20 June 2024 , 20:57
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A Question Time audience member blasted the Tories as an 'international laughing stock' as Rishi Sunak took to the stage.
Broadcasting veteran Fiona Bruce is moderating the debate - which involves each party leader answering questions from a live audience for 30 minutes.
But as soon as Sunak stood up in front of the crowd, audience member Kevin said: "We have had five Prime Ministers in the last seven years and one of them managed to last for six weeks.
"As a result I think we are something of an international laughing stock. I'm asking if you would confess to us tonight even just a small amount of embarrassment to be leading the Conservative party in this campaign?"
A Question Time audience member grilled Rishi SunakSunak tried to defend his record in power and replied: "I said very clearly that mistakes had been made. I would ask you to judge me on the 18 months that I have been in office."
Rishi Sunak must be a leader, not just a manager
The showdown between party leaders comes during a gruelling week for Tory HQ, as Labour is on track for a landslide victory according to a new mega-poll. YouGov's latest MRP poll shows Mr Sunak could be staring down the barrel of the worst ever defeat for the Conservative party, with Labour estimated to win 425 seats versus 108 for the Tories. If the prediction is correct, it would be the biggest failing in the Tory party's nearly 200-year history.
And now Mr Sunak is grappling with fresh scandal as three Tories and a police officer are being investigated over alleged bets on the timing of the election. It has been revealed that his party's Campaigning Director and two Conservative candidates are being investigated by the Gambling Commission over the scandal.
It comes after a police officer in Mr Sunak's close protection team was arrested and suspended from duty for allegedly betting on the date of the July 4 poll. Labour called for the two Conservative candidates to be suspended, and fury has been swirling among voters over the probe.
Another blow for the PM came as a billionaire and former major Tory donor declared his defection to the Labour party earlier this week. John Caudwell, the founder of Phones4U, gave the Conservatives £500,000 before the last General Election, but he told the BBC he is planning to vote Labour for the first time in his life on July 4. He branded the PM an "absolute dud" and instead praised Mr Starmer, saying he "just really hits the spot with a lot of issues with me".
Mr Sunak lost his cool in a LBC phone-in on Wednesday as presenter Nick Ferrari pressed him on how his campaign is going. When asked about Mr Caudwell choosing red over blue, the millionaire Tory leader quipped: "They're two of Britain's richest men. They can probably afford Labour's tax rises."