Rishi Sunak has refused to rule out a May election as speculation mounts that he is eyeing an early poll.
The prime minister has previously said his “working assumption” is that he will go to the country in the second half of this year.
But he did not repeat that formulation when asked about a May vote on the Jeremy Vine show on BBC Radio 2.
Instead, the Conservative leader said: “I’m not going to say anything about that. What matters is the choice at that election”.
He added: “And the choice, especially after this Budget, is clear. Our plans are working.”
Voters will already go to the polls at the start of May, in local elections up and down the country.
Senior Tories fear the results could be a bloodbath that would further diminish their chances of a good result in a general election.
A number, including former cabinet ministers, are urging the PM to call an early election in a bid to return as many Tory MPs as possible and give the party a fighting chance in 2029.
The PM has faced claims he is clearing his diary to keep his options open for a possible early poll.
(James Manning/PA Wire)
Earlier this week the Independent revealed an international summit long planned for April had been cancelled so abruptly the event’s official envoy was on his way to visit Africa to promote it when he was told.