General election speculation soars amid cabinet meeting

Cabinet ministers are arriving in Downing Street amid growing speculation that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will imminently announce the date of the general election. 

A scheduled Cabinet meeting at 4.15pm today has intensified the anticipation.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps arrived for the meeting, having delayed a trip abroad to attend. 

In another development, Andrew Bowie, a minister in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, cancelled his interview with BBC Radio Wales Drive at 3.15pm.

The interview was expected to cover the Wylfa nuclear power announcement, but its cancellation has raised questions about the prioritisation of today's Cabinet discussions.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has also adjusted his plans, cutting short a trip to Albania to return to the UK. 

A Foreign Office source confirmed that Cameron, initially scheduled to return this evening, is now travelling back early to attend a meeting in London.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was set to appear on ITV's Peston programme at 9pm tonight to discuss inflation figures and the potential for a general election, is also attending the Cabinet meeting.

The timing of the Cabinet meeting and the adjustments in ministers' schedules have led to widespread speculation about an imminent election announcement. 

The speculation has suggested that the rumoured election will be called for July 4.