Ned Simons
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Articles by Ned Simons
Labour Party Manifesto Key Points: Keir Starmer Promises To 'Stop The Chaos' Of Tory Rule
Ned Simons 13 June 2024 at 7:46 am·2-min read OLI SCARFF via Getty Images Keir Starmer launched Labour’s general election manifesto on Thursday as he pledge to “change” the country if he becomes prime minister. In keeping with Labour’s cautious approach to the campaign, there are no big headline grabbing surprises in the 133-page document. But Starmer defended the manifesto from suggestions it was too boring to capture the imagination of voters.
Fresh Election Campaign Blow For Rishi Sunak As NHS Waiting Lists Rise
Ned Simons 13 June 2024 at 5:58 am·2-min read Alison Jackson via Getty Images Rishi Sunak has been dealt another blow as official figures showed NHS waiting lists have increased. Official statistics published on Thursday showed the waiting list for planned NHS treatment in England rose in April to 7.57 million, up from 7.54 million in March.
David Cameron Squirms When Pressed Over His Role In Sunak's Infamous D-Day Snub
David Cameron Squirms When Pressed Over His Role In Sunak's Infamous D-Day Snub David Cameron has repeatedly refused to say whether he warned Rishi Sunak not to leave the D-Day commemorations early. “I am not going to get into my advice or my department’s advice to the prime minister,” the foreign secretary told Times Radio on Thursday. Cameron repeated the dodge in subsequent interviews.
Grant Shapps Begs Voters Not To Give Labour A 'Super Majority'
Grant Shapps has begged voters not to give Keir Starmer a “super majority”, as the latest polls suggest the Tories are on course for a heavy defeat on July 4. The defence secretary said on Wednesday it would be “very bad news” for the country if Labour had “unchecked power”. Labour has held a commanding poll lead for some time. A YouGov survey on Tuesday put Labour on 38%, the Tories on 18%, Reform UK on 17%, the Lib Dems on 15%, the Greens on 8% and the SNP on 2%.
Conservative Manifesto At A Glance: Rishi Sunak Promises New Tax Cuts
Rishi Sunak launched the Conservative Party’s general election manifesto on Thursday, in what could be his last chance to try and grab the attention of voters before they got to the polls. The prime minister said he was promising “bold action” as he unveiled the document at the Silverstone racetrack in Northamptonshire. Here is a quick guide to the headline measures and promises included in the booklet.
Rishi Sunak Told He's A 'Quinoa Salad' Compared To Nigel Farage 'Sunday Roast'
Rishi Sunak was told he is the “quinoa salad” to Nigel Farage’s “Sunday roast” during a BBC interview. The prime minister clashed with veteran presenter Nick Robinson on Monday evening. Reform UK, the populist party now led by Farage, poses a serious threat from the right to the Conservatives at the election on July 4. Robinson told Sunak: “The problem with that is that Nigel Farage has destroyed David Cameron’s premiership. He helped bring down Theresa May and he’s now coming for you.
Rishi Sunak Told He's A 'Quinoa Salad' Compared To Nigel Farage's 'Sunday Roast'
Ned Simons 10 June 2024 at 4:04 pm·1-min read Rishi Sunak BBC Rishi Sunak was told he is the “quinoa salad” to Nigel Farage’s “Sunday roast” during a BBC interview. The prime minister clashed with veteran presenter Nick Robinson on Monday evening. Reform UK, the populist party now led by Farage, poses a serious threat from the right to the Conservatives at the election on July 4. Robinson told Sunak: “The problem with that is that Nigel Farage has destroyed David Cameron’s premiership.
Rishi Sunak Told He's A 'Quinoa Salad' Compared To Nigel Farage's 'Sunday Roast'
Rishi Sunak BBC Rishi Sunak was told he is the “quinoa salad” to Nigel Farage’s “Sunday roast” during a BBC interview. The prime minister clashed with veteran presenter Nick Robinson on Monday evening. Reform UK, the populist party now led by Farage, poses a serious threat from the right to the Conservatives at the election on July 4. Robinson told Sunak: “The problem with that is that Nigel Farage has destroyed David Cameron’s premiership.
'You Cut And Run': Rishi Sunak Clashes With BBC's Nick Robinson In Tetchy TV Interview
'You Cut And Run': Rishi Sunak Clashes With BBC's Nick Robinson In Tetchy TV Interview Rishi Sunak has been accused of deciding to “cut and run” by calling a snap general election, as he engaged in a combative interview on the BBC. In the clash with Nick Robinson on Monday evening, the prime minister was asked why the Tories deserved “another chance” after “all the broken promises”. Sunak admitted it had become harder to own a home during the 14-years of Conservative government.
'You Didn't Care:' Rishi Sunak Grilled Over Decision To Leave D-Day Ceremony Early
Rishi Sunak has denied he considered skipping the D-Day commemorations entirely as he struggled during a TV interview to defend leaving Normandy early. The prime minister apologised on Friday morning for flying back to the UK from France in order to record an election interview with ITV on Thursday. Speaking to broadcasters on Friday afternoon, the prime minister admitted that “on reflection” it was a “mistake” to ditch the ceremony attended by other world leaders.
'Astonishing': Tory Children's Minister Admits He Does Not Know How Much Child Benefit Is
'Astonishing': Tory Children's Minister Admits He Does Not Know How Much Child Benefit Is Tory children’s minister’s David Johnston was left squirming on Friday after being forced to admit he did not know how much child benefit is. Rishi Sunak has announced families earning six-figures will be allowed to keep some or all of their child benefit payments if the Conservatives win the election.
'Astonishing': Tory Children's Minister Admits He Does Not Know How Much Child Benefit Is
Parliament Tory children’s minister’s David Johnston was left squirming on Friday after being forced to admit he did not know how much child benefit is. Rishi Sunak has announced families earning six-figures will be allowed to keep some or all of their child benefit payments if the Conservatives win the election. But in an interview with LBC’s Nick Ferrari this morning, Johnston was unable to answer the simple question of how much child allowance is worth. “I’m afraid I don’t know.
Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething Loses No Confidence Vote
Welsh first minister Vaughan Gething has lost a vote of no confidence in his leadership in the Senedd. The result - 29 votes to 27 - is not binding and does not mean he has to resign, but it is an embarrassing blow. Wednesday’s vote was called by the Conservatives following questions over donations to Gething’s Welsh Labour leadership campaign. Labour holds half of seats in the Senedd and needed every one of its members to support Gething to win.
Diane Abbott Confirmed As Labour Candidate For General Election
Guy Smallman via Getty Images Diane Abbott has been formally confirmed as a Labour candidate for the general election, following a meeting of the party’s ruling National Executive Committee. The veteran left-winger will be allowed to stand for re-election in Hackney North and Stoke Newington, the seat she has held since 1987. Abbott, Britain’s first black female MP, was embroiled in a bitter row over whether she would be allowed to stand.
'How Can Anyone Trust You?': Rishi Sunak Slammed By Voter Over Partygate Fine
'How Can Anyone Trust You?': Rishi Sunak Slammed By Voter Over Partygate Fine Rishi Sunak has been asked why people should “trust” him given he was handed a police fine for breaking Covid lockdown rules as part of the partygate scandal. Speaking to voters on Thursday, the prime minister was confronted by a man who said his mother died during the pandemic. “That was the month when all the parties were going on in Downing Street,” he said.
Diane Abbott Should Be Allowed To Stand As Labour Candidate, Says Angela Rayner
Diane Abbott Should Be Allowed To Stand As Labour Candidate, Says Angela Rayner Diane Abbott should be allowed to stand as a Labour candidate at the general election, Angela Rayner has said. “I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand as a Labour MP going forward,” Labour’s deputy leader told ITV News on Thursday. Rayner’s intervention comes amid a growing row within the party over whether Abbott will be banned from seeking re-election as a Labour candidate.
Diane Abbott Has Not Been Banned From Standing For Labour, Says Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer has said it is “not true” that Diane Abbott has been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the general election. The veteran MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington has been given the Labour whip back after a lengthy suspension. But it has been reported she will not be allowed to stand for re-election as a Labour candidate in the seat she has represented since 1987. Abbott said she was “dismayed” at the suggestion she would be blocked.
Diane Abbott 'Dismayed' At Reports She Is Banned From Standing As Labour Candidate
Diane Abbott 'Dismayed' At Reports She Is Banned From Standing As Labour Candidate Diane Abbott has said she is “dismayed” by reports she has been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the election. The veteran MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said she had been given the Labour whip back after a lengthy suspension. But it has been reported she still will not be allowed to stand for re-election as a Labour candidate in the seat she has represented since 1987.
Keir Starmer And Rishi Sunak Agree Date Of First General Election TV Debate
Keir Starmer And Rishi Sunak Agree Date Of First General Election TV Debate Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak will take part in a head-to-head debate on ITV on June 4, the broadcaster has announced. The Labour leader and prime minister will face each other in the first televised debate of the campaign at 9pm on Tuesday. It will last an hour and be be moderated by Julie Etchingham, who took on the same role at debates in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Police Drop Angela Rayner Council House Investigation
Angela Rayner will face “no further police action” over allegations about her living arrangements, Greater Manchester Police have said. Labour’s deputy leader had been accused of breaking electoral law after providing the wrong information about where she lived before she was an MP. Rayner had always denied any wrongdoing and said she would stand down from her job if found to have committed an offence.
Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey Falls Off Paddleboard 'On Purpose'
Ed Davey deliberately threw himself off a paddleboard on Tuesday, as the Lib Dem leader battled for attention in the first full week of the election campaign. The Lib Dems have a long history of staging eye-catching stunts to avoid their message being drowned out by the Tories and Labour. During a campaign stop at Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Davey took a paddleboard into the water then fell off it repeatedly. Asked by the BBC is he had jumped in “on purpose”, Davey confessed: “Once I did.
Keir Starmer Blasts Rishi Sunak's 'Desperation' And 'Weakness'
Keir Starmer has said he is fed up of “wasting” his life in opposition, as he attacked “weak” and “desperate” Rishi Sunak. Speaking in West Sussex on Monday, the Labour leader said there had been a “smile on my face since January 1” because he “knew this was going to be election year”. At the start of the first full week of campaigning, Starmer laughed off Tory attempts to copy Donald Trump’s insults by branding him “sleepy”.
Parents Could Be Prosecuted If Children Refuse National Service, Suggests Minister
Parents could be prosecuted if their children refuse to sign up to the Conservative’s national service programme, a minister has suggested. Rishi Sunak has said he will introduce a new “mandatory” scheme in which every 18-year-old would have to either join the military or spend one weekend a month carrying out a community service. In an interview on Monday, Anne-Marie Trevelyan was asked if parents could be fined in the same way they are if their children skip school.
Just Three Days Ago A Tory Defence Minister Slammed The Idea Of National Service
A Tory defence minister slammed the idea of reintroducing national service just three days before Rishi Sunak announced it as one of his key general election pledges. The prime minister announced on Sunday if he wins the election he will introduce the “mandatory” new scheme. Under the policy, every 18-year-old would have to either join the military or spend one weekend a month carrying out a community service.
Just Three Days Ago A Tory Defence Minister Slammed The Idea Of National Service
Ned Simons 26 May 2024 at 10:05 am·2-min read Rishi Sunak leaves after a Conservative general election campaign event in Stanmore (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe - WPA Pool/Getty Images) WPA Pool via Getty Images A Tory defence minister slammed the idea of reintroducing national service just three days before Rishi Sunak announced it as one of his key general election pledges. The prime minister announced on Sunday if he wins the election he will introduce the “mandatory” new scheme.
No Jail For 18-Year-Olds Who Refuse National Service, Says James Cleverly
James Cleverly has said 18-year-olds would not be sent to jail if they refused to take part in the Conservative’s national service plan. Rishi Sunak has announced if he wins the election he will introduce the “mandatory” new scheme. Under the policy, every 18-year-old would have to either join the military or spend one weekend a month carrying out a community service. Labour has ridiculed the idea as nothing more than a “headline-grabbing gimmick”.
No Jail For 18-Year-Olds Who Refuse National Service, Says James Cleverly
Ned Simons 26 May 2024 at 3:52 am·1-min read James Cleverly Sky News James Cleverly has said 18-year-olds would not be sent to jail if they refused to take part in the Conservative’s national service plan. Rishi Sunak has announced if he wins the election he will introduce the “mandatory” new scheme. Under the policy, every 18-year-old would have to either join the military or spend one weekend a month carrying out a community service.
Keir Starmer Agrees To General Election TV Debates With 'Desperate' Rishi Sunak
Keir Starmer has said he will take part in live general election TV debates with Rishi Sunak. The Conservatives are reported to want one debate for every week of the six week long campaign. It seems more likely Labour will agree to just two, one on the BBC and on one ITV. Speaking to Sky News on Friday morning, Starmer dismissed Tory claims he was “too scared” to debate Sunak head-to-head. “Of course there are going to be TV debates,” he said.
Jeremy Corbyn Confirms He Will Stand As Independent Candidate At General Election
Jeremy Corbyn has announced he will stand as an independent candidate at the general election. The former Labour leader is the longtime MP for Islington North but has been banned by the party from standing as its candidate. Labour has narrowed its choice of who to replace Corbyn as its candidate in the seat to two people. Sem Moema, a member of the London Assembly, and Islington councillor Praful Nargund, will be picked by the party.
'Who?': Voter Doesn't Recognise Rishi Sunak's Name On Day One Of Election Campaign
Rishi Sunak was given a reminder on Thursday that being prime minister does not necessarily mean everyone knows who you are. The prime minister embarked on a whistle-stop tour of the UK on Thursday at the start of the general election campaign. In Gillingham, ITV’s deputy political editor Anushka Asthana quizzed members of the public on their views. “What do you think of Rushi Sunak?” she asked one woman. She replied: “Who?
Voter In Rishi Sunak Campaign Video Came 'Close' To 'Clobbering' The Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak’s election campaign has been hit by another blunder after he released a video featuring a voter who said he came “close” to hitting him. The prime minister yesterday made the surprise announcement that the general election would be held on July 4. A slick promotional video published on X by Sunak, showed him delivering the speech in Downing Street and meeting voters across the country.
Nigel Farage Decides Not To Stand For Parliament At General Election
Nigel Farage has announced he will not seek to become an MP at the general election on July 4. The former Brexit Party leader is currently honorary president of Reform UK which is challenging the Conservatives from the right. But in a statement posted to X on Thursday morning, Farage said it was “not the right time” for him to stand for election. Farage, a supporter of Donald Trump, said instead he wanted to help with the “grassroots campaign” in the United States presidential election.
Rishi Sunak Admits No Rwanda Deportation Flights Before July 4 General Election
Rishi Sunak has admitted flights taking asylum seekers to Rwanda will not take off before the general election. The prime minister has said he will “stop the boats” carrying migrants across the channel by sending anyone who makes the crossing to the east African country. But speaking to LBC on Thursday morning, he conceded for the first time this would not happen before July 4. “I’ve said the first flights will go in July. If I am elected we will get the flights off after the election,” he said.
Rishi Sunak Hits Lowest Poll Rating As General Election Speculation Mounts
Rishi Sunak has hit record low personal poll rating, amid speculation he could call a snap general election for the summer as soon as today. A YouGov survey published on Wednesday showed only 20% of people had a positive view of him while 71% have a negative view. The figures give a net favourability score of -51, Sunak’s joint lowest to date (with January).
'Is He Feart?': Sunak Mocked Amid Speculation He Will Call A Snap Summer General Election
Rishi Sunak has refused to deny rumours he is about to call a snap summer general election. Westminster was awash with speculation that the prime minister could set the date as soon as today. At PMQs, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn demanded Sunak stop playing “games” with the public. “Speculation is rife so I think the public deserves a clear answer to a simple question,” he said. “Does the prime intend to call a summer general election?
'Why Do You Hate Pensioners?: Rishi Sunak Suffers Brutal Loose Women Grilling
Rishi Sunak was left flailing as he as subjected to a brutal interview on ITV’s Loose Women. The prime minister was tackled over child poverty and asked “why do you hate pensioners”. Sunak was also told many voters did not believe he was able to “emotionally connect” with ordinary people. At the start of the 15-minute grilling, Sunak indicated he was expecting a rough ride. “I have done a lot of things in this job but being here is probably on the more intimidating end,” he said.
'A Jumped-Up Milk Monitor': Keir Starmer Mocks Rishi Sunak Over Rainbow Lanyard Ban
Keir Starmer has mocked Rishi Sunak for “confiscating lanyards like some jumped-up milk monitor” rather than cracking down on crime. Esther McVey, the so-called common sense minister, announced on Monday that civil servants would be banned from wearing rainbow lanyards. She said sshe was determined to take on the “left-wing politically correct woke warriors” in the public sector. At PMQs today, the Labour leader said: “On Monday the prime minister treated us to his seventh relaunch in 18-months.
Elphicke Defection Not An 'Error Of Judgement' By Keir Starmer, Says Jon Ashworth
Keir Starmer did not make an “error of judgement” when he accepted former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke into the Labour Party, shadow cabinet minister Jonathan Ashworth has said. Elphicke, the MP for Dover, shocked Westminster when she sensationally defected to Labour on Wednesday. But many Labour MPs are unhappy given her right-wing views on immigration and previous support for her ex-husband who was found guilty of sexual assault.
David Cameron Says Banning UK Arms Sales To Israel Would Strengthen Hamas
David Cameron has said cutting British arms sales to Israel would strengthen Hamas, as the government comes under pressure to impose an export ban. The foreign secretary said Israel did not have a “clean bill of health” when it came to its military operations in Gaza. But speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, he said the government would not block weapons being sold.
Keir Starmer Defends Accepting Tory Defector Natalie Elphicke Into Labour Party
Keir Starmer has defended welcoming former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke into the Labour Party, arguing politics should be less “tribal”. Elphicke, the MP for Dover, shocked Westminster when she sensationally defected to Labour on Wednesday. Her decision to cross the floor at the start of PMQs was another blow to Rishi Sunak in the wake of the local election results. But Starmer has also come under pressure from within Labour over the move, given Elphicke’s right-wing views on immigration.
Tory MP Natalie Elphicke Defects To Labour Party In Another Blow For Rishi Sunak
GLYN KIRK via Getty Images Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour, in another humiliating blow for Rishi Sunak following his hammering at the local elections. The MP for Dover’s defection come as pollsters continue to predict that the Tories are heading for a heavy defeat at the general election. The Conservatives lost nearly 500 council seats at the local elections last week, as well as all but one mayoral race.
Poll: People Do Not Believe Rishi Sunak's Claim There Will Be A Hung Parliament
Britons overwhelming do not believe Rishi Sunak’s claim the country is heading towards a hung parliament at the next election, a new poll has found. The prime minister said he believes the local election results - which saw Tories get roundly beaten - actually show Labour will fall short of a overall majority. But according to a YouGov survey published on Tuesday, only 18% of people agree with Sunak. The poll showed 57% of people expect there to be a Labour majority after the general election.
General Election Still 'Some Months' Away After Local Elections Drubbing, Says Cabinet Minister
Rishi Sunak will not call the general election until the autumn despite a disastrous set of local election results, a cabinet minister has signalled. Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, said on Tuesday morning the election was still “some months” away. The Conservatives lost nearly 500 council seats at the local elections last week, as well as all but one mayoral race.
Labour Wins West Midlands Mayor Election In Another Huge Blow For Rishi Sunak
Labour has dramatically won the West Midlands mayoral contest in another stunning blow for Rishi Sunak. Richard Parker narrowly defeated Tory incumbent Andy Street following a nail-biting count which went right down to the wire. In the end, he came from behind to win by just 1,508 votes following the final count in the borough of Sandwell.
Rishi Sunak Humiliated As Labour Wins Mayoral Race In His Own Constituency
Rishi Sunak has been left humiliated after Labour won the mayor’s race in his own backyard. David Skaith was elected the new mayor of York and North Yorkshire, which takes in the prime minister’s Richmond constituency. He won with 66,761 votes, comfortably ahead of Tory Keane Duncan in second with 51,967 votes. The result was another major blow for Sunak on what is turning out to be another set of terrible local elections.
Tories Win Tees Valley Mayor Race In Relief For Rishi Sunak
Conservative Ben Houchen has won re-election to a third term as mayor of Tees Valley, a result that will come as a huge relief for Rishi Sunak. Holding the mayoralty in the north of England was seen as one of the key tests for the prime minister at the local elections in England. If Houchen had lost, it would have increased the panic among Tory MPs about a looming general election defeat and further destabilised Sunak’s position in No.10.
Local Election Results 2024: Tories Risk Being 'Annihilated' At General Election, Says Polling Guru
The Conservatives risk being “almost annihilated” at the general election, one of the country’s leading polling experts has warned. Professor Michael Thrasher said the results of the local elections looked to be “very bad news” for Rishi Sunak. The Sky News election analyst said the Conservative vote had collapsed among its base of Leave voters. Early results showed the Tories are well on course to lose hundreds of council seats across England.
When To Expect Key Results From The 2024 Local Elections
The next 48-hours are set to be crucial for Rishi Sunak, perhaps even determining if he will remain as Tory leader and prime minister. Polls opened at 7am on Thursday in England and Wales’ local elections, the last big test for Sunak and Keir Starmer before the general election. A bad night for the Tories – who are currently on just just 18% of the national vote according to one poll – could see disgruntled Conservative MPs try and oust Sunak.
Rishi Sunak Accused Of 'Reckless Assault' On Disabled People In Benefits Crackdown
Rishi Sunak has been accused of launching a “reckless assault” on disabled people as he plans a crackdown on benefit payments. A major overhaul of the welfare system could see people with depression and anxiety stripped of their benefits. Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said a “surge” in claims for mental health conditions needed to be tackled. But critics said the move was about “cutting the benefits bill” regardless of the impact on those receiving the payments.
Humza Yousaf Resigns As Scottish First Minister And SNP Leader
Humza Yousaf has resigned as Scotland’s first minister and SNP leader after barely a year in the job. He announced he was quitting just days before he was due to face a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament.
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