COLCHESTER’S parliamentary candidates have had their say after the prime minister called a general election.

Rishi Sunak has called a general election for July 4, saying it was “the moment for Britain to choose its future”.

The prime minister has gambled that improved inflation figures and a recovering economy will help him overturn Labour’s 20-point opinion poll lead.

He made the announcement outside No 10 on Wednesday as D:Ream’s Things Can Only Get Better, the song which sound-tracked Labour’s 1997 general election campaign, was blared out from afar.

Gazette: Announcement - Rishi Sunak called a general election outside No 10 on WednesdayAnnouncement - Rishi Sunak called a general election outside No 10 on Wednesday (Image: PA)

Political forecaster Electoral Calculus predicts Labour will enjoy a landslide victory in Colchester at the next general election, with a 95 per cent chance of winning the seat for the first time since 1945.

At the last general election in 2019, 51 per cent of voters in Colchester chose Conservative Will Quince.

But Electoral Calculus predicts the Tories’ share of the vote will fall to just 23 per cent in July, with Labour expected to secure almost half of the votes.

Either way, Colchester will have a new MP in July after Mr Quince announced he will step down at the next election.

RECOMMENDED READING:

James Cracknell, the ex-Olympian tasked with winning for the Tories, said: “It is going to be a very different parliament. I think we need a different kind of politician. It's going to be a full-on but fun six or so weeks.

Gazette: Sportsman - James Cracknell is the Conservative candidate for ColchesterSportsman - James Cracknell is the Conservative candidate for Colchester (Image: PA)

Gazette: Success - Labour candidate Pam Cox (centre) went up against Green candidate Sara Ruth (right) for the New Town and Christ Church seat at the Colchester Council elections on May 2Success - Labour candidate Pam Cox (centre) went up against Green candidate Sara Ruth (right) for the New Town and Christ Church seat at the Colchester Council elections on May 2 (Image: Steve Brading)

Labour’s candidate, Pam Cox, is “delighted the general election is finally happening”.

“Colchester and the country deserve better,” she said. “I know Colchester really well and I love living here and I want it to be the best place it can be.”

Electoral Calculus predicts the Liberal Democrats’ share of the vote in Colchester will be cut in half compared to the 2019 general election, while the Greens are expected to snatch 6.1 per cent of votes, more than twice as many as in 2019.

Martin Goss, the Lib Dem candidate, said: “I’m slightly surprised the election has been called now but I will be fighting hard for every single Lib Dem vote in Colchester. I shall be championing the NHS.”

Gazette: Surprised - Martin Goss is the Lib Dem candidate for ColchesterSurprised - Martin Goss is the Lib Dem candidate for Colchester (Image: Steve Brading)

The Green candidate, Sara Ruth, said it is “a very welcome announcement”.

“We are looking forward to celebrating a much increased vote share due to our social and climate justice mandate,” she added.

Mr Sunak’s announcement came after the Office for National Statistics said Consumer Prices Index inflation slowed to 2.3 per cent in April, down from 3.2 per cent in March.

He said that was a “major milestone” for the country, with inflation now “back to normal” levels.

The Gazette has been unable to contact the Reform UK candidate, Terence Longstaff.