Chancellor hints at October election as speculation rises

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has suggested that the general election could be held in October, as speculation continues over the question of when the UK might go to the polls for a national vote.

- MATT MATHERS

Prime minister Rishi Sunak last week ruled out a snap election on 2 May, when voters are due to head to the polls in local elections across England. He has previously said that his “working assumption” was that he would hold a vote in the second half of the year, but has not yet confirmed a date.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, Mr Hunt suggested that the vote could take place in seven months, as he was questioned on the government’s spending plans.

“And of course, if the general election is in October, that will mean it’s very, very tight, and that’s why we’re thinking in advance about the most important element of that spending review, which is the productivity element – how do we have more productive public services,” Mr Hunt told members of the economic affairs committee.