Labour shadow ministers brace for May election

Labour shadow ministers have been told to brace for a general election in the UK in May, half a year earlier than expected. Sue Gray, chief of staff to leader Keir Starmer, advised senior Labour figures and their staff on Monday to prepare for the prime minister to announce a spring ballot, sources told Tortoise. On Tuesday, Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth also repeatedly told broadcasters he believed the Tories were gearing up to go early. While an autumn election is still viewed as the most likely scenario, an election in early May – to coincide with local elections – could benefit Sunak. He could build momentum from today’s Budget, while avoiding the summer “small boat season”. Other dates to pencil in: 24 October, backed by polling expert Sir John Curtice, which avoids clashing with the US election; and 14 November, backed by former chancellor George Osborne, which lets Sunak use the Conservative party conference as a springboard and leaves more room for tax cuts. A 2 May election would have to be called by 26 March.