Rishi Sunak axes plan for a summer general election in belief that Rwanda ... trends now
Rishi Sunak has ditched his plans for a summer election hoping that by improving the economy and seeing deportation flights to Rwanda finally take off, he can salvage his re-election bid.
The Prime Minister is now planning on carrying out an autumn election, rather than in July, following widespread Tory defeat at local elections up and down the country.
The Conservatives lost 397 council seats and only won one of the 11 mayoralties, with West Midlands mayor Andrew Street, who had distanced himself from the PM, narrowly losing to his Labour opponent Richard Parker.
Downing Street insiders warned that any plans from unruly backbenchers to oust Mr Sunak could result in an earlier election, however, the party's rebels are thought to have given up on a change in leadership before the general election.
Aides working on the Conservative campaign reportedly said it is '80 to 90 per cent likely' the Tory leader will reject a summer election in favour of an election later on in October or November.
Rishi Sunak has ditched his plans for a summer election hoping that by improving the economy and seeing deportation flights to Rwanda finally take off
The Conservatives lost 397 council seats and only won one of the 11 mayoralties, with West Midlands mayor Andrew Street. Pictured: Keir Starmer applauding new Labour MP for Blackpool South Chris Webb
The Prime Minister believes if he gets deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground it could boost his popularity
'I definitely think the weight of views is to go later as there's still plenty we can keep doing to show delivery,' one told the Telegraph.
Research by Oxford University academics Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher suggested the local election results suggest there might be a hung parliament following the general election.
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