Oliver Dowden hints a January general election has not been ruled out

The Deputy Prime Minister has hinted of a January 2025 general election could happen and nothing has been ruled out.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously stated that he is preparing for an election in the second half of the year.

Oliver Dowden said that 2024 is “almost certainly” an election year but suggested that later date has not been ruled out by Downing Street, the latest date can be delayed until 28 January next year.

Speaking with Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips Dowden was asked over the polling as Labour are ahead.

Dowden said, “As we get into an actual election campaign, and this almost certainly is an election year, we move from a kind of referendum on the Government to a choice.

“I’m confident as people face that choice and they look at the threat of Labour, whether it’s building over the greenbelt in my constituency, carte blanche to do that, whether it’s in relation to their employment laws which are going to destroy the jobs market or it’s in relation to their sums that don’t add up versus our plan, you will see those numbers narrowing.”

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said that the public “deserve the chance to deliver their verdict at the ballot box without any further delay.”

She added, “Rishi Sunak needs to put the country out of its misery and name an election date now.

“People across the country are fed up with this endless speculation of when the election will be.”

Pat McFadden, Labour’s national campaign co-ordinator, said, “The public are paying the price for the chaos of this clapped out Conservative government.

“The Prime Minister needs to get on and name a date for election rather than running scared from the voters.

“Labour has a plan for a better future for Britain, through higher economic growth, high quality public services, and safer streets. The sooner the voters get their say the better.”