After months of speculation, guessing games and predictions, we finally know that a general election will be happening this summer. Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, announced this evening outside Downing Street that the election will take place on Thursday 4 July.

“For so many of us, it’s easy to forget the scale of what we have been through,” he said in his speech as he confirmed the summer election date.

The prime minister had previously said that he was working on the assumption that the election would be held in the second half of the year, with many predicting he was aiming for a November date to drive back some support from voters. However, as the Conservatives have faced several challenges over the last few months, it seems Sunak is no longer waiting around and is taking the nation to the polls.

With the announcement of a general election in a few weeks, the King has granted permission for the dissolution of parliament and campaigning will begin.

The Conservatives are currently trailing the Labour party by about 20 points, with Keir Starmer expected to become the next prime minister.

Ahead of the announcement, a spokesperson for Starmer said: “We have a fully organised and operational campaign ready to go. And we think the country is crying out for a general election, so I would urge the prime minister to get on with it.”

A general election is happening this summer – here’s what you need to know