The Guardian view on Rishi Sunak’s future: Britain needs a general election, not another Tory leadership contest | Editorial

Selecting a fourth Conservative prime minister in two years would make this country even more of a laughing stock

The threat facing Rishi Sunak on Friday has been clearly signalled for months. Disastrous Conservative performances in this week's local and mayoral English contests - the last significant test of the political mood before the general election - could open the window of opportunity for his party to topple his leadership. Before a single local election vote had been cast, it was clear that a minority of MPs were determined to attempt this. Mr Sunak has known for months that this is a moment of vulnerability.

It is not yet clear whether the Conservatives' results are sufficiently dire to trigger a more widespread revolt. The votes have not even all been counted yet. But this will not deter the prime minister's committed opponents. Talk of MPs submitting letters to the chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, demanding a confidence vote will grow predictably loud over the weekend. Whether a confidence vote will actually happen remains a question for the future.