PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer have been grilled by Sun readers in a Never Mind The Ballots election special tonight.
One of the two candidates will be our next Prime Minister - and you can watch the showdown on The Sun's YouTube channel.
When is The Sun's live showdown between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer?
The Never Mind The Ballots election showdown special was originally broadcast on Monday, June 24 at 5.30pm on thesun.co.uk and The Sun’s YouTube and social media channels.
Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer were interviewed consecutively by The Sun’s Political Editor Harry Cole at our London HQ.
Both interviews were filmed LIVE in front of an audience of Sun readers.
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What happened during The Sun's live head-to-head?
Hosted by Harry Cole, Sun readers were given the chance to put questions directly to the leaders of the two main parties as they decide how to cast their votes.
Mr. Sunak went first and the Labour chief followed, as they both fight for the votes of hundreds of thousands of undecided Brits.
The running order was decided by a random draw on Never Mind The Ballots on the morning of Thursday, June 20.
Our special Sun tombola spinner was filled with five red balls and five blue balls — with a blue one picked out by chance.
The Sun’s Cabinet of real-life Brits will also offer their verdict on the two men battling for the keys to No. 10 in a special two-hour live show — just ten days before the nation goes to the polls.
Harry Cole said: “It’s time for the leaders to meet the readers — and I bet the readers won’t pull their punches.
“I’m delighted both sides have agreed to be put to the test in what is going to be a must-watch election moment.”
How can I watch The Sun's live head-to-head?
The Never Mind The Ballots election showdown special is available on thesun.co.uk and The Sun’s YouTube and social media channels.
The livestream first aired at 5.30pm on Monday, June 24, ending just before 7pm.
But even if you missed the live broadcast, the program is still available to watch on catch-up.
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It’s time for the leaders to meet the readers — and I bet the readers won’t pull their punches
Harry Cole
What is Never Mind The Ballots?
Never Mind The Ballots (NMTB) is The Sun’s politics show, which is fronted by Harry Cole.
The show initially aired weekly from March 21, 2024.
Since the announcement of the election, however, Never Mind The Ballots has been broadcast five mornings a week.
NMTB features the biggest political interviews, questions from Sun readers, and the opinions and insight of the Sun's very own Cabinet — a panel made up of voters with real-life experience of working in law and order, defence, schools, the NHS and running a wide range of their own businesses, from a plumbing firm to driving a black cab.
The show looks at what readers are really looking for from the next Government — and who can win their vote.
Harry Cole said: “It is time for Britain to decide — and it is time for politics in plain English.
“There’s no topic off limits on Never Mind the Ballots and our readers will hold our leaders to account.
“Don’t miss your weekly round up of what’s hot and what’s not in Westminster.”
The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief Victoria Newton said: “We will be putting the readers at the heart of our election coverage, in the newspaper, online and via this exciting new video show.
“If the politicians want the votes of our readers, they're going to have to work hard to get them.”
When is the UK general election?
Following months of speculation, Rishi Sunak called a General Election for Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Speaking from Downing St., Mr. Sunak said: "The last five years have been the most challenging times since the Second World War.
"Now is the moment to choose to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty."
The PM added: "I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament.
"The King has granted this request, and we will have a general election on July 4.
“This election will take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War."
The last election was won by the Conservatives after they took 365 seats, which has since dropped to 350 seats after by-election losses.
