Election fever as NINE ministers warn of a snap poll

AT least nine ministers, including three in the Cabinet, have told their constituency associations to prepare for an early general election, it was claimed last night.

They are said to have asked local parties to get ready for a campaign with February 28 as a possible poll date.

Senior Tory sources last night admitted there was a growing feeling around the Cabinet table that an early poll could happen. Theresa May could be forced to call one to break the deadlock that has followed the defeat of her Brexit deal.

One Cabinet source questioned about a snap poll told the Daily Mail: ‘There is a dawning realisation it’s now not just possible but may be necessary.’ Downing Street yesterday attempted to dampen speculation by insisting Mrs May had ruled out a vote before 2022.

However, a similar denial was issued just before she called the 2017 election. The Mail revealed yesterday that civil servants had been ordered to draw up contingency plans in case the Prime Minister decides to go to the country.

Ministers opposed to the idea have warned that calling an election could hand power to Labour – without any guarantees that it will change the parliamentary arithmetic that has led to the Brexit impasse.

An aide to one Cabinet minister said: ‘I’m not sure what a general election solves while risking a Corbyn government.’ The New Statesman claimed that February 28 has been pencilled in as a possible date for a ballot.

It said that one minister, who holds a marginal seat in the South, has already designed and written their election address – as has another with a safe seat in the South East. Yesterday when asked if Mrs May is ruling out a snap election, her spokesman said: ‘Yes.’