Sunak needs to think the unthinkable

THE Prime Minister has now confirmed there won’t be a General Election in early May, although he could still spring it for the 23rd, just before the Bank Holiday.

However, I detect a blanket of gloom deepening among the

Tory faithful as various polls continue to show a widening gap in favour of Labour.

Rishi Sunak’s five promises, apart from inflation reduction, are not likely to being kept.

The boats crossing the Channel have not been stopped, the economy dipped into recession although may now be slightly improved, the national debt problem has not been tackled and the NHS is in a dire state with, seemingly, Government making no effort to try and resolve the junior doctor’s dispute.

There is muttering among back-benchers that perhaps a new leader would improve Tory chances.

Abroad, Putin’s sham win will not help the situation in Ukraine, and Israel shows no sign of compromise in the Gaza strip. Nothing here that will promote the Tory cause.

The political battle over sending illegal immigrants to Rwanda is only a prelude to the inevitable court actions that will occur if Government tries to put such unfortunate individuals on planes.

Such legal strife will not be a vote winner, only prolong Mr Sunak’s misery.

What might just help to turn the polls?

Perhaps a series of unthinkable measures such as scrapping HS2 completely, currently haemorrhaging taxpayers’ money, scrapping Rwanda, accepting the justice of the medical profession’s pay claim, appointing a minister for the elderly to create a service devoted to social care, and creating a realistic contract for the dentistry profession that has been so very badly treated.

That might make some voters think again.

It is only radical action on this scale that will change current perceptions.

Perhaps Mr Sunak should also appoint spokespeople who answer direct questions.

Unfunded tax reductions will not fool thinking voters.