Sunak and Starmer’s plans for battle in first TV debate
Spectator (UK)May 28
UK Elections: Sunak, Starmer Face Questions in Grimsby
Above: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak participates during a Sky News election event with Sky's political editor Beth Rigby on June 12, 2024 in Grimsby, England. Image copyright: Alison Jackson/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer were independently interviewed by Beth Rigby and answered audience questions live on television during a Sky News election program on Wednesday evening.
Sunak stated that it "ha[d]n't been an easy 18 months" before asking for forgiveness for leaving commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day early. He added that the government was "investing record amounts" in the NHS and reaffirmed that "trust takes time to rebuild."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While Sunak and the Tories have failed to convince voters to trust the party once again so far, there's still time for fortunes to change. With Reform UK, voters are acutely aware that a vote for Farage is a vote for Starmer, and a sizeable proportion of the population is still undecided about who to vote for or whether to vote at all. There may still be a twist to come in this election story.
Establishment-critical narrative
Once again experiencing a series of criticisms, the Sky News event was another damning blow to the prime minister, who spent much of his 45 minutes apologizing for election gaffs and pandemic parties. While also not an easy night for Starmer, the Labour leader left the consensus victor and will remain confident that he will be in Downing Street on July 5.