Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken the "biggest gamble in living political memory" by calling the general election at this time, claims GB News political reporter Christopher Hope.
According to the polls, the Conservatives are around 19 to 20 percentage points behind Labour causing some to brand the PM's choice as "madness."
Speaking to GB News, Christopher Hope said: "It's been rumoured a while that there would be this election called. But we thought it would be November. Not now.
"That's why it's a surprise to so many people. I think this is the biggest gamble taken by a sitting Prime Minister so far behind the polls in living political memory.
Christopher Hope said it is a huge gamble
GB News
"He's 21 points behind in the polls, according to Ipsos Mori. That is a soft lead for the Labour Party.
"When you present people with a choice between the certainty, as the Tories would say it, of carrying on, delivering on the promise and the core set by the PM.
"Well over a year ago now, against the risk of a Labour government, people are going to go back to vote to back the Tory party. That is clearly the gamble they're taking."
He added: "Clearly Keir Starmer says bring it on. He's got to. What else can he say?
"As does Sir Davey, the Lib Dem leader. The PM, in summary, had one surprise. One bazooka left and that was when to call the election.
"He's gone earlier than many expected. It is, as I say, the biggest gamble taken by a sitting PM in decades."
Rishi Sunak announced that there will be an election on July 4
PA
In the announcement outside parliament 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."
Keir Starmer responded saying the election is the moment the country has been waiting for
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."