Prime Minister Rishi Sunak remains optimistic about the Conservative Party’s chances in the upcoming General Election, despite bleak polling and candid remarks from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggesting a Tory victory is unlikely. Speaking during a visit to a Centrica gas rig, Sunak acknowledged public frustrations but maintained that the Conservatives were on “the right track.”
Earlier, Shapps had stated that claiming the Tories were on course for a win would be akin to “pretend black is white,” admitting that a Conservative victory was “not the most likely” outcome on July 4. Labour currently enjoys a substantial lead, with an average 20-point advantage in recent polls, holding 41% support compared to the Conservatives’ 21% and Reform UK’s 15%.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has been gaining traction, with a recent poll placing them ahead of the Conservatives for the first time. Farage unveiled Reform UK’s manifesto on Monday, echoing traditional Tory themes such as tax cuts, a freeze on immigration, and a proposal to reform the NHS with a French-style insurance scheme.
Asked about the rise of Reform UK and the frustration among voters, Sunak conceded: “Of course, I understand people’s frustrations with that – I mean that’s undeniable, and I’ve been very clear that we have made progress, but there is more to go.”
“There’s still two-and-a-half weeks to go in this election, I’m fighting hard for every vote because I believe we can win,” Sunak asserted. “And there’s a very clear choice at this election: it’s having your taxes cut by the Conservatives or facing significant tax rises with the Labour Party.”
As Sunak returned to the campaign trail after a weekend of geopolitical engagements, he aimed to reassure voters that the Conservative Party could still secure a win, despite current challenges and internal admissions of the tough road ahead.
