The Blog

Rishi Sunak’s Strategic Gamble: Why a July Election Amid Economic Uncertainty?

By Joseph Vambe

Without an umbrella in the pouring rain on the evening of 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made the unexpected announcement of a general election set for July. This decision, surprising many political analysts and citizens alike, stems from a calculated judgement of the current economic landscape and the anticipated challenges ahead. Despite some signs of improvement, the UK economy faces a precarious future, making now the optimal moment for Sunak to seek a renewed mandate. 

The recent economic indicators provided a momentary sigh of relief for Sunak and his Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt. Inflation, a persistent thorn in the side of households and policymakers, dropped to 2.3% in April 2024, its lowest level since 2021. This improvement followed a period of severe economic turbulence marked by inflation peaking at 11.1% in October 2022, driven largely by the energy price shock resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. First-quarter growth figures for 2024 showed a modest 0.6% increase in GDP, signalling a departure from the mild recession that had plagued the UK economy at the end of 2023. Real wages have also seen consistent growth over the past ten months, further contributing to a cautiously optimistic outlook. However, this economic upswing is fragile. Despite the positive short-term indicators, the long-term prospects are dim. The improvement in economic data has not significantly translated into household financial well-being, with many families still feeling the impact of economic shocks from the previous years. 

Sunak’s decision to call an election in July, rather than waiting for a potentially more stable autumn, is rooted in several strategic considerations. Senior party officials and economic advisors have briefed Sunak and Hunt that the positive economic momentum is unlikely to sustain throughout the year. Markets predict an uptick in inflation in the coming months, and the prospect of an early interest rate cut by the Bank of England has diminished. This makes a summer election more favourable compared to a later date when economic conditions could deteriorate further. Delaying the election would open the door to increased internal party strife, leadership speculation, and potential defections by disgruntled MPs. An immediate election circumvents these risks, allowing the Conservative Party to present a united front. The state of public finances constrains the government’s ability to implement significant pre-election tax cuts. Jeremy Hunt has acknowledged that the Treasury’s position does not permit the hoped-for reduction in national insurance, making substantial fiscal giveaways before an autumn election impossible. 

Despite the temporary relief, the broader outlook for the UK economy remains troubling. The service sector, a cornerstone of the UK’s economic activity, has shown signs of weakening. The S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for May 2024 indicated a slowdown in business activity growth, with the services sector experiencing its weakest expansion in six months. Furthermore, the public finances are under immense strain. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of a looming fiscal gap, estimating a £30 billion shortfall that needs addressing. This fiscal challenge is exacerbated by increasing costs related to health, social care, education, and pensions, compounded by a shrinking workforce contributing to the tax base. 

The structural challenges facing the UK economy are significant. The demographic shift towards an ageing population increases the demand on public services while simultaneously reducing the number of working-age individuals contributing to the treasury. This imbalance poses a severe threat to the sustainability of public finances and economic stability. One potential avenue to address these long-term challenges is through investment in green energy and climate initiatives. As a global leader in climate action, the UK has the opportunity to leverage its expertise and infrastructure in green technology to drive economic growth and job creation. A robust focus on renewable energy, sustainable industries, and environmental innovation could provide a dual benefit of economic revitalisation and environmental stewardship. 

Economic forecasts paint a less optimistic picture for the coming months. Despite a recent drop in inflation and a slight uptick in GDP growth, these improvements are likely to be short-lived. Market analysts predict that inflation will rise again, driven by persistent cost pressures in the service sector. This anticipated increase in inflation reduces the likelihood of the Bank of England cutting interest rates soon, which in turn keeps borrowing costs high for households and businesses. 

The decision to call a July election is a calculated gamble by Sunak, designed to capitalise on the current, albeit fragile, economic improvements. However, the underlying economic issues suggest that any incoming government will face significant challenges. The structural problems within the UK economy, such as stagnant growth, fiscal constraints, and demographic shifts, will require bold and innovative policy responses. Investment in green energy and climate resilience offers a promising avenue for addressing these challenges, but it will demand sustained commitment and strategic vision. 

Sunak’s gamble underscores the urgency and complexity of the economic landscape, a reality that will define the political and economic discourse in the UK for years to come. Whether this strategy will pay off remains uncertain, but it highlights the intricate balance between economic policy, political strategy, and long-term planning necessary to navigate the turbulent waters ahead. The upcoming election will not only determine the immediate political leadership but also set the course for addressing the deep-seated economic challenges facing the UK. The stakes are high, and the path forward will require resilience, innovation, and a willingness to confront difficult truths about the state of the economy and the need for transformative policies. 

Anthony Wells, a senior political pollster at YouGov, notes that while Tory poll ratings on the economy may be improving slightly, they remain significantly lower than Labour’s. This persistent gap in economic trust presents a formidable challenge for Sunak as he heads into the election. Historical parallels, such as the impact of Black Wednesday on John Major’s government in the 1990s, suggest that regaining voter confidence after a severe economic shock can take years. The Conservatives do not have the luxury of time, and Sunak’s decision to call an early election can be seen as an attempt to mitigate further erosion of trust. 

In addition to these economic and political considerations, the social implications of the current economic policies cannot be ignored. The cost-of-living crisis has left many households struggling, with rising prices for essentials such as food and energy outpacing wage growth for much of the past two years. While recent data shows that real wages have begun to rise, the recovery in living standards is uneven and fragile. Many families continue to face financial hardship, and the perceived disconnect between improving macroeconomic indicators and personal financial stability could influence voter behaviour. 

The service sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the UK’s economic activity, has been hit particularly hard by the slowdown in consumer spending. The latest PMI data indicates a weakening of momentum in this crucial sector, raising concerns about the sustainability of the current economic recovery. Business confidence, while improved, remains fragile, with many firms cautious about future investment and expansion plans. This hesitancy is exacerbated by uncertainties around Brexit and the UK’s future trading relationships, which continue to weigh heavily on the economic outlook. 

The manufacturing sector, on the other hand, has shown some signs of resilience, with recent data indicating a rebound in output and export orders. However, this recovery is not enough to offset the broader weaknesses in the economy. The overall growth forecast for the second quarter of 2024 is a modest 0.3%, reflecting the uneven nature of the recovery and the ongoing challenges facing different sectors. 

Public sentiment towards government spending and taxation will also play a critical role in the upcoming election. The high tax burden, currently at its highest level since the 1940s, coupled with strained public services, has led to widespread discontent. Both the Conservatives and Labour face the difficult task of balancing the need for fiscal responsibility with the demands for better public services and infrastructure investment. This balancing act is further complicated by the structural fiscal deficit highlighted by the IMF, which limits the scope for substantial fiscal stimulus without risking financial stability. 

The long-term economic strategy for the UK must address these deep-seated issues. Investment in infrastructure, particularly in green energy and technology, offers a potential pathway to sustainable growth. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities for job creation and innovation, positioning the UK as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change. This strategy requires a coherent and long-term policy framework that can attract private investment and support from international partners. 

In conclusion, Rishi Sunak’s decision to call a July election is a high-stakes gamble rooted in the current economic conditions and the anticipated challenges ahead. While there are signs of improvement, the broader outlook remains uncertain, with significant structural challenges that any incoming government will need to address. The election will serve as a critical juncture, determining not only the immediate political leadership but also the long-term economic strategy for the UK. The path forward will require bold and innovative policies, a commitment to sustainable growth, and a willingness to confront the difficult realities facing the economy. Sunak’s gamble highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and forward-looking economic strategy that can navigate the turbulent waters ahead and secure a prosperous future for the UK. 

Join TEA! Let's shape the financial inclusion agenda together by facilitating inclusive investor engagement. Sign up now for FREE!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date