The first general election debate took place last night, who won and how did it effect the candidates chances?
For a long time now, the polls have suggested nothing other than a Labour victory come July 4th. Coupled with the announcement of Nigel Farage as the leader of the Reform Party once more, and the expected demolition this will have on Conservative votes, things have really started to look bleak for Sunak.
Click here to read more about how Farage's Reform Party could damage the Conservatives' chances in the general election.
On Tuesday night Sunak was afforded the opportunity to address the nation en mass; a chance to convince the nation of his credentials and plans. But, how did he, and rival Starmer, fare? And, how does it affect their election chances?
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Sunak looked more comfortable in the opening exchanges, while Starmer seemed more nervous and struggled to, as he put it, 'get a word in edgeways’ over the Tory leader.
He soon settled into the debate, perhaps realising that Sunak’s eagerness may have actually been desperation to not be a complete laughing stock, like predecessor, Liz Truss.
The very mention of Truss’ name was a particularly useful tool for Starmer in this debate; Sunak’s very affiliation with her was often enough to bring an end to the Prime Minister’s fight.
A surprising applause for Sunak came when discussing junior doctors strikes, but he soon derailed the mini victory when he claimed that NHS waiting times were coming down, cue laughter from the audience. He also naively doubled down on national service, cue even more laughter.
Overall, Starmer recieved a greater level of applause with references to tackling the migration ‘gangs’, making oil and gas companies pay up and the new VAT on school fees.
The first General Election Debate has, however, done little to change the market. Labour still remain favourites for to form a majority government at 1/12 (Coral), while the Conservatives are 66/1 (Betfred) for the same - odds that have grown overnight.
Sunak’s party are also 13/8 (Betfair) to gain just 50-99 seats.
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So, after the first debate we can conclude that Sunak has done virtually nothing to raise his hopes of being democratically elected as the leader of the UK.
Is there anything he can do to change that? Probably not, but he’ll have another opportunity on Friday in the BBC’s seven-party debate. Though, I wouldn’t bet on any of the other parties letting up.
If you are interested in the latest General Election Odds, and in particular the odds for your local constituency, then check out our UK Constituency Map HERE.
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