Sunak Warns Voting for Reform is a ‘Blank Cheque’ for Labour Amidst Election Poll Shake-Up

Rishi Sunak has stated that a vote for Reform would essentially give Labour a 'blank cheque,' as he addressed the recent poll results. Despite a YouGov survey showing Reform slightly surpassing the Tories by one point, Sunak refuted Nigel Farage's assertion that Reform is now the main challenger to Labour. He also committed to remaining active in politics for at least another five years, regardless of the election results.

Political reporter @tamcohen

Friday, June 14, 2024, 10:

Rishi Sunak has reacted to a survey indicating that Nigel Farage's Reform Party is outpacing the Conservatives, stating that casting a vote for the Reform Party would effectively be "handing a blank cheque to Labour."

Addressing the media during the G7 summit in Italy, the prime minister stated: "The election campaign is only at its midpoint, so I am continuing to vigorously campaign for every vote."

"The survey indicates that the critical poll is set for July 4th. Should the results of that date mirror this survey, it would essentially give the Labour Party free reign to impose taxes on everything—people's homes, pensions, cars, and families. I am committed to working tirelessly to prevent this from occurring."

The prime minister declared his intention to remain in politics for another five years, regardless of the election results.

Breaking News: Reform Party Surpasses Conservatives in Recent Polls

When questioned whether he would pledge to complete a full five-year term as prime leader if elected, and also commit to a five-year term as a member of parliament if he does not win, he responded with a straightforward: "Yes. Yes."

He additionally responded negatively when asked if he intended to alter his campaign strategies due to the challenge posed by Reform.

Mr. Sunak dismissed Mr. Farage's claim that his party is now the main challenger to Labour, following a YouGov survey that showed Reform at 19% and the Conservatives at only 18%.

The prime minister stated, "In fact, during my interactions with the public, I've found that people comprehend that casting a ballot for any non-Conservative candidate essentially amounts to supporting Keir Starmer's entry into Number 10."

Later, Treasury Chief Secretary Laura Trott commented that the survey served as a "stark warning," suggesting that if the upcoming election mirrored these results, it could lead to Sir Keir Starmer having "unchecked power."

During a discussion at a gathering, representatives from the Conservative Party claimed that the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, might implement 18 different tax increases, citing the party's failure to explicitly dismiss these potential hikes.

Labour's Deputy Treasury spokesperson, Darren Jones, stated that Ms. Trott was discussing a concept "they have concocted that Labour is not pursuing."

Mr. Sunak emphasized, “If your priorities are reduced taxes, decreased immigration, safeguarded pensions, or a practical strategy towards achieving net zero, then casting your vote for the Conservatives is the only way to ensure these outcomes.”

"When individuals consider what they expect from an upcoming administration, if you're someone interested in maintaining strict border regulations, you can count on us to provide that."

Tracking the General Election Polls

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He continued, "Labour won't offer that – they plan to scrap the Rwanda policy and they're not implementing a cap on legal migration… nor a practical strategy for achieving net zero.

"I've previously declared that Labour intends to roll back those changes, which would result in increased bills for everyone due to the expenses associated with achieving net zero.

"If you're looking to secure your pension, our party alone proposes the enhanced triple lock system. Particularly this week, as the contrasting strategies of the two parties become evident, it will likely clarify the choices for voters on election day."

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When questioned about whether the Conservative Party was dealing with a fundamental threat, Mr. Sunak highlighted that the release of both party's manifestos revealed a significant divergence in their tax policies.

"He expressed his commitment to reducing your tax burden throughout all phases of your life, whether you are employed, starting a business, purchasing your initial home, enjoying retirement, living as a pensioner, or raising a family – aiming to lower taxes for everyone," he stated.

The Labour Party consistently fails to specify which taxes will increase, yet they are planning to raise them. As evidenced yesterday, they intend to elevate the tax burden to unprecedented levels in the nation's history.

"That's the decision facing every voter at the polls."

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