Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss fight during heated debate about Tory leadership on TV | Political news
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have stepped up blue-on-blue attacks in a heated confrontation that has seen them clash over taxes, the schools they go to and their allegiance to Boris Johnson.
The pair were discussed their economic policies, China and even earrings in their first live televised debate since breaking into the top two in the race for the helm. Tory.
They appeared in a quick poll of the best performers, with Mr. Sunak leading with 39%, compared with Ms. Truss with 38%.
The debate began with a particularly heated discussion about the economy – which is a key boundary in the race to succeed Mr Johnson.
Former prime minister Mr Sunak insisted there was “nothing Conservative” about Ms Truss’ approach and it would leave the party “absolutely no chance” of winning the next election.
The Secretary of State, Ms. Truss, thinks her opponent will lead the country into a recession and accuses him of a “dead and bleak” economy.
As well as reversing the National Insurance tax increase, Ms. Truss said she would introduce an economic growth plan “immediately” if she becomes prime minister, along with imposing a moratorium on the energy tax. green quantity.
Ms Truss said her plan would see the government start paying off its debt in three years’ time, but Mr Sunak hit back: “You’ve promised more than £40 billion in tax cuts – an additional £40 billion in borrowing .
“It’s the credit card of the country and it’s our children and grandchildren, everyone here who is a child will choose that card.
“There’s nothing conservative about it.”
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Poll put Sunak and Truss level
But Ms. Truss said no other country had raised taxes and accused Mr. Sunak of not having a growth plan.
Mr Sunak spoke to Ms Truss several times when he warned inflation was a 1980s problem and that it was “the problem we’re having now”, adding: “We need to be.” curb inflation.”
The heated debate comes after a weekend that saw allies of the two Tory leaders trade hopes increasingly personally attack.
The two sides also clashed over China, with Ms. Truss claiming Sunak’s new hardline stance was “promoted by the State Department”.
But it’s not all bad when the cabinet secretary compliments Mr. Sunak’s dressing sense.
Early this morning, Culture Minister Nadine Dorries attacked Mr. Sunak by comparing his expensive suit and shoes to Liz Truss’ £4.50 Claire’s Accessories earrings – and it caused quite a stir.
When asked to address the issue, Mr. Sunak said those hoping to lead should be judged “by their character and actions”.
He said he was “not born this way” because his family immigrated to the UK 60 years ago and he had previously worked as a waiter at an Indian restaurant.
‘A great admirer of his dressing sense’
Ms Truss wouldn’t completely refute Ms Dorries’ comments, but she seemed to distance herself from them when she said she wasn’t sure where her £4.50 bill for her earrings came from.
But she said she doesn’t “have any problem with how expensive other people’s clothes are” and “wouldn’t give Rishi fashion advice”, adding that she is a ” great admirer of his taste in clothing.”
Regarding Mr Johnson, Mr Sunak said the outgoing Prime Minister was “one of the most remarkable people I have met” but said he would not let him serve in his cabinet if he became prime minister.
He received a round of applause when he said his resignation was “in principle enough” due to behavioral and economic issues.
Ms. Truss would not say what will happen when she steps down. She also would not respond directly when asked if she would allow Mr Johnson to serve in her cabinet, instead saying she didn’t think that would happen.
