Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer head-to-head as Britain heads to the polls

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who called the election months earlier than expected, has in recent weeks abandoned his call for a fifth consecutive Conservative victory, switching instead to warning of the dangers of an unchallenged Labour Party in parliament.

He issued a fresh rallying cry to voters for election day, saying a Labour government would hike taxes, hamper economic recovery and leave Britain more vulnerable at a time of geopolitical tension, charges Labour deny.

“They will do lasting damage to our country and our economy – just like they did the last time they were in power,” Sunak said. “Don’t let that happen.”

Sunak voted shortly after polls opened in his constituency in Yorkshire in northern England.

His campaign got off to a soggy start when he called the snap election in a downpour outside 10 Downing Street in May.

He had been expected to wait until the fall, when expected improvements in the economy would give him a better chance.

He has reportedly told close allies he also fears he may lose his seat – which would make him the first sitting British leader to do so.