Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak faced tough challenges from Conservative members during a Sky News show just hours after interest rates rose.
Ms Truss won a coin toss to face an audience of Tory voters first, followed by an interview with Sky News’ Kay Burley.
However, it was Mr. Sunak who eventually conquered the audience, with the majority saying he impressed them the most.
Ms Truss main answer:
• Ms. Truss acknowledged the current high tax rate “has the potential to lead to a recession” but said a recession “is not inevitable” and that we could “shift the outcome and leave the economy with a lot of room for growth”. more growth potential”.
• She promised to have a “new generation of members” in her cabinet, and ensured that they would be appointed “on the basis of merit” and with “people from all parties, from all parts of the country.” “.
• The foreign minister said it would be “totally wrong” to suggest that Ukraine cede any territory to Russia as it would send a “terrible message” to the world, including China.
• She said she had “changed my mind” about building a million homes on the green belt, which she said in 2019.
• And she says it’s “not right to try to balance the books immediately” after COVID because doing it “too soon is actually counterproductive”.
• This prompted a harsh response from audience member Jill from Tunbridge Wells, who said that Margaret Thatcher “believes in good money – this is not good money”.
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Truss ‘more in touch’ with the north
• Ms. Truss also claimed her policy statement on sectoral pay had been “misunderstood” and as soon as people voiced their objections, she “immediately” said she would not continue.
• She considers herself a candidate for integrity, saying repeatedly that she’s happy to admit if a policy doesn’t work, but won’t say she made a mistake.
• In her strongest suggestion to date that she is ready to do more during the cost of living crisis, Ms. Truss says she can “guarantee” she “will do it all.” everything I can to help those in need.
• Regarding Taiwan, Ms. Truss said that she would not visit the island if she became prime minister.
• And she refuses to reveal what the tiniest thing she’s ever done is, but adds: “There are no skeletons in my closet!”
Mr Sunak’s main answer:
• When asked if there was any point he would step aside in the competition, he said: “No, I’m fighting for what I believe in.”
• He declared himself a candidate for party unification and wanted a government “of all talents”.
• On increasing the defense budget, he said: “Yes, absolutely possible.” But said he did not believe in “arbitrary targets” during a dig at Ms Truss.
• He was also asked about NHS dentists and said the UK “must be bolder” about NHS reform.
• Mr Sunak defended the scheme to charge people who miss GP appointments at £10, saying: “I believe the NHS is free at the point of use but not free at the point of misuse.”
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Who wins – Sunak or Truss? Audience vote
• He also denied stabbing Mr. Johnson in the back, adding: “I have come to a very difficult time to stay, I have no choice but to leave because the government has gone against morality. virtue that I may not advocate.”
• Regarding Ms. Truss’s cost of living plan, Mr. Sunak said her vision “will make the situation worse”.
• He defended his foreign policy positions, saying “I am tough enough” and will go further with sanctions against Russia, while he added that he believes in the policy of Rwanda.
• Mr. Sunak was asked about his views on abortion because he had abstained in the past, but said it was simply because he was not on the side and strongly supports the current law that abortion can take place. out up to 24 weeks.
• Confused by comments about his expensive suits and Prada shoes, he denied he had a perception problem and (to cheers from the audience), said: “The British public judge people. by their personality, not by their bank account.”
