Economy key to campaign as UK goes to polls on July 4

Political parties in the United Kingdom have begun six weeks of campaigning following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's shock announcement on Wednesday that a general election will be held on July 4.

Party leaders canvassed around the country on Thursday, with Sunak commencing a two-day tour across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland straight after conducting a round of morning media interviews.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer focused on southeast England to target Conservative strongholds and Reform UK's leader Richard Tice held a news conference in London to outline his party's objectives.