PM coy over chances of a snap election

THE Prime Minister yesterday refused to rule out calling an early general election and draw a line under internal divisions.

Boris Johnson declined three times to say if he was considering a snap poll to renew his mandate with voters.

He has remained coy about whether he plans to hold out for a full term, which would mean a vote in January 2025 at the latest.

He told reporters travelling with him at the Nato summit in Madrid: “Do you know what, I’ve realised where I’ve been going wrong with all this.

“I’ve got to recognise that years and years ago, I used to do the kind of jobs that you all do now.

“And it was a great life and a great privilege, and what you are able to do is offer opinion, commentary, analysis, predictions about politics, about individuals and so on.

“I think I’ve got to recognise I’m no longer a member of that sacred guild. It would be a demarcation dispute for me to cross over and start talking about politics. I’ve got to talk about my programme for government, about policy, and what I’m doing to take the country forward.”

Pressed on whether he was ruling it out, he replied: “I’m just saying, I don’t comment on those sorts of things.

Leadership

“I’m focused on getting through the cost-of-living pressures, widening our plan for a stronger economy and making sure that we continue to offer leadership on some of the tough global issues the world faces.”

Asked if he was leaning towards it, he said: “I am not offering commentary, what I’m trying to get over to you is that I’m here to comment on policy, on the agenda of the Government.”

Dismal recent by-election results have led to renewed focus on the PM’s position.