[LONDON] THE UK is heading into an election year at a time of economic and political uncertainty, which bodes poorly for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative party.

Banks and economic consultants have not paid much attention yet to the implications of a transfer of power. They believe the general election will be in late 2024.

That may be enough time to turn the tide of sentiment, which is in favour of Labour. Despite tax giveaways in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement, an average of polls shows Sunak’s Tory government is still 19 points behind Labour.