UK Politics

Analysis: Rishi Sunak faces July sprint in pre-election bid to revive Tory hopes

A state visit by Joe Biden, doctors strikes and a predicted uptick in asylum seekers will challenge the UK Prime Minister in what will be a tense three-week political test of his leadership

Trailing Keir Starmer’s opposition Labour Party by 22 points — a lead that has grown from 16 points in three weeks, according to YouGov — means Sunak is under pressure. Picture: Getty

Rishi Sunak faces an awkward three-week political test that is likely to have a lasting impact on his premiership and even his chances of upsetting the polls by winning the next UK general election.

Parliament goes on summer recess on July 20, the same day Sunak’s ruling Conservatives face elections in three parliamentary seats triggered by the resignation of Tory MPs. Good results would give the prime minister a major boost through the holiday and ...