STOOD at a podium in a puddle the Prime Minister made May 22nd a somewhat unlikely looking momentous day for the nation.
In a pivotal move Rishi Sunak announced in a speech broadcast live on GB News that Britain would be going to the polls this summer, whether we liked it or not.
With the elements against him that day, he was no doubt hoping to be back in the same spot on July 5th with the message ‘turned out nice again!’
These days big moments for the country are also big moments for GB News.
By supporting GB News - you support independent journalism and free speech at a time that it matters most. JOIN US AND SUPPORT GB NEWS HERE
Whatever the story, whatever the weather, we are there with or without our red, white, and blue brollies that, incidentally, we are happy to lend the PM for next time.
Whether there is a next time for this particular PM will be up to the country next month.
The way the polls are looking now the sun is shining on Sir Keir Starmer.
Elsewhere a playful Ed Davey is looking bizarrely confident – of what I’m not quite sure – although the way he’s been going it’s not beyond possibility that his manifesto pledges to turn parliament into a giant soft play with ball pool.
But whatever the story it will all happen here on GB News and at GB News.com.
After nearly three years on air, GB News has covered all the big – and little – stories that matter.
But this is our first General Election campaign, and we aim to do you the people, not the prattlers in Westminster, proud.
Indeed, the thought that we need to do you proud weighed heavily on my mind in the hours before the announcement as I headed for a long-scheduled lunch.
(I call it dinner in real life but must pretend to speak the language of the south while I live down here.)
Anyway, as Westminster rumours swirled, I must admit my thoughts were elsewhere as I arrived at the restaurant.
As I sat anxiously monitoring social media for hot, lukewarm, and cold takes from political reporters as to whether the PM would call an election that day, I noticed a member of staff approach me with hand outstretched.
Looking up from my phone I did what came naturally … and gave him a firm handshake.
Politely he smiled at the slightly damp madman in front of him and said that he was actually trying to take my wet coat to hang up for me.
After the first course of embarrassment, I somehow managed to serve up another when my ‘lunch’ companion turned up moments later.
I looked around as he entered and while doing so, he pointed to the other side of the room.
Still flustered I wondered what he meant until it appeared to me that he was wanting us to move to a different part of the restaurant
At that I got up and strode towards him, looking to accompany him to what I thought was our new table.
It was only when I reached him that he pointed out he was that he was gesticulating that he was going to the loo…
On reflection, my personal ‘mind elsewhere’ blundering that day made me feel some sympathy for the PM.
If my head was all over the place, then it’s no wonder he managed to forget his brolly or indeed that he had a cosy press room behind him inside Number 10.
To be fair, maybe he preferred being outside because of the bad memories of those doom-laden Covid conferences alongside Chris Witty.
Although given his track record, our famously risk-averse Professor would at least have advised the PM to wrap up warm and stick on a coat.
That said, the campaign is now fully underway, and we’ve had all the big names speak on GB News.
The PM’s first TV interview after firing the starting gun was with Breakfast last Thursday morning, while Sir Keir, energetic Ed, Richard Tice, Nigel Farage and John Swinney have all featured too.
In just over a week the GB News political team have already got comfy on the battle buses with the Tory, Labour, and Lib Dem teams after they hit the road.
You can be assured our team will continue at full throttle for the next six weeks.
Throughout the day, 7 days a week, by watching GB News you’ll be certain not to miss a thing as Britain heads towards polling day.
And as well as all your usual favourites we will also be broadcasting special live events featuring the big names fighting for your vote - more details on just who will be revealed soon.
Of course you’ll not miss anything else that’s going on.
Thursday night’s live courtroom coverage from New York on The Patrick Christys Show - where Donald Trump became the first US President to be convicted of criminal charges – illustrated that.
That said, GB News IS Britain’s Election Channel, and we want to keep getting your vote.
I’ll be giving you regular updates from the GB News Election HQ throughout the campaign, unless I get whisked off for National Service first.
That reminds me, I must sort out that doctor’s note for my flat feet…
