A petition demanding an immediate general election has hit 87,000 signatures in only two days as disillusionment with the Conservative Party grows.
Rishi Sunak has insisted that the public do not want a snap election amid questions about his personal mandate to take key decisions on issues such as the landmark rail project and net zero.
“That’s not what the country wants,” the prime minister said.
“I go out (and) about every day. That’s not what anybody wants. What people want is politicians making a difference to their lives.”
He said he was not afraid of an election.
“I’m just getting on and delivering for people. You can see that with net zero, you can see it with the number of boat crossings down this year by a fifth.
“You can see it with our progress on bringing inflation down, helping people. You can see it with a long term workforce plan, hiring doctors and nurses for the future.
“These are all things that are going to change our country for the better.”
A general election is expected next year, with a poll required to be held before the end of January 2025.
Taking to Twitter, Marina Purkiss shared a poll suggesting that if it was up to the public, the date would be much sooner than that.
Here’s where to sign.
Related: HS2 alternative plans watered down or dropped a day after being announced
