PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has said his "working assumption" is that he will hold a General Election "in the second half of this year".

Speculation has been growing about when Mr Sunak will call the next General Election, which must take place by January 28, 2025.

Speaking to journalists on a visit to a youth centre in Nottinghamshire today, Mr Sunak said: "My working assumption is we'll have a General Election in the second half of this year and in the meantime I've got lots that I want to get on with."

Pressed if he could rule out a May election, he repeated it is his "working assumption" that the vote will be held later in the year.

"I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people's taxes," he added.

"But I also want to keep tackling illegal migration.

"So, I've got lots to get on with and I'm determined to keep delivering for the British people."