Battle for UK leadership: intense confrontation between Sunak and Starmer on TV
Sunak's ruling Conservatives have been criticized as representing "chaos and division" by Opposition leader Starmer during a live ITV debate. He encouraged voters to support "making changes to our nation."
Sunak maintained that he possessed "a firm plan for a more secure future." However, at Labour, there seemed to be confusion regarding the party's actual intentions beyond "raising taxes and reducing your pensions," according to his pitch to the public.
The two men engaged in a passionate verbal skirmish. The moderator had to repeatedly ask them to stop interrupting and speak more quietly. They failed to introduce any fresh concepts for topics like immigration, education, healthcare, and climate policies.
When it came to deciding the debate's victor, opinion polls yielded contrasting results. YouGov's quick survey showed that 51% of participants felt Sunak had won, whereas 49% thought Starmer emerged triumphant. In another survey by Savanta, 44% of respondents believed Starmer had the upper hand while 39% sided with the prime minister.
The election announcement took place on May 4th at Sunak's Downing Street office during an incessant downpour. Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader, sarcastically commented on this unique situation, calling it "the most ridiculous election launch in history."
Farage's unexpected campaign for his new Reform UK party could potentially jeopardize Sunak's chances and the Tories' dominance. Farage's stringent anti-immigration stance might dissuade certain right-wing Conservative voters. In response, Sunak unveiled proposals for tighter immigration restrictions and harsher penalties for criminals.
Meanwhile, during the debate, Starmer projected himself as an advocate for responsible politics. Labour, he claimed, would prudently manage the British economy and national security.
Under intense pressure leading up to the election, Sunak's Conservative Party, which has been in power for 14 years, is struggling. Their performance in polls is lagging behind Labour. Based on a recent YouGov poll from Monday, Labour could potentially secure as many as 422 seats in Parliament. This would be Labour's best performance on record and the Tories' worst defeat since the late 1800s.
The event took place in Salford, close to the city of Manchester in northern England. Sunak and Starmer are slated to meet again in another live debate a week before the election.
