I'm told there were discussions inside the Aukus defence pact between the UK, US and Australia about ensuring their looming elections do not overlap.
The fear among officials was that uncertain outcomes (such as a contested US result or a hung parliament in the UK) could create a disastrous vacuum of leadership in the West and leave Vladimir Putin the main winner. And that’s before the possible impact on the Middle East and China.
Similarly, ministers admit privately the Cabinet Office advised Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK contest would not clash with an American one set in stone for 5 November. As well as the risk of uncertainty during a global crisis, there are fears hostile countries like Russia will try to influence elections through cyberwars.
Sunak’s decision to delay the election until the autumn means the US and UK campaigns will overlap. So it’s dawning on Conservative and Labour figures that the scary spectre of Donald Trump will hover over the UK contest. They can no longer wish away the frightening prospect of a Trump second coming. He’s not certain of being the Republican candidate, but it looks increasingly likely. He’s not certain to beat Joe Biden, but he is ahead in the opinion polls.
This story is from the January 11, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the January 11, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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