Rishi Sunak calls election on 4 July

The prime minister Rishi Sunak has called a general election on 4 July, saying that only the Conservatives will be able to keep the country secure and ensure economic stability

‘Over the next few weeks I will fight for every vote and I will prove to you that only a Conservative government will not put our economic stability at risk,’ Sunak said, speaking in pouring rain outside No 10.

The announcement followed a Cabinet meeting and there appeared to be a certain level of surprise from ministers as the Conservatives are trailing Labour by 21 points in the polls. 

The next step will be for the parties to set out manifestos with detailed policy pledges, including tax and fiscal policy. 

The Labour Party released a Green Paper entitled A New Deal for Working People: Employment Rights which sets out its commitments should they win. One of the most significant changes proposed by Labour is the removal of the need for qualifying service for certain employment law protections and entitlements. There is also a proposal to remove the current limit on tribunal awards and introducing the “right to disconnect”.

The Conservative Party have not yet released their manifesto, but it is believed that they will continue with their current agenda. The Liberal Democrats have also not released their manifesto yet but have previously said that they would look at parental leave reform as well as increasing paternity pay. 

Over 60 Conservative MPs are planning to stand down at this election.

Visit BrAInbox today where you can find answers to questions like Can I stop employees from talking about the General Election in work?

• Farming partnership breaches Work at Height Law in hay bale crush incident
• Employers asked what help is most needed to get people back into work
• Directors, owner and company sentenced after fairground ride puts mother in hospital
• HMRC refuses to stand down on £470k giant marshmallows case