Rishi Sunak announced a general election will happen on July 4, but a world-renowned body language expert believes the PM has lost the “fire in the belly”.
Questions over a general election have long been put to Sunak but the Conservative leader finally announced the decision today (May 22).
All UK eyes were on Sunak’s address this evening as he attempted to explain his reasons.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak mocked over general election date – and it’s just weeks away
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However, body language expert Darren Stanton, who has covered every PM debate since 2010, feels Sunak already showed he has already lost the fight.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Speaking on behalf of online betting guide OLBG, Stanton said: In PMQs in past performances, we have seen him go on the attack, so we know his body language signs in that case.
“But when he was addressing Starmer directly in his speech, there was a reticence in his voice and demeanour. It is though he has accepted he is going to be gone. The fire in the belly seemed to have been lost.”
He added: “The fact he kept looking down seemed really inauthentic, he wasn’t giving the performance of speaking from the heart with conviction. That is a sign he doesn’t believe he is going to win.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
“Towards the end there was what we call an emotional shift as he got wetter, he started to bite his lip which he does on occasion. When we bite our lip that’s a self reassurance or pacifying gesture which people do to give themselves reassurance when they are not exactly confident in what they are delivering to somebody.”
Sunak came out at 5:14pm in the rain to say he was “proud to be British” as he confirmed the general election.
(Image: PA)
He told the nation: “On the fifth of July either Keir Starmer or I will be Prime Minister,” he said, before dragging the Labour Party’s alleged lack of plan. “How can you possibly be trusted to lead our country, especially at these most trying times?”
Labour leader Keir Starmer later responded to the announcement and Sunak’s comments.
He said: “If they get another five years they will feel entitled to carry on exactly as they are. Nothing will change.”
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