August 5, 2022
2 mins read

Sunak scores surprise debate win over Truss

Burley also challenged Truss on her comments soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that she would back Brits going to fight on the Ukrainian side…reports Asian Lite News

Rishi Sunak on Thursday appeared to score a surprise win with a studio audience at a key debate with frontrunner Liz Truss in the race to become Britain’s next prime minister.

While opinion polls back Truss to win the vote among Conservative party members, those sitting in the audience at the Sky News debate overwhelmingly supported Sunak in a show of hands — after an electronic voting system broke down.

Truss had faced acerbic questioning from presenter Kay Burley, including a run-through of her policy U-turns and the question: “Will the real Liz Truss please stand up?”

Truss had earlier been forced into another U-turn after a damaging statement by her campaign team on Monday that the government could save £8.8 billion ($10.75 billion) a year if it paid lower salaries to public sector workers who lived outside London.

“You wanted to cut civil servants’ pay in the regions and then you said you didn’t,” Burley said, listing her policy U-turns.

Truss insisted the proposal was misrepresented by media.

“Should good leaders own their mistakes, or should they blame others?” Burley asked her.

“I’m not blaming anybody else. I’m not. I’m not. I’m saying the policy has been misrepresented by various people,” Truss said, appearing flustered.

Burley also challenged Truss on her comments soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that she would back Brits going to fight on the Ukrainian side.

British fighters have since been captured and convicted as mercenaries and face a potential death penalty in the Donetsk separatist region.

Truss stressed the travel advice was always that British people should not go to Ukraine.

Sunak also faced tough questioning and a quip about his taste in designer loafers.

“People feel that you can’t walk a mile in their shoes because you’re walking in your Prada shoes,” Burley told Sunak, whose father-in-law is a billionaire.

She mocked Sunak’s insistence on his humble roots as he mentioned that his father was a doctor in the national health service (NHS).

“I grew up in an NHS household, you may have heard on this campaign,” he said.

“He never mentions it!” Burley interjected.

The final vote showed a larger number of hands for Sunak than for Truss, as Burley admitted: “I wasn’t expecting that.”

The result of the vote between Truss and Sunak, to decide who will replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is due on September 5.

ALSO READ-Sunak, Truss spar over tax plans

Previous Story

Nigel Adams visits Japan ahead of Osaka Expo 2025

Next Story

Women’s team extends unbeaten run at Chess Olympiad

Latest from -Top News

Chad Ends French Military Presence

In November 2024, Chad announced the end of the security and defence cooperation agreement with France…reports Asian Lite News Chad on Thursday announced a full withdrawal of French troops from the Central

UAE receives first Rafale jet 

In a landmark deal with France’s Dassault Aviation, the UAE Ministry of Defence has inaugurated its first Rafale fighter jet, marking a major step in modernizing its military capabilities. The acquisition includes

DXB sets new benchmark, targets 100m passengers 

Dubai International (DXB) has broken its own record, welcoming 92.3 million passengers in 2024, reaffirming its place as the world’s busiest airport for international travel.    Dubai International (DXB) has marked a

Third Gaza hostage exchange complete 

A significant moment unfolded as Palestinian prisoners were welcomed in Ramallah, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu celebrated the return of three Israeli hostages freed from Gaza.  On Thursday, a significant moment unfolded
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Business chiefs urge Sunak to be specific about growth plans

Downing Street later said businesses were being encouraged to invest

Eight in race for No. 10

The number of contenders will be whittled down to two