The only one condition that will make Rishi Sunak call a shock summer general election

By Katie Harris, Political Reporter

Rishi Sunak is battling to turn around the Tories' electoral fortunes (Image: GETTY)

Rishi Sunak could call a summer general election if he avoids a Tory bloodbath at next month's local elections.

Senior government sources said the choice between a ballot in July or November is now “paper thin”.

A source told The Sun: “If the local elections are really bad we will probably have to go in November. If it is really good then we probably go in November.

“But is there a spot in the middle where you call it?

“There is a world in which you get Rwanda through, a flight goes off and you think - f*** it let's go.

“Ultimately it is the PM’s decision - and it is a hell of a call.

“It is genuinely paper thin these options - there is not much between them now.”

But No 10 is worried about a backlash from Conservative MPs if the Prime Minister opts for an early election amid warnings they could move to oust him.

Mr Sunak, who is battling to turn around the Tories' electoral fortunes, must call a national vote by January 2025 amid ongoing speculation over the date.

It comes as the Conservatives are trailing behind Labour in the polls, while Reform UK is also closing in.

The latest YouGov survey put Sir Keir Starmer's party 26 points clear in the lead on 45%.

The Tories were on 19%, while the branded Brexit Party was four points behind on 15%.