Biggest clue yet about date of general election as Jeremy Hunt drops massive hint

BRITAIN is heading to the polls in October, Jeremy Hunt let slip last today.

The Chancellor dropped the heavy hint as he was grilled about the Budget and the Government's spending plans pencilled in for the next Parliament.

It comes as The Sun first revealed No10 strategists had earmarked the autumn month for a general election.

Appearing in front of the Lords Economic Affairs Committee, Mr Hunt said the next spending review must be completed by April 2025 at the latest.

He added: "And of course if the general election is in October that would mean it's very, very tight."

Suggesting the Treasury was preparing for that scenario, Mr Hunt said: "That is why we are thinking in advance about the most important element of that spending review which is the productivity element.”

Rishi Sunak last week ended speculation he could hold a Westminster election to coincide with May’s local contests.

He also appeared to rule out a contest during the summer as he announced he will host European leaders at Blenheim Palace in July for talks on support for Ukraine and preventing unauthorised migration.

The Sun Political Editor Harry Cole reported last week October 17 is the most likely date for the election.

This is because early in the month would leave very little time after the summer holiday for the mandatory 25 working days required for the campaign.

Halloween is likely to be out to avoid the obvious house of horror headlines and October 24, too, due to King Charles being due Samoa for the annual Commonwealth summit.

If feeling better, the King will have to be around to have his hand kissed by the winner.

While November 17 had previously been widely tipped as polling day, The Sun also revealed concerns over massive global insecurity triggered by the potential return of Donald Trump means going to the country before the US election is now more likely.