LONDON, May 22 - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a national election on Wednesday, naming July 4 as the date for a vote his governing Conservatives are widely expected to lose to the opposition Labour Party after 14 years in power.
Sunak heads into the election not only far behind Labour in the polls but also rather isolated from some in his party and increasingly dependent on a small team of advisers to steer him through what is set to be an ugly campaign. The former investment banker and finance minister took over as prime minister less than two years ago. Since then he has struggled to define what he stands for, becoming increasingly frustrated that what he sees as his successes have failed to be appreciated.
Sunak and his government accuse Labour of preparing to increase taxes if in government and say the party would not be a safe pair of hands for Britain in an increasingly dangerous world as it lacks a plan, charges the opposition denies.