Dame Andrea Leadsom has announced that she will not be standing at the General Election.
The MP for South Northamptonshire, who sat in the seat for 14 years, said she had come to the decision after "careful reflection".
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will not stand at the General Election. He said he would step down as an MP after "twenty years serving the wonderful people of Surrey Heath".
In a statement, which is around two-and-a-half pages long, Gove says being asked to serve as a minister has been "the honour of my life", but adds "I also know the toll office can take, as do those closest to me".
Rishi Sunak's visit to the West Midlands has been hit by pro-Palestine demonstrators, with police sweeping in to barricade the venue.
As the PM's motorcade turned up at the venue, protesters could be seen holding banners and placards reading "Sunak supports genocide" and "Free Palestine", as they called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Police motorcyclists formed a guard in front of the location and officers had to intervene to stop some protesters running up to Sunak's car.
The Prime Minister is currently on a whirlwind tour of the UK since announcing the July 4 vote on Wednesday.
Rishi Sunak has told journalists on a plane to Belfast that he is “pumped up” and is "damn sure" he'll win the 2024 election, saying that he is “up for a fight”.
The Prime Minister has also said that he is "disappointed" that his bill banning young people from ever being able to smoke legally will be shelved before the general election.
It will not be included in legislation that will be rushed through by MPs ahead of Parliament being prorogued on Friday, along with the Renters Reform Bill, during a period known as a "wash-up".
The Labour Party was bounced into picking a candidate to challenge Jeremy Corbyn amid growing concern about the ex-Leader of the Opposition's popularity, allies of the Islington North MP have claimed.
Southside announced Praful Nargund will stand as Labour's Islington North candidate on July 4 just hours after Corbyn confirmed he will run as an independent candidate.
Islington North shortlisted Nargund alongside London Assembly Member Sem Moema.
However, Labour was expected to announce its candidate for the North London constituency next week on June 1.
JK Rowling slams Starmer for Rosie Duffield snub following trans stance
JK Rowling has criticised Sir Keir Starmer for his stance on trans issues after he excluded Rosie Duffield from a Labour campaign event on Thursday.
Duffield - despite being the only elected Labour MP in Kent -was notably absent from proceedings as the party's election campaign kicked off. The pair are understood to have a strained relationship.
When asked if she had been invited to the event, she told GB News: "No, in the seven years since being elected, I have never had an official leadership visit... I was not invited to this or any of the other recent events in Kent."
No other Labour MPs from Kent were invited to the event, with Labour preferring to highlight new candidates ahead of the July 4 election, GB News understands.
The MP for Canterbury has been vocal on trans issues and the protection of women's spaces, and has repeatedly clashed with the Labour leadership as a result of her stance.
JK Rowling leapt to the MP's defence when her apparent exclusion came to light; the Harry Potter author said on social media: "It's hard not to conclude that in spite of recent attempts at back-pedalling, Sir Keir Starmer's view on what Rosie Duffield and women in general are allowed to say about their own bodies hasn't changed since 2021."
US Journalist John Fund claims 'Sunak has made the best out a very bad situation'
John Fund spoke to GBN America
GBN America
American journalist John Fund has claimed that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has "made the best out of a bad situation" with his choice to call a general election.
The Prime Minister announced earlier this week that Brits would be going to the polls on the 4 July.
Speaking on GBN America, Fund said: "Well, parties survive because they will elect some seats.
"We're not going to see a repeat of the 1993 Canadian election, where the Conservative Party ended up with two seats nationwide.
"I think Rishi Sunak has made the best of a very bad situation. If he had waited another 4 or 5 months with poll numbers this bad, there would have been enormous pressure for Nigel Farage to enter the race."
Dame Andrea Leadsom not to stand at General Election
Andrea Leadsom will not run on July 4
PADame Andrea Leadsom has announced that she will not be standing at the General Election.
The MP for South Northamptonshire, who sat in the seat for 14 years, said she had come to the decision after “careful reflection”.
The Health Minister said: "I would like to thank you for your faith in giving me the responsibility as Minister for Start for Life, Primary Care and Public Health."
She added: "I will continue to support the Conservative Party through this General Election and in the future as the party best aligned with the ideals and values of the people of the United Kingdom."
'You have BETRAYED Britain' Steve Bannon SLAMS Conservative Party as 'fu**ing left-wing liars'
The Conservatives have betrayed their voters, lied to the public and governed as a centre-left party, a leading former advisor to President Trump has told GB News.
“You have been betrayed,” Stephen Bannon told GB News in an exclusive interview.
He continued: “Here's the reason you've been betrayed, is that the Tory party in 14 years [is] exactly what the Republican establishment is here. They're establishment neo-liberal, neo-neocons.”
The Trump-supporting radio host warned Nigel Farage against being associated with the upcoming likely election loss for Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives.
He said: “The Conservative Party has destroyed itself. I don't know why Nigel would… want to be associated and have the finger pointing, ‘Oh this only happened because of you’.”
Michael Gove to step down as MP after 20 years
Michael announced he will not stand at the General Election
PAMichael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will not stand at the General Election.
The cabinet minister said that he will step down as an MP after "twenty years serving the wonderful people of Surrey Heath".
Sharing his letter of resignation, he said: "I have decided today not to seek to represent Surrey Heath at the forthcoming General Election. This election comes almost 20 years after I was first adopted by this fantastic association as your candidate.
"Together we contested and won five General Elections. You, and the association, have been there for me and my family through good times and bad. I am so grateful for your friendship and support. Thank you."
“Having the chance to serve as a Member of Parliament and minister has been a profound privilege. As a child in Aberdeen I could never have imagined I would have the opportunity to sit in the Commons, let alone around the Cabinet table. My parents, who adopted me when I was four-months-old, brought me up to believe that the chance to help others is the greatest gift you can be given."
In the statement, which is around two-and-a-half pages long, Gove says being asked to serve as a minister has been "the honour of my life", but adds "I also know the toll office can take, as do those closest to me".
He then talks through the achievements he is most proud of during his nearly 20-year career.
Gove concluded: "Throughout my time in politics, although I have undoubtedly made mistakes, I have always tried to be a voice for those who have been overlooked and undervalued. I have tried to fight for greater social justice.
"My education reforms were designed to build a country where everyone — no matter their background — can become the authors of their own life stories. For me that is what being in Parliament and being in government is all about."
Jeremy Corbyn's day of influence in the Labour Party 'are over', says Starmer
'I think Jeremy Corbyn’s days of commenting on what the Labour Party is doing are over', says Starmer
PA
Sir Keir Starmer has said that Jeremy Corbyn's influence over the party is "over", after the former Labour leader announced that he would stand against the party he led from 2015 to 2020.
Corbyn has also accused Starmer of "cherry picking" candidates to stand in the Islington North constituency, where Corbyn was Labour’s MP.
On a campaign visit in Leyland, Lancashire, Sir Keir said: "I think Jeremy Corbyn’s days of commenting on what the Labour Party is doing are over.
"What I’ve done is put a cohort of excellent candidates across the whole country including in Islington North, because the choice at the election, wherever you are in the country, is between more of the chaos and decline and division we’ve seen over the last 14 years, which has got us absolutely nowhere, or turning a page and a fresh start and rebuilding with Labour.
"My job is to ensure we’ve got first-class candidates across the country, Islington North and elsewhere. We’re putting those in place, we have almost completed the exercise."
PM mobbed by pro-Palestine protesters in West Midlands visit as they chant 'free, free Palestine'
Rishi Sunak's visit to the West Midlands was mobbed by pro-Palestine demonstrators
PA/Pool
Rishi Sunak's visit to the West Midlands has been hit by pro-Palestine demonstrators, GB News understands, as police have swooped in to barricade a venue at which he was speaking.
Police motorcyclists formed a guard in front of the location, with protesters heard chanting "free, free Palestine".
As the PM's motorcade turned up at the venue, protesters could be seen standing on the roadside holding banners and placards reading "Sunak supports genocide", "free Palestine", and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Police had to intervene to stop a number of protesters running up to Sunak's car, a grey Range Rover, as it came to a halt.
GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope was at the scene...
Sunak 'disappointed' that smoking ban will not become law before election
The Prime Minister has said that he is "disappointed" that his bill banning young people from ever being able to smoke legally will be shelved before the general election.
Under the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, selling these products to anyone born after January 1, 2009 would have become illegal.
It will not be included in legislation that will be rushed through by MPs ahead of Parliament being prorogued on Friday, along with the Renters Reform Bill, during a period known as a "wash-up".
He told reporters on a flight to Belfast: "There’s always a normal process at the end of a Parliament to see which legislation you can pass in the time that’s available."
Discussing the smoking ban, he said he was "of course disappointed not to be able to get that through at the end of the session given the time available".
"But what I’d say is that’s evidence of the bold action that I’m prepared to take. That’s the type of Prime Minister I am. That’s the type of leadership that I bring."
'Pumped up' Rishi Sunak says 'damn right' he'll win 2024 General Election - 'I am up for a fight!’
Rishi Sunak told journalists on a plane to Belfast that he is 'pumped up' ahead of the election
GB News
Rishi Sunak has said that he is “pumped up” and is "damn sure" he'll win the 2024 election, saying that he is “up for a fight”.
The Prime Minister is currently on a whirlwind tour of the UK since announcing the July 4 vote on Wednesday, heading to both Belfast and the West Midlands today. Yesterday, he visited Derbyshire, Cardiff and the Scottish Highlands.
Addressing journalists remotely whilst on a flight to Belfast, he said: “I love doing this. I’ve been doing it since the beginning of the year, I’ve been out and about pretty much two, three days a week since the beginning of the year and I love it.
“I love talking to people, I love having the debate, I love having the Q&A with people, answering their questions, making sure they know what I’m about and I’m really confident that over the next few weeks we’re going to have a really good conversation as a country about the future we want.”
Sunak said he was excited for the challenge ahead, despite a damp start to the campaign when he was soaked whilst delivering the announcement outside No 10.
PM refuses to be drawn into key election battle as he hints at ECHR withdrawal - 'Wait for the manifesto!'
Rishi Sunak has refused to be drawn on whether he will fight the general election on withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), telling critics to "wait for the manifesto".
The PM has previously said that controlling illegal migration is "more important" than membership of the ECHR, saying he would not let a "foreign court" interfere with a policy that is "fundamental to our sovereignty".
But Sunak has drawn criticism for not pulling out of the convention - not least from former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who claimed last month that the current Government hasn't "laid the groundwork" to quit the ECHR.
Rishi Sunak touches down in West Midlands as Tory campaign in full swing
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talks to journalists on his plane as he travels from Northern Ireland to Birmingham during a day of campaigning
PA
Rishi Sunak has been snapped arriving at Birmingham Airport after visiting Northern Ireland this morning.
The Prime Minister, who called a snap general election on Wednesday, is working day and night to win as many votes as possible.
Sunak has visited all four corners of the UK but is looking to whittle down Labour's 20-point lead before polls open on July 4.
Greg Clark becomes 75 Tory MP to quit as exodus reaches 1997 levels
Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark has become the 75th Tory MP to announce he is standing down at the election.
Clark, who chairs the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, served in Theresa May's Cabinet as Business Secretary.
He said: "After nearly 20 years as MP for Tunbridge Wells I will not be standing at the general election.
"I am grateful and proud to have been able to speak and fight for the people of this beautiful and famous place.
"Standing is a five-year commitment and it's time to pass the baton on."
Sunak opens the door to Boris Johnson joining campaign trail but admits 'we haven’t got everything right'
Rishi Sunak (left) and Boris Johnson (right)PARishi Sunak has extended an olive branch to Boris Johnson by suggesting the former Prime Minister should join former Conservative colleagues on the campaign trail.
The Prime Minister, who was a central figure in the Cabinet cabal which brought down Johnson, said: “I’m very proud of the record of the Conservative Government over the last 14 years.
"And of course we haven’t got everything right and circumstances have been difficult, but there’s an enormous amount to be proud of.
“And when it comes to Boris he was of course the person who got Brexit done, ensured we had the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe and was the first to make sure that we provided support to Ukraine.
“And I think all Conservatives will want to join the campaign because all Conservatives are united in wanting to see a Conservative government at the next election, because it’s the Conservatives that have got a clear plan that we’re working towards.”
Johnson's allies claim the former Prime Minister is a much better campaigner than either Sunak or Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Speaking to GB News, ex-Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "There's a big difference between Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak.
"He is a campaigner and a winner. Both of those men are not.
"You're going to have the most boring election campaign coming up with two leaders of two parties who just are not campaingers."
'Everything to do with him!' Diane Abbott fires back against Keir Starmer as Labour leader sidesteps investigation question
Hackney North & Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott has fired back against Keir Starmer just hours after the Labour leader appeared to sidestep a question about the ongoing investigation into her suspension.
Abbott, who was suspended last year following a letter she wrote about racism to The Observer, has been the subject of a lengthy investigation by Labour's National Executive Committee.
Starmer said: "It’s not a question of what I want... the days when the leader of the Labour Party rolls up his or her sleeves and gets involved in disciplinary cases are well and truly over.
“That’s what Jeremy Corbyn did and it ended very badly.”
"It has EVERYTHING to do with him," Abbott wrote on social media.
Abbott has shared posts calling for her return to the Labour Party and released a photo lamenting the Tories and Conservative policies.
Bionic MP Craig Mackinlay will NOT fight in snap General Election due to rigours of campaigning
Craig Mackinlay - the bionic MP who lost his arms and legs to sepsis - has decided not to fight the election because it has come too soon for his recovery, GB News can reveal.
Mackinlay was given a standing ovation on Wednesday when he returned to Parliament after the quadruple amputation after he contracted Sepsis last September.
He had told GB News that he intended to stand again for Parliament when it was assumed there would be a November general election.
Lib Dem candidate challenging ex-teacher to enter House of Commons
Liberal Democrat candidate Josh Babarinde is challenging his former teacher for the Blue Wall seat of Eastbourne.
Caroline Ansell, who won Eastbourne from the centrist party in 2019, was formerly a supply teacher.
Ansell secured a majority of just 4,331 as Boris Johnson romped to victory pledging to Get Brexit Done.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey headed down to the southern coast this morning as he continues with his campaign to oust as many Tory MPs as possible.
Starmer REFUSES to rule out deal with Lib Dems should Labour fail to win majority
Starmer REFUSES to rule out deal with Lib Dems should Labour fail to win majority
PA
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly refused to rule out entering into a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats.
Starmer, who is currently polled to win a stonking majority, was unable to dismiss the suggestion that Labour could sign a deal with the centrist party if it failed to win more than 326 seats on July 4.
The Liberal Democrats have also left the door open to a progressive deal.
However, Sir Ed Davey's party was keen to rule out any potential post-election alliance with Rishi Sunak's Tories.
Keir Starmer launches campaign with plan to put Scotland at ‘beating heart’ of UK
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has launched his campaign north of the border by stressing the significance of Scotland to his ambitions for power.
The Leader of the Opposition, who joined Anas Sarwar in Glasgow today, said: "Scotland’s voice is vital, absolutely vital."
He continued: "I know there are voters here in Scotland who wanted in the past to get the Tories out but felt that they couldn’t vote for Labour because they didn’t think that we would win.
"Well, we are a changed Labour Party and we now have that opportunity to kick the Tories out but you have to take that opportunity by voting Labour.
"Because there is no change without Scotland, there is no Labour without Scotland.
"Scotland is central to the mission of the next Labour Government."
Sarwar, who helped Labour replace the Tories as the main challenger to the SNP, added: "The moment has finally arrived. Our country has been desperate for a general election and now it is upon us.
"Scotland and the UK is deperate for change, crying out for change and Labour is ready to deliver it."
'Take up the offer!' Sunak calls on Starmer to show 'courage' as PM wants six election debates
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer PARishi Sunak has called on Rishi Sunak to show "courage" as the Prime Minister wants six debates ahead of polls opening on July 4.
Speaking in Belfast during his whirlwind campaign tour of the UK, Sunak said: “I’m very proud of the record of the Conservative Government over the last 14 years. And of course we haven’t got everything right and circumstances have been difficult, but there’s an enormous amount to be proud of.
“And when it comes to Boris he was of course the person who got Brexit done, ensured we had the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe and was the first to make sure that we provided support to Ukraine.
“And I think all Conservatives will want to join the campaign because all Conservatives are united in wanting to see a Conservative government at the next election, because it’s the Conservatives that have got a clear plan that we’re working towards.”
Labour refuses to rule out raising tuition fees
Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has refused to rule out hiking tuition fees.
Phillipson yesterday suggested all options were on the table when asked if she would remove the current cap of £9,250.
Speaking during BBC's Question Time last night, the Houghton & Sunderland South MP said: “We need to look at all of the options around that.”
She added: “We’ve ended up in a situation where because tuition fees have been frozen over an extended period of time, that means that universities are increasingly struggling to cover the cost of tuition.”
Boris Johnson ally David Frost banned from standing as Tory candidate in General Election, Christopher Hope reveals
David Frost, the former Cabinet minister and a key ally of Boris Johnson, has been banned from standing as a Conservative candidate at the general election, GB News can disclose.
Lord Frost was told yesterday by Conservative Party headquarters that he cannot apply for any of the 93 vacant seats where the party is yet to nominate a candidate for the July 4 general election, according to his friends.
The news will raise some eyebrows among Tory activists, some of whom have been directly approaching Lord Frost directly to stand.
What has Starmer announced today? Labour leader's pledges in full
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaking at the launch of Scottish Labour's General Election campaign at City Facilities in Glasgow.
PA
The Leader of the Opposition seemingly channelled his inner George H W Bush this morning, vowing not to increase taxes and rule out cutting public spending.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “To be clear, where there are tax rises we have set that out and we have also set out what the money will be used for.”
Labour already announced a tax raid on the parents of private school pupils.
Pushing ahead with the proposal to slap VAT on fees, Starmer said: "These first steps are intended to be done straight away."
However, Starmer was unable to meet Gordon Brown's push to scrap the two-child limit on benefit payments.
The Leader of the Opposition instead stressed resources would prevent a Labour Government from making the change.
Starmer also spent this morning ruling out scrapping tuition fees, pledging to eventually recognise Palestine as a state and reaffirming Labour's gradual commitment to abolishing the House of Lords.
However, Starmer's tax plans were slammed by former Treasury Minister Sir Simon Clarke.
Clarke said: “Good luck, as they say, with that.
"Bookmark this quote from Starmer because there is simply no way it’s credible.”
Sunak warned China and Russia could ruin British democracy with ‘election interference’
The UK "must be prepared for the possibility of foreign interference" during the 2024 General Election, a committee has warned.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Parliament’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy stressed a “pattern of attempted foreign interference from countries such as China, Russia, Iran and North Korea” in recent years.
Outgoing Labour MP Margaret Beckett, who penned the letter, added: "The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) subsequently pointed to precedent for China seeking to influence democratic processes overseas."
The letter concluded: "We therefore call on you as Prime Minister to use the last few days of this Parliament to bring Government, political parties, and electoral and security agencies together to identify any last actions that can be taken collectively in the national interest."
Rishi Sunak was meanwhile visiting a maritime technology centre at a dockyard in Northern Ireland.
Reform deputy leader admits he was ‘entirely unaware’ of Nigel Farage’s election plans
Reform Deputy Leader Ben Habib has admitted he was “entirely unaware” about Nigel Farage’s intentions to run to be an MP.
Farage, who is Reform’s honorary president, said Rishi Sunak’s decision to call an election “wrong-footed” him.
“That’s Nigel’s interpretation of it”, said Habib.
“The reality, is, Rishi Sunak realised this was probably a high point for him, even though this looks like a low point from most people’s normal standpoint.
“Inflation had come down, the economy wasn’t shrinking, he can duck the questions about whether flights for Rwanda are going to take off or not.
“The election is coming before this own self-imposed 10 to 12 week time frame expires.
“Reform UK was getting stronger every single day that he delayed the election, so I’m not sure how much Nigel Farage played into the Prime Minister’s mind.
“I think there are a whole host of other reasons which moved him to call an election now and I think from Rishi’s perspective, it was probably a good move.”
Starmer tries to court Corbyn's constituents as ex-Labour leader launches independent run
Sir Keir Starmer has this morning reached out to constituents in Jeremy Corbyn's constituency of Islington North after the ex-Labour leader announced he will run as an independent candidate.
The Leader of the Opposition stressed Labour will field an "excellent candidate" as the nationwide race hots up ahead of July 4.
He told the BBC: “Well, look, that’s a matter for Jeremy, he’s obviously made his mind up about that. We will have an excellent Labour candidate in Islington North, as we’ve got excellent Labour candidates across the country.
“But in the end, this election is about a choice, a choice of five more years of the chaos and division that we’ve seen over the last 14 years or turning the page and rebuilding our country with Labour.
“That is what’s on the ballot paper, whether it’s in Islington North or anywhere else across the country.”
'Straight away!' Starmer commits to private school tax raid
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he will instantly launch his tax raid on private schools if he wins the general election.
Starmer, who is pledging to impose VAT on private school fees, stressed the plan will be implemented as soon as possible.
He told the BBC: “As soon as it can be done. Obviously there will have to be financial statements etc.
“It is a question of the timetable in Parliament. But these first steps are intended to be done straight away.”
Tory MPs 'running scared' of Lib Dems as Sir Ed Davey launches Blue Wall blitz
Sir Ed Davey has celebrated victories in four by-electionsPATory MPs are "running scared" of the Liberal Democrats, deputy leader Daisy Cooper has claimed.
Responding to Sir John Redwood's decision to stand down ahead of July 4, Cooper said: “This is yet another Conservative big beast in the south of England who is now running scared.
“Wokingham is a key battleground where the Liberal Democrats are the clear challengers to the Conservatives.
"Right across the ‘Blue Wall’ Conservative MPs are standing down in their droves and it’s because they’re worried about losing their seats to the Liberal Democrats.”
The Liberal Democrats have won several Blue Wall by-elections since the last general election and set their sights on up to 80 seats.
Starmer denies dodging Sunak TV clashes
Sir Keir Starmer has denied claims he is dodging debates with Rishi Sunak ahead of July 4.
The Labour leader told LBC: “No, we are not dodging. TV debates are a big part of election campaigns and there will be debates in these elections.”
Starmer reaffirmed Labour were wanting to speak to voters more than lock horns with the Prime Minister.
Jeremy Corbyn takes fight to Keir Starmer by announcing independent run on July 4
“I have a suspicion Jeremy will win,” a Corbyn ally told GB NewsPAJeremy Corbyn has confirmed he will run as an independent candidate in the 2024 General Election.
The former Leader of the Opposition will look to win his eleventh successive election in Islington North, continuing his lengthy stint as the local MP.
Corbyn was mulling over whether to run as an independent for some while after Starmer removed the whip following a series of controversial comments made about the EHRC's antisemitism probe.
Tory exodus hits 70 as veteran Brexiteer announces plans to stand down
Veteran Brexiteer Sir John Redwood has joined an ever-growing list of Tory MPs stepping down after the 2024 General Election.
Redwood, who was first elected to represents Wokingham voters in 1987, said: “I have decided not to put my name forward in the forthcoming election. I have other things I wish to do.”
The 72-year-old previously served as Welsh Secretary and briefly mounted an unsuccessful leadership challenge against Sir John Major in 1995.
Several high-profile Tory MPs already announced plans to leave Parliament, including ex-Prime Minister Theresa May and former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.
The number of Labour MPs quitting ahead of July 4 hit 22 yesterday, with nine independent, nine SNP and five other MPs also calling time on their stints in the Commons.
Departures have already exceeded the average figure of 87 which was established between 1979 and 2010, with the total reaching 115.
However, almost 150 MPs stood down ahead of Gordon Brown's defeat, including a staggering 100 Labour MPs.
The number of Tories standing down in the days preceding Tony Blair's 1997 landslide victory was 75.
Is six too many? The history of election debates
UK politicians first participated in election debates in 2010 when David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg locked horns in a three-part series.
Debates were first mooted in 1964, just four-years after the first US Presidential Election debate, as Harold Wilson sought to return Labour to power for the first time since Clement Attlee.
However, short-serving Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home rejected the proposal, saying: "You'll get a sort of Top of the Pops contest."
Incumbent Prime Ministers consistently turned down the invitation until Jim Callaghan desperately looked to overturn Margaret Thatcher's lead in the opinion polls.
It became common for the candidate on track to win to reject the proposal once the situation changes, with Sir John Major changing his tune between 1992 and 1997.
The 2015 General Election contest saw a wider debate than compared to 2010, with the leaders of minor parties also invited to participate.
Prime Ministers have also choosed to duck debates, with David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson all skipping events in the last three election campaigns.
However, May skipped both major debates and instead participated in hardhitting interviews.
Reflecting on her decision, May said: "I should have done the TV debates. I didn't because I had seen them suck the life blood out of David Cameron's campaign [in 2010]."
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn clashed in an ITV debate during the last general election.
However, the then-Prime Minister opted to skip Channel 4's climate change clash and sent Rishi Sunak to participate in two televised spats.
Despite attracting viewers, a study from Harvard Business School found "presidential or prime ministerial TV debates, campaigns' most salient events, do not play any significant role in shaping voters' choice of candidate".
Farage 'wrong-footed' by Sunak's snap election announcement
Nigel Farage during the launch of the Popular Conservatism movement at the Emmanuel Centre in central London
PA
Nigel Farage was "wrong-footed" by Rishi Sunak's decision to hold a snap general election, the former Brexit Party leader has revealed.
The 60-year-old, who remains the populist party's honorary president, yesterday confirmed he would not stand in his eighth parliamentary contest.
Farage later revealed the Prime Minister's decision caught him off-guard, with the longstanding Eurosceptic hoping for a longer campaign to secure a seat in Westminster.
He told GB News: If the Tories think it’s great Nigel’s not standing, they’re wrong.
"I’m going to be involved in this campaign absolutely.
“What I could not do in the space of six weeks, and yes, all right, he’s wrong footed me, but in the space of six weeks was to find a constituency from scratch, and go round the country.
“I’m utterly committed to Reform. I believe their agenda is the only one that can actually stop the sense of national decline that we’re in.”
Farage later fired the starting gun on his political returning in 2029.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the ex-MEP said: “I’ve got one more big card to play in politics in my life."
Shadow Minister swats away 'boring' Starmer claims as Labour leader sets sights on Downing Street
Shadow Cabinet Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has rejected claims that Sir Keir Starmer is "boring" after the Labour leader launched his 2024 General Election campaign in Kent yesterday.
Speaking on GB News, Thomas-Symonds said: "“First of all, by the way, Keir Starmer most definitely is not boring. I've known Keir Starmer for many, many years.
"He’s witty, great company, but he's also, by the way, a serious politician for the very serious challenges of our time."
The Torfaen MP added: “We've seen the damage that unserious politicians do to our country.
"The 49 days of Liz Truss, where my constituents and people up and down the country are still paying the cost of that and they come off fixed rate mortgage deals and see their new offers being significantly higher.
"We know what the cost-of-living crisis is still doing up and down the country."
Reform poses threat to Tories in at least 28 seats
Leader of Reform UK Richard Tice speaking during a General Election campaign launch in Westminster
PA
Reform UK poses a major threat to Tory candidates in at least 28 seats, new analysis has revealed.
A YouGov poll released last month claimed the populist party is expected to win more than 20 per cent of the vote in a series of constituencies across England’s North and Midlands.
Reform UK finished in second across 36 constituencies.
However, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson is 12-points behind in Ashfield and Richard Tice's party remains a distant challenger in all other contests.
Tice is also expected to make Boston & Skegness a three-horse race, with Reform UK on 25 per cent, Labour on 28 per cent and Tory incumbent Matt Warman marginally ahead of 36 per cent.
A further 375 seats could see the party secure more than 12 per cent of the vote, their current vote share in national polling.