Starmer avoids questions about Abbott as Sunak defends promise of cash for towns
Both leaders unveiled their parties’ battle buses as campaigning entered its second weekend.
Sir Keir Starmer avoided questions about Diane Abbott, while Rishi Sunak rejected accusations of buying votes with cash promises for towns.
On Saturday, both leaders introduced their campaign buses that will travel across the country until polling day on July 4.
The Labour leader, in west London, launched his red campaign coach with the slogan “Change” and a commitment to re-employ people.
Sir Keir chose not to discuss the Diane Abbott issue, stating, “I handled that matter yesterday.”
On Friday, he finally allowed the long-time left-winger to run for election after internal party struggles dominated his campaign.
As Sir Keir tried to move forward, Mr. Sunak criticized his Labour opponent for reversing his stance on Abbott’s candidacy.
During a speech near the Tories’ blue battle bus, the prime minister criticized his opponent for inconsistency in his statements.
Mr. Sunak defended his plan to allocate £20 million to 30 towns, emphasizing that the selection process was based on specific criteria and aimed at empowering local communities.
The Tories pledged that the towns would have control over how the funds are utilized, focusing on economic growth, skills development, and overall community well-being.
Mr. Sunak ensured that his campaign extends to all regions of the country, not just Tory-held seats.
He emphasized the Conservative Party’s plan to boost employment while dismissing Labour’s proposals.
Sir Keir announced proposed reforms for employment support and welfare benefits to raise the employment rate and ensure opportunities for young people.
The Institute For Public Policy Research (IPPR) commended these policies as a step toward a high-quality public employment service.
Sir Keir and his deputy Angela Rayner launched the Labour battle bus and embarked on a 5,000-mile journey to crucial election battlegrounds.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey took a break from campaigning to spend time with his family after a week of attention-grabbing activities.
Nigel Farage campaigned in Ashfield with Reform UK candidate Lee Anderson, who was previously the only MP for the party before Parliament dissolved.
George Galloway’s Workers Party of Britain initiated its general election campaign in Ms. Rayner’s Ashton-under-Lyne seat.
