Threat of summer poll a tactic to ward off Sunak revolt, say senior Tories

Prime minister Rishi Sunak during a visit to Berlin last week. He could face a rebellion if the local election results go badly. Photograph: snapshot/Future Image/B Elmenthaler/Rex/Shutterstock

Senior Tories believe the threat of a summer general election is being used by Downing Street to deter a rebellion against Rishi Sunak’s leadership, before a perilous set of local elections this week.

Westminster has been abuzz with rumours of an early election, despite the persistent double-digit lead enjoyed by Labour in the polls. While Downing St sources have played down speculation of any imminent announcement from Sunak, influential MPs believe No 10 is holding open the possibility of an early election to keep rebellious colleagues in check.