Sunak says ‘our plan is working’ ahead of by-election test
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was for the British people to judge him on his performance.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rishi Sunak urged voters to back his plan for the country as the Tories braced for a triple by-election blow.
The Prime Minister said the fall in inflation was proof that the Government’s plan is working and Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata’s announcement of a £4 billion battery plant was a “vote of confidence in the UK”.
But Downing Street aides fear the Tories will still struggle in Thursday’s three Westminster by-elections.
Labour hopes to snatch Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which was Boris Johnson’s seat until he quit, and Selby and Ainsty.
The Liberal Democrats hope to win the contest in Somerton and Frome.
Mr Sunak refused to be drawn on speculation he could attempt to reset his premiership by carrying out a Cabinet reshuffle in the wake of by-election defeats.
“You would never expect me to comment on things like that,” he told reporters.
“What I’m determined to do is just deliver on the priorities that I set out for the country – halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
“And today, what we saw with the inflation figures is that our plan is working.”
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index inflation was 7.9% in June, down from 8.7% in May and its lowest rate since March 2022.
Mr Sunak said: “I know things are difficult for people right now but I’m determined to bring inflation down, today’s figures should give people some comfort that the plan is working. I’m going to stick to the course.”
Asked to rate his performance, Mr Sunak said: “I set out five very clear priorities at the beginning of the year and I’m committed to delivering them.
“It’s for the British public to judge.”
The Prime Minister’s press secretary acknowledged it would be tough for the Tories to hold the three seats on Thursday.
She said: “By-elections, for incumbent governments, are very difficult, that is the nature of them.
“The election that the Conservative Party is most focused on is the general election.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.