POLITICAL big hitters have weighed in on the first showdown seven-way debate of election season.
The 90 minute clash saw outspoken Angela Rayner, Penny Mordaunt and Nigel Farage lock horns over immigration, nukes and the cost of living crisis.
And it put the Commons Leader right under the spotlight over Rishi Sunak’s decision to duck out of D-Day commemoration ceremonies in Normandy early.
Alongside the trio representatives from the SNP, Lib Dems, Greens and Plaid Cymru took part in the debate.
Responding to the bloodbath, Labour’s National Campaign Coordinator said: “Penny Mordaunt used tonight’s debate to hammer Rishi Sunak three times for leaving the D-Day commemorations early, defend Liz Truss and put on record that the Conservatives have raised taxes to the highest level in seventy years.
“Angela Rayner talked about the change Labour will bring to Britain.“It’s time to end the chaos, turn the page and start to rebuild with Labour.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris told The Sun: “I think that went well considering being a Conservative is sometimes like having six people against you.
“I think she made the point about Labour’s lack of credibility really well.”
Asked if Penny had thrown Rishi under a bus by slamming him over his D-Day dash, he said: “I disagree and I’m sure the prime minister would as well.
“He made a mistake and he apologised and there are many more important matters to talk about.”
And probed on Penny’s Thatcher-style blowout, he joked: “As someone who’s follically challenged, I never can never comment on other people’s hair.”
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
- 6 minutes agoBy Joel KulasinghamPM vows to slash welfare bill by £12bn a year
Rishi Sunak will look to get his election campaign back on track with a manifesto vow to slash £12billion a year off the bloated welfare bill.
Writing in an exclusive column on The Sun on Sunday, the PM said he is on a “moral mission” to end the “waste of potential” of Brits languishing on welfare.
“I won’t accept more and more of our young people being parked on benefits, this wouldn’t be right or fair,” he wrote.
‘MORAL MISSION’ I’ll slash welfare bill by £12bn a year and get Brits back to work, vows PM
Copy linkCopied - 37 minutes agoBy Joel KulasinghamRishi Sunak will ‘absolutely’ lead Tories into general election
Rishi Sunak will lead the Tories into the election despite his calamitous D-Day blunder, a Cabinet Minister insisted today.
The PM made an early exit from Normandy last week, opting to miss a second international ceremony in order to continue campaigning.
Welfare Secretary Mel Stride was forced to hit back at a suggestion that he will ‘step aside’ as leader before July 4.
But the Tories are now struggling to move the agenda on from the D-Day catastrophe despite announcing a major welfare crackdown today.
The Tories have struggled to fend off criticism after the PM missed an international event in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
Ex-PM David Cameron was forced to stand in for him, taking his place next to US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Mr Stride was asked on Sky News’ Sunday Morning show: “Is he going to lead you into this election?” Stride replied: “Absolutely and there should be no question about that.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 10:30By Joel KulasinghamPenny Mordaunt claimed Rishi was ‘completely wrong’ for leaving D-Day memorial early
The BBC tried to make the first 15 minutes of the debate about the row over the PM flying home early from D-Day.
And Ms Mordaunt, a former Defence Secretary and honorary captain of the Royal Navy reserves, did not avoid criticising her boss.
She said: “What happened was completely wrong and the Prime Minister has rightly apologised for that, apologised to veterans but also to all of us, because he was representing all of us.
“But what I also think is important is we honour their legacy — they fought for our freedom, and unless we are spending the right amount on defence we can’t honour that legacy.”
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- Today, 10:00By Joel KulasinghamHow do I vote?
Every British citizen aged 18 and over is eligible to vote at the General Election.
People must register to vote in the constituency where they live if they are not already, with a deadline expected around June 18.
For the first time in a general election a form of ID is now needed to cast a ballot at a polling station on July 4.
On the ballot paper will be all the candidates vying to become the seat’s MP in alphabetical order.
You have one vote, and must put an X in the box of the candidate you want to win.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 09:30By Joel KulasinghamNigel Farage’s election defeats
1994 Eastleigh by-election – 952 votes (1.7%) – 4th
1997 General Election (Salisbury) – 3,332 (5.7%) – 4th
2001 General Election (Bexhill and Battle) – 3,474 (7.8%) – 4th
2005 General Election (Thanet South) – 2,079 (5%) – 4th
2006 Bromley by-election – 2,347 (8.1%) – 3rd
2010 General Election (Buckingham) – 8,410 (17.4%) – 3rd
2015 General Election (South Thanet) – 16,026 (32.4%) – 2ndCopy linkCopied
- 1994 Eastleigh by-election – 952 votes (1.7%) – 4th
- 1997 General Election (Salisbury) – 3,332 (5.7%) – 4th
- 2001 General Election (Bexhill and Battle) – 3,474 (7.8%) – 4th
- 2005 General Election (Thanet South) – 2,079 (5%) – 4th
- 2006 Bromley by-election – 2,347 (8.1%) – 3rd
- 2010 General Election (Buckingham) – 8,410 (17.4%) – 3rd
- 2015 General Election (South Thanet) – 16,026 (32.4%) – 2nd
- Today, 09:00By Joel KulasinghamTory candidate resigns after sexual comments exposed
A Conservative candidate has resigned after a series of comments he made about women were exposed.
Magistrate Sam Trask was set to stand in the key battleground of Bridgend in Wales.
The Tory candidate reportedly said his preferred bra size measuring technique was “hand sizing them by feel”.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 08:30By Joel KulasinghamDebate opened with row about defence
The seven-way debate on the BBC immediately exploded into a row about defence of the realm, with Leader of the House of Commons
Ms Mordaunt attacking Ms Rayner for putting Britain in danger.
In an opening battering, she said: “Imagine what Putin is thinking. Without credibility, we become a target. If we become a target, you are less safe. It’s too late for this generation of Labour politicians, that credibility is shot. Do not vote these people in.”
Ms Rayner hit back: “You’ve just said we need a strong economy but you backed Liz Truss, who crashed our economy.”
Ms Mordaunt said: “Even Liz Truss, on her worst day, still recognised we needed a nuclear deterrent in this country.”
Ms Rayner meekly insisted “So do I”, but it was clear first blood had gone to the Tories.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 08:00By Joel KulasinghamPenny Mordaunt tipped for Tory leadership
Penny Mordaunt will use her TV election debate role as a springboard for the Tory leadership, party insiders say.
The Cabinet minister represented the Government in the BBC’s election bout on Friday night.
With the Tories miles behind in the polls, campaigns to replace Rishi Sunak are cranking up.
Ms Mordaunt is tipped to throw her hat into the ring if she is re-elected Portsmouth North MP.
‘HEIR APPARENT’ Penny Mordaunt ‘will use TV debate role as springboard for Tory leadership’
Copy linkCopied - Today, 07:30By Joel KulasinghamIs Polling Day a public holiday?
No, Polling Day will not be a public holiday.
Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm on July 4, so there’s still plenty of time to vote if you have to work.
If unable to make it to the polling station on Polling Day, you can apply for a postal vote or task someone with voting for you by proxy.
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- Today, 07:00By Louis AllwoodRayner ‘talked about change’
Political big hitters have weighed in on the first showdown seven-way debate of election season.
The 90 minute clash saw outspoken Angela Rayner, Penny Mordaunt and Nigel Farage lock horns over immigration, nukes and the cost of living crisis.
And it put the Commons Leader right under the spotlight over Rishi Sunak’s decision to duck out of D-Day commemoration ceremonies in Normandy early.
Alongside the trio representatives from the SNP, Lib Dems, Greens and Plaid Cymru took part in the debate.
Responding to the bloodbath, Labour’s National Campaign Coordinator said: “Penny Mordaunt used tonight’s debate to hammer Rishi Sunak three times for leaving the D-Day commemorations early, defend Liz Truss and put on record that the Conservatives have raised taxes to the highest level in seventy years.
“Angela Rayner talked about the change Labour will bring to Britain.“It’s time to end the chaos, turn the page and start to rebuild with Labour.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 06:00By Louis Allwood‘No plan, no target and no clue’
Penny Mordaunt criticised Angela Rayner for having “no plan, no target, and no clue” on reducing migration.
Fiery Rayner had to defend her party against accusations that they were not committed to addressing the influx of foreigners into Britain.
In front of a live TV audience on the BBC, Ms Mordaunt lashed out: “Keir Starmer spent most of his life campaigning for free movement.
“These people do not want to control migration.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 05:00By Louis AllwoodWhat is the voting system?
The UK uses the first past the post voting system – which essentially means the candidate with the most votes wins.
It means candidates do not need to win a majority of voters in a constituency to become the MP, just one more vote than the person who comes second.
This is different to many European countries who use proportional representation systems – where seats are divvied up to parties based on their national vote share.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 04:00By Louis AllwoodHow do I vote?
Every British citizen aged 18 and over is eligible to vote at the General Election.
People must register to vote in the constituency where they live if they are not already, with a deadline expected around June 18.
For the first time in a general election a form of ID is now needed to cast a ballot at a polling station on July 4.
On the ballot paper will be all the candidates vying to become the seat’s MP in alphabetical order.
You have one vote, and must put an X in the box of the candidate you want to win.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 03:00By Louis Allwood‘Liz Truss crashed the economy’
Rayner and Mordaunt also participated in a fiery exchange regarding housing and the cost of living crisis.
The debate persisted over the disputed £2,000 figure. Rayner argued, “The cost of living, Liz Truss crashed the economy, and we’ve been affected by the global energy crisis.
“Labour’s first plan is to secure the economy, we will never go fast and lose with public finances.”
She spoke about the publicly owned energy company in their proposal which will “give taxpayers money back and create thousands of jobs back into the UK.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 02:00By Louis AllwoodMore fiery slams on taxes
Penny responded to the viewer’s question about how the party can improve the lives of working people and said: “What you’ve been going through is exhausting and we need to bring it to an end.
“This election must be about us cutting your taxes. We have got to cut people’s taxes and alleviate burdens on business,” she added. “Angela Rayner and the Labour party, and Keir Starmer confirmed this earlier this week, are going to put up your taxes by £2,000.”
Penny said the UK economy is “doing much better” and outgrowing the US.
She added: “The PM made very clear promises. We are making process, the recovery is there. We must ensure this is not chocked off. We must ensure your taxes are lowered. You need disposable income in your pockets, you need your taxes to be cut.
“That’s in our DNA as Conservatives, that’s not in Labour’s DNA. Angela mentioned GB energy, you know what that stands for? Giant Bills.”
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- Today, 01:00By Louis Allwood90s pop star’ surprise career move
Ben Ofoedu has surprised fans by turning up on their doorsteps to campaign for the Conservatives.
The 51-year-old has been canvassing voters ahead of the General Election after turning his attention to politics.
Proudly wearing a blue rosette, Ben joined Greg Smith, Tory candidate for the new constituency of Mid Buckinghamshire, on the campaign trail this week.
Phats & Small singer Ben is now eyeing up the opportunity to run in the London Mayoral race in four years’ time.
He told The Sun: “I have keenly followed politics for many years, including relationships with Boris Johnson and other politicians.
“I’m now ready to start my political journey and training to eventually run for Mayor of London.”Copy linkCopied
- Today, 00:00By Louis AllwoodLord Fox shares ‘single dramatic point’ from debate
Lib Dem peer Lord Fox told The Sun: “I think Penny Mordaunt’s initial statement of throwing the prime minister under the bus was actually the probably the most single dramatic point.
“The shouting across each other didn’t help and Daisy did a great job in keeping out of it.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 23:00By Louis AllwoodIs Polling Day a public holiday?
No, Polling Day will not be a public holiday.
Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm on July 4, so there’s still plenty of time to vote if you have to work.
If unable to make it to the polling station on Polling Day, you can apply for a postal vote or task someone with voting for you by proxy.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 22:00By Louis AllwoodVoting Reform ‘hands the keys to Labour’, Tory Minister claims
Policing minister Chris Philp has said voting for Reform will ensure a Labour victory at the General Election.
He told BBC Politics Live: “Nigel Farage has run seven times for Parliament. He’s never won. I think everyone’s agreed that Reform are not going to win any MPs.
“The only thing that people who are Conservative-inclined will do by voting Reform is to hand the keys to Downing Street to Keir Starmer.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 21:00By Louis AllwoodNHS debate
The debate last night quickly moved on to the NHS and current waiting times.
On reducing waiting lists, Ms Mordaunt said: “There are many things we need to do, but there are two really important things.
“We have to keep the budget strong. We need a strong economy.
“Labour’s plans to tax your future pension, senior nurses and doctors, is going to get healthcare professionals to leave the service. That is going to lead to more waiting lists.”
Ms Rayner responded: “Penny, that’s rubbish and you’ve just said we need a strong economy — you backed Liz Truss and crashed our economy.
“We will never go fast and loose with public finances because it’s working people that pay the price for that. The Tories should never be allowed to forget that it’s because they crashed the economy.”
Copy linkCopied - Today, 20:00By Louis AllwoodPenny Mordaunt claimed Rishi was ‘completely wrong’ for leaving D-Day memorial early
The BBC tried to make the first 15 minutes of the debate about the row over the PM flying home early from D-Day.
And Ms Mordaunt, a former Defence Secretary and honorary captain of the Royal Navy reserves, did not avoid criticising her boss.
She said: “What happened was completely wrong and the Prime Minister has rightly apologised for that, apologised to veterans but also to all of us, because he was representing all of us.
“But what I also think is important is we honour their legacy — they fought for our freedom, and unless we are spending the right amount on defence we can’t honour that legacy.”
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- Today, 19:00By Louis AllwoodDebate opened with row about defence
The seven-way debate on the BBC immediately exploded into a row about defence of the realm, with Leader of the House of Commons
Ms Mordaunt attacking Ms Rayner for putting Britain in danger.
In an opening battering, she said: “Imagine what Putin is thinking. Without credibility, we become a target. If we become a target, you are less safe. It’s too late for this generation of Labour politicians, that credibility is shot. Do not vote these people in.”
Ms Rayner hit back: “You’ve just said we need a strong economy but you backed Liz Truss, who crashed our economy.”
Ms Mordaunt said: “Even Liz Truss, on her worst day, still recognised we needed a nuclear deterrent in this country.”
Ms Rayner meekly insisted “So do I”, but it was clear first blood had gone to the Tories.
Copy linkCopied - Today, 18:00By Louis AllwoodStarmer will ‘double down’ on British support for Ukraine, war hero-turned Labour candidate says
A veteran turned Labour candidate has said the party will “double down” on Britain’s support for Ukraine.
Royal Marine Colonel Alastair Carns resigned from the military last week in a bid to become a Labour MP after next month’s election.
In his first major interview, he told Never Mind the Ballots: “There will be no change in policy.
“If nothing else, there will be a doubling down on the support of Ukraine.”
“Whether that’s building international consensus in Europe, gifting of equipment and capability, so Labour is fully in behind this.”
Copy linkCopied - 8th Jun 2024, 17:00By Louis AllwoodLabour vows to hoist over 80,000 youngsters onto housing ladder
Labour vowed to hoist more than 80,000 people onto the housing ladder within five years.
The new scheme – Freedom to Buy – will offer wannabe homeowners permanent mortgage guarantees.
It would mean those on decent salaries but who are struggling to save would need only to come up with a five per cent deposit.
Sir Keir said: “My Labour government will help first-time buyers on to the ladder with a new Freedom to Buy scheme for those without a large deposit, and by giving them first dibs on new developments.”
Copy linkCopied - 8th Jun 2024, 16:30By Louis AllwoodRishi Sunak vows Ulez expansion will be scrapped if Tories win election
Rishi Sunak has vowed to end the “war on drivers” by reversing the expansion of the Ulez daily car charge.
If re-elected, the PM will bring in legislation to stop Labour imposing additional costs on motorists.
And the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph zones would be subject to a local poll, he said.
If 15 per cent of residents objected to an existing scheme, there would be a vote on whether it should be binned.
There would also be a block on any pay-per-mile road taxes amid concerns Labour politicians considered the measure when last in office.
Copy linkCopied - 8th Jun 2024, 16:00By Louis AllwoodDignity was lacking
Rayner and Mordaunt engaged in a heated debate over the disputed £2,000 figure, with numbers flying around and creating confusion.
Amidst the chaos, Carla Denyer interjected with a comment on the lack of dignity: “That was terribly dignified, wasn’t it?”
Farage joined the fray, earning applause with his criticism of the Conservatives’ tax policies, highlighting the increasing tax burden on middle-income earners.
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