Sir Keir Starmer has dodged questions about Diane Abbott as he launched Labour’s battle bus in west London.
The Labour leader was asked about saying she could stand after an intervention by his deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner, who said Ms Abbott should be permitted to run, in a break with her party leader.
But at the launch, refusing to be dragged into the debate again, Sir Keir repeatedly claimed: “I dealt with this yesterday”. Ms Rayner stood next to him as he answered – or rather didn’t answer – the question.
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has denied that he is trying to “buy votes” as he faced questions about his plan to invest in 30 towns as part of his party’s “levelling-up” agenda.
He said he was “not going to make any apology for supporting towns”, adding that the methodology for selecting them was the same as previous efforts.
“These 30 towns come on top of the 70 towns that have been announced – that’s 100 towns across our country that are going to receive £20 million each,” he said.
Mapped: Where have the parties been campaigning today?
It has been a busy day for campaigning as both the Labour Party and the Conservatives launched their battle buses, set to drive across the country for the next five weeks.
The Reform Party, meanwhile, held a large event at the The Rifle Volunteer in Ashfield, Lee Anderson’s constituency. Both Mr Lee and Nigel Farage spoke at the event.
Below, you can see where Rishi Sunak, his counterpart Sir Keir and Mr Lee have been today.
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Sunak denies trying to ‘buy votes’ with levelling up agenda
Rishi Sunak has faced questions about his plan to invest in 30 towns as part of his party’s “levelling-up” agenda, with broadcasters asking whether the Prime Minister was trying to “buy votes”.
Mr Sunak replied: “These 30 towns come on top of the 70 towns that have been announced – that’s 100 towns across our country that are going to receive £20 million each.
“Crucially, it will be local people in all those areas that are in charge of how to spend that money, to make sure it’s spent and invested on their priorities – an example of us levelling up everywhere, backing local people and their priorities, and giving them the long-term funding and assurance to do so.”
Mr Sunak claimed the methodology used to select the towns – including Tamworth, Bognor Regis, Flint, Perth and Newry – had been used “multiple times before” based on “levelling-up needs, looking at economic opportunity, skills, health and life expectancy”.
He claimed towns were “neglected” under a previous Labour government and added: “I’m not going to make any apology for supporting towns.”
Battle of the buses: Labour and Conservatives both launch campaign vehicles
Conservative battle bus leaves on campaign trail
The Conservative battle bus has embarked on the campaign trail.
The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, emblazoned with blue Tory livery and the party’s campaign slogan “clear plan, bold action, secure future” will transport campaigners and journalists across the UK during the next five weeks.
The coach is Ulez compliant, meaning it can travel in and out of London without incurring charges, and is rated to Euro 6 emission standards.
The vehicle was used until recently as transport for Oxford United before the football team’s promotion to the EFL Championship.
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Sunak says he ‘loves the merch’ as he arrives at Conservative busy campaign
The Conservative Party’s election campaign battle bus was emblazoned with the slogan “clear plan, bold action, secure future”.
Ahead of Rishi Sunak’s arrival for a stump speech, a soundtrack of indie and pop from the 2000s and 2010s played while Tory supporters held placards.
Songs included Mr Brightside by the Killers, and Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People, two US bands.
Tory candidates Jill Mortimer and Matt Vickers were present, as was housing minister Jacob Young, who introduced the Prime Minister.
“I love the merch,” Mr Sunak said to Ms Mortimer, who was wearing a navy polo shirt with the party logo which read “Jill Mortimer for Hartlepool”.
