Rishi Sunak has announced a surprise early election for July, with Labour aiming to take power after 14 years of Conservative-led government - according to Sky News.

The prime minister confirmed the election will be on Thursday 4 July after claiming inflation was back under control and the economy was improving.

Currently, Labour is around 20 points ahead in the polls, with Keir Starmer widely expected to become the next prime minister.

Sunak told the nation: "Now is 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."

Currently, Labour is around 20 points ahead in the polls, with Keir Starmer widely expected to become the next prime minister (Wiki Commons).

Government insiders suggest Sunak had been persuaded top call for July 4 due to the economic backdrop unlikely to significantly improve before the autumn.

A 2024 general election had been expected to take place this October/November.