Rishi Sunak Dodges Question on Potential Regrets if Tories Lose Election

In a dramatic turn of events, Daniel Poulter, a long-time Tory and NHS doctor, has defected to the Labour Party, dealing a significant blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Poulter cited the trust and will of Labour to restore and reform the health service, criticizing the Conservatives for becoming a “nationalist party of the right.”

This defection comes amidst reports of a right-wing Tory plot to replace Sunak with Penny Mordaunt, adding to the growing divides within the Conservative Party. Sunak, on the other hand, has refused to rule out a July general election, fueling speculation about a potential snap election.

With local elections looming and the possibility of a disastrous outcome for the Tories, the pressure is mounting on Sunak. Critics, including Labour’s Wes Streeting, have accused Sunak of “bottling” the decision to call for a general election, with Streeting claiming that the public is eager for a chance to vote for change.

The upcoming mayoral elections in the West Midlands and Tees Valley also pose a significant challenge for Sunak, with losses in these key races potentially leading to a leadership challenge within the Conservative Party. Polls indicate tight races in both regions, with the outcome likely to have implications for Sunak’s leadership.

As the political landscape continues to shift, Sunak’s refusal to answer whether he will have regrets if the Tories lose the election underscores the uncertainty and tension within the party. With the possibility of a summer general election looming, all eyes are on Sunak and the future of the Conservative Party.