How the media reacted to the BBC general election debate – Who won?
The BBC general election debate saw Prime Minister Rishi Sunak face Sir Kier Starmer in the final TV clash before the July 4 election. In what the BBC’s political editor Chris Mason described as the “campaign’s most free-flowing debate” both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition came out fighting, trading barbs over immigration, welfare and taxes.
So, how did the UK media cover it?
The newspapers dig their heels into their camps with the left-leaning papers leading on the betting scandal engulfing the Conservative Party, whilst the right-leaning newspapers scrutinise Starmer’s plan – or lack of it – to deal with the small boats crossings.
The Guardian says the BBC debate was “tetchy” as Sir Keir took aim at the Tories’ “culture at the top” following the latest news on the general election betting scandal – more and more Tories are being investigated and more names are expected to come out.
The right-leaning newspapers have a different take on the last TV debate.
The Daily Express points out that Sir Keir Starmer failed “nine times” during the debate to give an answer on how his party would tackle the small boats crisis. The Daily Mail offers up its verdict on the debate. “You are taking people for fools.” The paper says Sunak took aim at Labour’s “nonsensical” plans to tackle illegal migration. The paper says he then opened “a second front” by accusing the Labour leader of “not being straight with people” about his tax plans’
The Telegraph focuses on Rishi Sunak’s warning to voters “not to surrender Britain to Labour.” The paper points out the prime minister repeatedly used the word “surrender” during the debate as he criticised Labour’s policies. “Sunak rams home tax message” is the Times’ headline as it says the prime minister hammered home his tax warnings about Labour’s leader – while Sir Keir accused the Tory leader of being out of touch with the UK.
So, who won the debate?
In the final televised debate between Labour leader Keir Starmer and the PM, Rishi Sunak secured a narrow victory after a mid-debate surge. Despite this, it’s unlikely to change the overall campaign outcome.
Sunak started the night looking tired and subdued, repeating well-worn attack lines on Labour that haven’t boosted his party’s poll ratings. This low-energy performance surprised many, especially since Labour had expected a more vigorous approach from Sunak.
In their first debate, Sunak had been dynamic and focused, emphasising that Labour’s policies would increase taxes for households. No 10 had pushed hard for these debates, initially seeking six but eventually settling for two head-to-heads.
With only a week until the polls, Labour knew Sunak was running out of time to win over voters. Starmer appeared more relaxed and prepared, gaining the first significant applause by accusing Sunak of being “out of touch.”
Sunak’s low point came when he had to read from his notes, but he regained momentum when discussing a recent story about Labour’s costly decarbonisation plans. He challenged Starmer to clarify his policies, leading to a lively exchange.
Sunak repeatedly urged viewers not to “surrender” to Labour’s plans, including on taxes and borders. Starmer faced a tough moment when he criticised Sunak for supporting Liz Truss, only to be reminded by the moderator of his own support for Jeremy Corbyn.
Sunak’s performance was marginally better than Starmer’s – if you’re looking for a winner. But polling since has suggested it made no difference to the voters.
The debate’s real standout moment came from an audience member, Robert, who asked if Starmer and Sunak were really the best candidates for prime minister. This question received the biggest applause of the night.