Rishi Sunak has acknowledged for the first time that the Conservatives may not emerge victorious in the upcoming general election, hinting at a possible hung Parliament with Labour as the largest party. This admission follows the Conservatives’ loss of 474 council seats in the recent local elections, including the West Midlands mayoralty.
In an interview with The Times, Mr. Sunak suggested that the UK could be heading towards a situation similar to 2020, with Labour potentially leading a hung Parliament. He emphasized that voters do not want to see Labour’s leader, Sir Keir Starmer, being supported in Downing Street by the SNP or other smaller parties.
Referring to analysis by Professor Michael Thrasher, Mr. Sunak highlighted predictions that Labour might become the largest party after the general election but fall short of a majority by 32 seats. He expressed concerns about the implications of a Labour-led government supported by other parties.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for decisive action over political maneuvering, stating that the Conservative Party is the only one with a plan to address the priorities of the people. He drew parallels with past instances of hung Parliaments and coalition deals, underscoring the importance of stable governance.
Despite challenges within the party and calls for a change in direction, Mr. Sunak’s supporters, including Health Minister Maria Caulfield, echoed his assessment of a potential hung Parliament. They emphasized the distinct nature of general elections compared to local elections, pointing out shifts in voter behavior.
As the political landscape evolves, the Conservative Party faces internal and external pressures to navigate the path towards the next general election. The outcome remains uncertain, with key players positioning themselves for the challenges ahead. Please provide an alternative version of the text.
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