Prime Minister announces general election

Voters in Torbay will soon be able to decide who they want to run the country after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially announced today (May 22) that the next general election will take place on Thursday, July 4. 

The announcement came following a specially scheduled Cabinet meeting that began at 4.15pm today and followed a day of feverish speculation in the media.

Cabinet ministers, including Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, arrived in Downing Street this afternoon amid heightened anticipation. 

Mr Shapps delayed an overseas trip to attend the crucial meeting, highlighting the significance of today's proceedings.

The Home Office reportedly cleared ministers' diaries ahead of the meeting, signalling the importance of the announcement. 

During the Cabinet session, Prime Minister Sunak informed his ministers of his decision to call the general election, marking the start of a critical period in British politics.

With the election date set for early July, voters across the country, including those in Torbay, will soon have the opportunity to decide who should run the country. 

Kevin Foster has been the Conservative MP for Torbay since 2015.

Mr Foster held his seat in the 2019 general election with a majority of 17,749 votes.

Anthony Mangnall, the Conservative MP for Totnes, has served as MP since 2019, was elected with a majority of 12,724 votes.

Gary Streeter, the Conservative MP for South West Devon, has represented the area since 1997, having previously served as MP for Plymouth Sutton. 

Mr Streeter was re-elected at the 2019 general election with an increased majority of 21,430 votes.

The BBC reported that parliament is scheduled to be dissolved next week, initiating the official election campaign period.