British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a snap national election, with July 4 named as the date for the vote.

The surprise announcement ends months of speculation over the timing of a the vote.

Mr Sunak announced the July 4 election outside his 10 Downing Street residence. Today's announcement to call the election earlier than some had expected, has been described as a risky strategy with Sunak's Conservative party way behind in the opinion polls.

The governing Conservatives party are widely expected to lose to the opposition Labour Party after 14 years in power.

Mr Sunak's speech was allegedly interrupted by demonstrators near to Downing Street, who loudly played D:Ream's 1993 song 'Things Can Only Get Better' as he spoke.

“Things Can Only Get Better” by D:Ream is drowning out Rishi Sunak’s speech calling a general election. pic.twitter.com/JQlU3zGgrf

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) May 22, 2024

The 1993 hit is largely associated with Tony Blair's 1997 election campaign, which saw Labour win their first majority in 17 years.

Tony Blair still remains the last elected Labour Prime Minister of the UK, after winning the 2005 vote.

Labour said before the announcement it was more than ready for an election.

"We are fully ready to go whenever the prime minister calls an election. We have a fully organised and operational campaign ready to go and we think the country is crying out for a general election," Labour leader Starmer's spokesperson told reporters