General election – latest: Tetchy Sunak clashes with host over betting scandal in debate with Starmer

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were grilled by the public as the election campaign enters the final stretch.

The prime minister and Labour leader took questions from the public on their plans for government with just over a week to go until polling day.

Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer faced each other on The Sun’s Never Mind the Ballots election special programme.

Earlier, Nigel Farage was in Kent on the campaign trail and doubled down on widely criticised claims about Nato’s role in the build-up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Reform leader hit back at Boris Johnson’s criticism over his comments branding the former prime minister the “worst PM of modern times” as he unveiled a giant version of the i newspaper frontbage with the headline “Boris blames EU for war in Ukraine”.

Key Points

• Sunak and Starmer go head-to-head in latest debate

• Sunak rules out he is facing probe from the Gambling Commission

• Farage brands Boris ‘liar’ over criticism on Ukraine claims

• Farage blasts Tories ‘greedy and stupid’ over betting scandal

Sunak’s failure to suspend the alleged gamblers is a bet that could backfire

04:00 , Joe Middleton

The prime minister’s reluctance to mete out consistent punishments to those alleged to have bet on the election date has left his fellow Conservatives in a muddle, writes Sean O’Grady

Sunak’s failure to suspend the alleged gamblers is a bet that could backfire

Watch: Craig Mackinlay says Boris Johnson had ‘star-quality’ as he dishes dirt on top Tory MPs

03:00 , Joe Middleton

ICYMI: Tories doing own inquiry into betting allegations, says Sunak

02:00 , Joe Middleton

The Conservative Party is conducting its own internal inquiry into allegations that officials and candidates bet on the date of the general election, Rishi Sunak said today.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Sunak said: “(The Gambling Commission) don’t talk about the individuals that they are investigating,” the Prime Minister told journalists on the campaign trail in Edinburgh on Monday.

“What I can tell you is I am not aware of any other candidate that they are looking at.”

He added: “What I can tell you is, in parallel, we’ve been conducting our own internal inquiries and of course will act on any relevant findings or information from that and pass it on to the Gambling Commission.”

The party’s chief data officer Nick Mason is the latest figure understood to be taking a leave of absence amid claims he placed bets on the election date, along with director of campaigning Tony Lee.

Mr Lee’s would-be MP wife Laura Saunders and fellow candidate Craig Williams, who was a parliamentary aide to the prime minister, are also under investigation by the Gambling Commission.

Voices: This will be the first Labour backbench rebellion – and Starmer’s first U-turn

01:00 , Joe Middleton

The policy is so toxic even Suella Braverman wants to get rid of it. It’s a matter of when, not if, it will be abolished, and Starmer’s best bet is to sort it out sooner rather than later, writes Andrew Grice

This will be the first Labour backbench rebellion – and Starmer’s first U-turn

One in 5 young voters prefer TikTok and Instagram for election news, poll reveals

Tuesday 25 June 2024 00:01 , Joe Middleton

As the country gears up for a general election in under two weeks, young voters are relying less and less on traditional media to access the news.

A substantial 21 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds say that TikTok and Instagram have been their main source of information during the election campaign, an exclusive Techne poll for The Independent can reveal.

Perhaps most surprising is that Twitter and Facebook are the least-preferred source for young voters – being chosen by just 4 per cent.

Alicja Hagopian reports

One in five young voters prefers TikTok and Instagram for election news, poll reveals

What are Labour and the Conservative positions on transgender rights ahead of the 2024 general election?

Monday 24 June 2024 23:00 , Joe Middleton

Labour has clarified its position on transgender rights as Wes Streeting says the party would “modernise and reform” gender laws if it comes into power on July 4.

The shadow health secretary has said Labour’s policy aims to allow transgender people to “live their lives with freedom, dignity and respect”. His comments come after all the major parties unveiled their manifestos over the past few weeks, outlining their visions for the country.

Each covers transgender policy, with the issue becoming a major cultural talking point over the past few years.

Albert Toth reports.

Transgender rights: What is the Labour and Conservative position?

Watch: Nigel Farage claims Donald Trump has ‘learned a lot’ from studying his speeches

Monday 24 June 2024 21:00 , Joe Middleton

Ask a Green Party candidate anything in exclusive Q&A session

Monday 24 June 2024 20:00 , Joe Middleton

The Independent is giving readers the chance to chat directly with candidates from some of the major political parties in a special general election series of Ask Me Anything events.

In one of the sessions, our community will be able to chat exclusively with Dr Ellie Chowns, who is hoping to be elected MP in North Herefordshire for the Green Party.

Serving as the party’s housing and communities spokesperson, Dr Chowns served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the West Midlands for the party from 2019 to 2020.

She has also been a councillor on Herefordshire Council since 2017, representing the Bishops Frome & Cradley ward, and is leader of the council’s Green group.

If you have a question about the Green Party’s manifesto, pledges or policies submit it here now.

Dr Chowns will join the conversation live at 6pm on Friday 28 June for the “Ask Me Anything” event.Find out more here.

One in five young voters prefers TikTok and Instagram for election news, poll reveals

Monday 24 June 2024 19:40 , Matt Mathers

As the country gears up for a general election in under two weeks, young voters are relying less and less on traditional media to access the news.

A substantial 21 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds say that TikTok and Instagram have been their main source of information during the election campaign, an exclusive Techne poll for The Independent can reveal.

Full report:

One in five young voters prefers TikTok and Instagram for election news, poll reveals

Nigel Farage under fire for ‘cuddling up to the Kremlin’ as IFS accuse Reform of poisoning election debate

Monday 24 June 2024 19:20 , Matt Mathers

Nigel Farage has come under fire for “cuddling up to the Kremlin” as a leading think tank accused his Reform party of poisoning the election debate.

On another torrid day for the ex-Ukip leader, military experts queued up to criticise his claim the West provoked Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Full report:

Farage under fire for ‘cuddling up to Kremlin’ as Reform accused of poisoning debate

Kemi Badenoch hints at another Tory leadership run after general election

Monday 24 June 2024 19:00 , Joe Middleton

Kemi Badenoch has hinted she could make another run for the Tory leadership, if the party loses the election next month.

During a debate hosted by the Institute of Directors and Bloomberg on Monday, the Business Secretary was asked about her intentions if Rishi Sunak is ousted on 4 July.

She claimed there was “no better job” than Business and Trade Secretary, which she described as being “a lot easier and a lot less pressured than being prime minister”.

Kemi Badenoch hints at another Tory leadership run after general election

Starmer grilling over

Monday 24 June 2024 18:44 , Matt Mathers

Starmer’s grilling by Sun readers has now finished.

The Labour leader was tackled on his previous support for Corbyn, the economy, immigration and the NHS, among other issues.

Our manifesto is fully costed – Starmer

Monday 24 June 2024 18:43 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says his priorities will be to stabalise the economy and cut NHS waiting lists.

He is asked if he will be more radical in government.

Everything in our manifesto is fully costed, he adds.

Starmer: I’m ready to be PM

Monday 24 June 2024 18:41 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says he is ready to become the prime minister should Labour win the election.

We have the chance to change things, he adds.

But people must go out and vote for it, he adds.

We will protect women-only spaces – Starmer

Monday 24 June 2024 18:38 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says women-only spaces must be protected.

He is asked why Labour would make it easier for people to change gender.

Labour will treat everyone with respect, he adds.

Starmer tackled on NHS

Monday 24 June 2024 18:34 , Matt Mathers

Starmer is tackled on his comments that he wouldn’t use private health care.

I won’t skip the queue, he says.

My government will bring waiting lists down, he adds.

We need to fund public sector schools – Starmer

Monday 24 June 2024 18:32 , Matt Mathers

Labour leader says he has nothing against private schools.

He is tackled about his plan to tax private school fees.

We need to fund public sector schools too, he adds.

Rwanda not working – Starmer

Monday 24 June 2024 18:30 , Matt Mathers

Starmer denies that he is creating a “draw” effect by saying Labour will process claims.

Not processing claims means people are able to stay indefinitely at the expense of the taxpayer, he adds.

The Rwanda plan is not a disincentive, he adds.

Monday 24 June 2024 18:27 , Matt Mathers

Starmer insists people can be sent back to the county they came from.

He says the last Labour government was able to do this.

We will also smash the gangs smuggling people into the UK, he adds.

Starmer: We will process more asylum claims

Monday 24 June 2024 18:25 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says Labour will set up a new border security command on day one of entering office if it wins the election.

He says Labour will send people back to the country they came from.

We will process more asylum applications, he adds.

Starmer tackled on Rwanda

Monday 24 June 2024 18:23 , Matt Mathers

Starmer is now tackled on the government’s Rwanda plan.

He is asked how Labour will deport people and where they will send them to.

Labour has said it will scrap the government’s Rwanda plan, which Starmer has previously described as a “gimmick”.

Starmer: We’ll provide stability

Monday 24 June 2024 18:20 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says the UK has gone through 14 years of “chaos” under the Tories.

He says Labour can provide the change the country needs.

We will provide stability, he adds.

I’ve changed the Labour Party, says Corbyn

Monday 24 June 2024 18:18 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says he has “fundamentally” changed the Labour Party.

Harry Cole suggests that he had failed to change the party while Corbyn was leader.

Cole suggests Starmer failed to get a second EU referendum.

I didn’t vote for Corbyn in Labour leadership contest – Starmer

Monday 24 June 2024 18:16 , Matt Mathers

Starmer says he wanted to get “good colleagues” reelected to parliament.

He was tackled on his previous support for Jeremy Corbyn.

I didn’t vote for him to become leader, Starmer says.

Shock new poll confirms Reform lead over Tories despite Farage’s Putin comments

Monday 24 June 2024 18:08 , Matt Mathers

A shock new poll appears to have confirmed that Reform holds a narrow lead over the Tories with just 10 days to go before the general election.

According to the Redfield and Wilton survey of 10,000 voters polled after Nigel Farage made his comments blaming the West for Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, his Reform UK are one point ahead of the Tories both unchanged on 19 percent and 18 percent.

Full report:

Shock new poll confirms Reform lead over Tories despite Farage’s Putin comments

Starmer up shortly

Monday 24 June 2024 18:06 , Matt Mathers

Sunak has finished taking questions from Sun readers now.

Sir Keir Starmer is up shortly.

Sunak: I have the energy to keep going

Monday 24 June 2024 18:05 , Matt Mathers

Sunak denies that the “fight” has gone out of him after his D-Day gaffe.

He says he will never give up fighting for every vote ahead of the election.

I have the energy to keep going, he adds.

I’ll cut taxes – Sunak

Monday 24 June 2024 18:02 , Matt Mathers

Sunak says the election is about “the future” as he urges Sun readers to back him.

He says he will cut taxes while Labour will raise them.

PM adds that he has created jobs and promised to boost defence spending.

Watch

Monday 24 June 2024 18:00 , Joe Middleton

The ghost of Liz Truss

Monday 24 June 2024 17:59 , Matt Mathers

Sunak said he was “right” about the disastrous premiership of his predecessor Liz Truss.

He is asked if he should apologise to the country on behalf of the Tory party before putting her in Downing Street.

PM claims the economy will suffer if Labour wins. He adds they will put up taxes.

I’ll help young get on housing ladder – Sunak

Monday 24 June 2024 17:55 , Matt Mathers

Abolishing stamp duty and the help to buy scheme will help people get on the housing ladder, Sunak says.

He is asked what his party will do to help young people buy their first home.

Both the policies are in the Conservative Party manifesto.

I accept responsibility for NHS waiting lists – Sunak

Monday 24 June 2024 17:53 , Matt Mathers

Sunak says he hasn’t made as much progress on NHS waiting lists as he would have liked.

He is asked what has gone wrong and whether he accepts responsibility, as waiting lists remain at near-record levels.

I can assure you that the NHS budget will continue to increase, he adds.

Sunak tackled on NHS

Monday 24 June 2024 17:49 , Matt Mathers

Sunak is now tackled on the NHS and waiting lists.

An audience member tells him her dad died of cancer before getting diagnosed.

The most important thing we can do is diagnose people “as soon as possible”, the PM says.

He apologises to the woman.

I’ve only been PM for 18 months – Sunak

Monday 24 June 2024 17:47 , Matt Mathers

Sunak says net migration is due to decline because of the action he’s taken.

He is asked why he didn’t try to start reducing the numbers earlier.

Sunak says he’s only been PM for 18 months.

PM tackled on benefits and migration

Monday 24 June 2024 17:45 , Matt Mathers

Sunak says he has set out plans to make savings in welfare.

A former detective asked Sunak about immigration and sickness benefits.

PM claims Labour thinks savings can’t be made.

Rishi Sunak reveals that the Tories have their own betting inquiry

Monday 24 June 2024 17:42 , Matt Mathers

A tired looking Rishi Sunak has come in for a grilling by The Sun into the gambling scandal, David Maddox reports.

He has revealed that as well as police and Gambling Commission inquiries his party is carrying out its own investigation.

But he denies that “it feels like the last days of Rome”.

However, he is stopped in his tracks with the point: “You know who was in the room, you know who you told.”

‘Why is the country falling apart?’

Monday 24 June 2024 17:41 , Matt Mathers

Sunak accepts things have been “difficult” over the past few years but defends his record.

He says education standards have gone up, pointing to improvements in reading levels among children.

PM was asked “why is the country falling apart?”

‘Full consequences of the law’

Monday 24 June 2024 17:38 , Matt Mathers

Anyone found guilty in the betting scandal should face the “full consequences of the law”, Sunak says.

He says the investigation must be carried out responsibly.

PM says anyone found to have broken the law will be kicked out of the Tory party.

Election bets a matter for Gambling Commission, says Sunak

Monday 24 June 2024 17:35 , Matt Mathers

Sunak is now tackled on the betting scandal, which he says he is “very angry” about.

He was asked why nobody has been suspended over the row.

PM says it is a matter for the Gambling Commission and the police.

I stabalised the economy – Sunak

Monday 24 June 2024 17:33 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak is first up, taking questions from Sun readers.

PM says his priority was to restore economic stability when he entered office.

He was asked if he is delivering on his promise of competent government.