Displaying items by tag: conservatives

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a heated final debate before the general election on 4 July, clashing over tax, immigration, gender, and Brexit. Sunak accused Starmer of planning tax hikes and lacking a strategy for illegal immigration. Starmer countered by criticising Sunak's unfunded tax promises and alleged detachment from voters. Both faced tough questions from the audience, including doubts about their suitability as leaders. Starmer also accused Sunak of being 'bullied' into addressing the scandal involving a number of Tory candidates betting on the election date. Sunak defended his actions as necessary due to the seriousness of the matter. See This scandal has hit the Conservatives at a critical moment, potentially jeopardising their already shaky election prospects. Keir Starmer has called for accountability, emphasising that such actions are unacceptable.

Following the European Parliament election, the European People's Party (EPP) has secured 184 seats, a quarter of the 720-member chamber. Far-right groups also made significant gains. The centre-left Socialists and Democrats remained stable, but the liberal Renew Europe group suffered significant losses. EPP leader Manfred Weber emphasised the party's alignment with industry, rural areas, and farmers. The party might form a coalition with socialists and liberals or negotiate with right-wing parties without alienating centrists. Far-right parties like France's National Rally and Italy's Brothers of Italy made notable strides, while Spain's Vox party lost ground to a new far-right party. If unified, the far right would be the second-largest force in Parliament. Ursula von der Leyen's re-election prospects as Commissioner are uncertain, as she needs full support from the three centrist groups.