GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope has said that some senior Tory MPs "simply don't understand" why the PM has called a general election.
Rishi Sunak revealed today that Britain will go to the polls on July 4 despite being around 19 to 20 percentage points behind Labour, according to the polls.
Speaking on GB News, Hope said: "Some Tory MPs are not happy at all. I asked one MP why has he done it? And he says simply he gave up.
"He should have stepped aside. That's obviously a critic of Mr Sunak, but others equally don't understand why he's done it so early.
Christopher Hope said that some people don't understand why the PM has made the call
GB News
"They think it's madness because you're not allowing for a second budget in September, interest rate cuts by the Bank of England net migration falling, illegal migration starting to be dealt with by the Rwanda plan, falling inflation, a booming economy, and so on.
"There are other areas that could have worked for the PM, and Labour advisers told me the same, but instead, in the rain, he's gone early.
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"It's the biggest gamble I can remember by a sitting PM."
In the announcement outside No10 today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, the question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family, and our country?
“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.
"Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament. The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4.”
Rishi Sunak revealed that there will be an election in July
PA
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Tonight the Prime Minister has finally announced the next general election. A moment the country needs – and has been waiting for. And where, by the force of our democracy, power returns to you.
"A chance to change for the better. Your future. Your community. Your country.
"It will feel like a long campaign – I’m sure of that – but no matter what else is said and done, that opportunity for change is what this election is about."
One MP said that he "has given up"
GB News
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said the Conservatives have taken people "for granted for so long" and the party was out of touch.
He said election was a chance to "transform our politics" and that it would be an opportunity to sort out the economy and the health system.
Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK said the party was ready for the election with its “common sense policies”.