Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as of October 2022, has maintained that the outcome of the next general election is not predetermined, despite the Conservative Party’s challenges in recent local elections and its lag behind Labour in polls. He has highlighted the government’s work on key issues such as the economy and migration and rejected calls from within his party to shift politically rightward, emphasizing unity around Conservative values. Amid calls for his leadership to be reassessed and predictions of a potential hung parliament from polling experts, Sunak aims to continue focusing on economic recovery.

Meanwhile, Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and a member of Reform UK, has criticized the Conservative Party’s approach to pressing public issues like migration, crime, and public services. Anderson, formerly with the Conservatives, has rebuked his previous party for scapegoating other parties and has positioned Reform UK as addressing key societal concerns.

Additionally, amidst internal party debates over political direction with some members urging a shift to the right, Sunak has reiterated his strategy of focusing on the government’s achievements like national insurance cuts and welfare reforms. The Prime Minister faces opposition from the Liberal Democrats, with their leader Sir Ed Davey planning to table a motion of no confidence in the government, although the Tories’ parliamentary majority likely diminishes its chance of success. Labour and other opposition parties are pushing for an early general election, arguing that it is time for a change in leadership.