A humiliating election speech, with little to offer. Sunak’s USP was competence – what of that now? | Martin Kettle

The PM has gone for the bad choice because he knows things will get even worse. It's an admission his leadership has failed

The circumstances were excruciating. One of the great rituals in any prime minister's career - the one when they put it all on the line by calling an election - was instead drenched in rain and almost drowned out by horrible, hostile noise from Whitehall protesters. Rishi Sunak battled on, just about retaining his dignity, and one felt for him in his torment. Yet it was a nasty, low moment in British politics.

Never forget this, however. There is only one reason why a British prime minister would call a general election earlier than they have to, as Sunak did today. That is because they know better than anyone else that things are going to get worse later.

Martin Kettle is a Guardian columnist