the government is held accountable for the past however many years of mismanagement, everything that's gone wrong. I think it's time for change in this country and I think people are ready for that. So, yeah, I'm excited about it actually."
Ed Glen says it's difficult for him to make a decision on who to vote for.
"I have historically voted for the Tories. Yeah, but I would say I'm politically homeless right now because I don't really, I don't really have any faith in either party of the main parties."
While others are more generally disenchanted, saying the election won't change anything.
"Never voted, never will, never have. Just take what comes. You're not going to change what's gonna happen, are you really? You're not."
If Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives can turn things around, it could be one of the biggest political comebacks in British history.
