Rishi Sunak is planning to decide on further tax cuts and the date of the next UK general election around February, people familiar with his thinking said, as the prime minister’s aides weigh whether to hold a vote in May or later in 2024. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement this week sparked speculation that Sunak is mulling an earlier election than expected, thanks to a fast-tracked payroll tax cut to take effect in January rather than April — giving voters the chance to feel the benefits before a spring vote. Hunt’s failure in broadcast interviews to rule out holding his spring Budget sooner ... (full story)