Sunak addresses making general election speech in pouring rain: ‘It was a bit wet’

Rishi Sunak has explained why he decided to announce the general election date of 4 July while stood in the pouring rain on Wednesday, 22 May.

The prime minister chose to make a statement at the lectern in front of the Downing Street steps rather than in the media briefing room that cost the taxpayer £2.6m, getting drenched in the process.

Speaking to LBC the following morning, Mr Sunak said that his belief in tradition was behind his decision.

“When you’re making a statement of that magnitude... I believe in just doing it in the traditional way, come rain or shine,” he said.