Sunak and Starmer to kick off campaigns ahead of July election

Rishi Sunak announced the highly-anticipated date for a general election on Wednesday, with 4 July set as the day Britons will take to the polls to choose their next prime minister.

Speaking in Downing Street in the pouring rain, a soaked Mr Sunak said “now is the moment for Britain to choose its future”.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer launched his party’s election campaign, claiming a vote for Labour is a vote for stability, before adding: “It is time for change”

The two party leaders will today embark on tours of the UK to win over voters ahead of the summer general election.

Follow i‘s liveblog for the latest updates.