Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that Conservative MPs must prioritize election campaigning, following reports that Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker opted to continue with his Greek holiday after Sunak called a snap election. Speaking during a visit to Churchill Ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on May 28, 2024, Sunak highlighted that election efforts are crucial to address the “uncertain times” and the government’s need for bold action.
Sunak underscored personal commitment by stating he has been actively campaigning daily. He emphasized that all MPs he interacted with were interacting with communities and sharing the party’s message of securing a stable future for the country. Baker, who had committed to campaigning from Greece, justified his decision by referencing assurances from the Prime Minister about permissible holiday plans prior to the sudden election call.
During the factory visit, Sunak engaged in a Q&A session, addressing few questions before being directed away from a detailed inquiry about veteran support by a worker, Beverly Cumberlidge. Jonathan Ashworth of the Labour Party criticized Sunak’s leadership, claiming the nation has suffered under 14 years of Conservative governance.
The campaign strategies of major political leaders revealed Sunak’s defensive stance by focusing on Tory-held seats, whereas Labour leader Keir Starmer targeted Conservative strongholds such as Gillingham and Rainham. Both Sunak and Starmer have been touring various constituencies ahead of the anticipated general election set for July 4, 2024.