London: In a statement on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hinted at the likelihood of Britain heading to the polls in the last six months of 2024. As the anticipation over the election date grows, Sunak, leader of the Conservative party since October 2022, has until the end of January 2025 to call the much-anticipated general election.

Addressing speculation about the timing of the vote, Sunak stated during a visit to Mansfield, central England, "My working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year." The Conservative party, in power since 2010, is widely expected to face a challenging election, potentially shifting power to Keir Starmer's main opposition Labour party.

The Conservative party's years in power have been marked by economic challenges, including the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crash and a more recent cost-of-living crisis fueled by high inflation and energy prices. Potential dates for the election include May 2, coinciding with local elections, and soon after the March 6 government budget announcement, where the Tories are expected to unveil tax cuts to appeal to voters.

When asked if a May election could be ruled out, Sunak, the former finance minister, reiterated his focus on a later vote in 2024. "I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people's taxes. But I also want to keep tackling illegal migration," he stated, emphasizing his determination to deliver for the British people. The last general election, won by then-Tory leader Boris Johnson on a "get Brexit done" pledge, took place in December 2019.