UK elections: Truss, Sunak trade charges in acrimonious first TV debate

Rishi Sunak launched repeated attacks on the economic policies of the favorite Liz Truss in their first head-to-head TV debate.

The battle to become the UK’s next Prime Minister descended into fierce clashes on Monday night as Rishi Sunak launched repeated attacks on the economic policies of the favorite Liz Truss in their first head-to-head TV debate.

The two Conservative leadership hopefuls traded blows over tax cuts, China, and inflation, with the former chancellor Sunak accusing the foreign secretary of seeking “a short-term sugar rush” by cutting national insurance.

Truss accused her former cabinet colleague of raising taxes to their highest level for 70 years.

The exchanges at the BBC debate followed a weekend of deeply personal attacks – with Sunak criticized over his wealth and wardrobe, as Truss faced claims she was economically illiterate while being reminded that she was formerly a remainder.

Sunak, widely seen as having to make up crucial ground to win over the Conservative membership, who will vote from 5 August, repeatedly described his opponent’s plans on the economy as “not conservative”.

It may be mentioned here that although Rishi Sunak comfortably won the leadership race among Tory MPs, Liz Truss is the favorite to win after a series of opinion polls and surveys put her firmly ahead with party members.

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