Grant Shapps says Rishi Sunak should be able to get on with the job as election speculation swirls [Video]

Grant Shapps has warned agitating Tory MPs against ousting Rishi Sunak and said the prime minister should be left to “get on with the job” – amid speculation the PM could announce an election next week.

The defence secretary said Mr Sunak should be “given the space” to do his job. “He’s doing a great job – he’s doing it under difficult circumstances,” said Mr Shapps.

“There was never an instruction book to get these difficult things [done] and actually steer us through a difficult course.”

Multiple No 10 sources have played down claims that the prime minster may call an election as early as Monday, pointing to Mr Sunak’s repeated insistence that a vote will take place in the second half of this year.