Boris Johnson's deputy chief of staff has reportedly told 60 MPs to prepare for an election one year earlier than planned.
David Canzini is said to have made the comments to around 60 Red Wall MPs during a conservative away day in Hinckley, Leicestershire, on Wednesday.
The next general election is set to take place in 2024, Commons Leader Mark Spencer announced earlier this month.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Leon Neal
Oliver Dowden reportedly told Red Wall MPs that the Conservative Central Office was ready for an election as and when Boris Johnson calls one
Jonathan Brady
But Mr Canzini urged those in attendance at the Tory event to "be general election ready for August 2023", according to the Telegraph's Christopher Hope.
While Conservative co-chair Oliver Dowden echoed the thoughts of Mr Canzini as he also reportedly told MPs the Conservative Central office was ready for an election as and when Mr Johnson calls one.
Their comments come following speculation that Mr Johnson could call an election in 2023, or even later this year.
Earlier this month, Mr Johnson faced backlash from local Conservative Party leaders as the Tories lost major London authorities to Labour and suffered setbacks across England in the local elections.
Sir Keir Starmer’s party further strengthened its grip on the capital, taking the totemic Tory authority in Wandsworth, winning Westminster for the first time since its creation in 1964 and clinching victory in Barnet.
Tory ranks appear divided on who or what is to blame, with many councillors turning on the Mr Johnson over Partygate but ministers saying the result is merely down to "mid-term challenges".
Mr Johnson said the Government was “absolutely determined” to help people through the “economic aftershocks” of Covid with “every ounce of compassion and ingenuity”.
