Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and most of his cabinet made a surprise visit to ExCeL London on Wednesday night (22 May) as the Conservatives held their first general election rally.
The rally was held after Sunak revealed earlier on Wednesday that he had asked King Charles to dissolve Parliament on 30 May. This was granted, he said, meaning a general election will take place on Thursday, 4 July.
Joined by around 100 party members and the nation’s media, the PM was introduced on stage by Home Secretary James Cleverly, who referred to the news that inflation, in the year to April, has dropped to 2.3%, down from 3.2% in March, and almost reaching the Government’s target of 2%.
ExCeL London’s chief operating officer, Roger Hooker said: “Like us all in the UK, this one was a surprise so we delivered it within hours. It showed great agility by the team at ExCeL London and a quick and professional response to the client to host the PM, Cabinet and the media.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer later said that it was “time for change” and that his party will “return Britain to the service of working people”.
