The remaining two Conservative party leadership candidates have faced off in their first one-one-one televised clash.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak became embroiled in bitter clashes over the weekend, with signs the competition is becoming more personal after Liz Truss supporter Nadine Dorries mocked Rishi Sunak over his taste in expensive clothing.
But on Monday night while being quizzed by BBC’s Sophie Raworth on a raft of policy issues including tax cuts, inflation, China and climate change, Ms Truss said the fashion comments were “not the key issue” of the campaign.
The TV debate took place at Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire in front of an audience of MPs, ministers and Tory party voters.
The pair became most heated when discussing their differing approaches to rising inflation and the cost of living crisis.
Liz Truss claimed Britain was “headed for recession” under Mr Sunak’s plans, and raising taxes would make the country “internationally uncompetitive”.
While Rishi Sunak said Ms Truss’ plans would raise mortgage rates by seven per cent, inflation would stay for longer and interest rates would go up.
Both, vying to be Boris Johnson’s successor, will take part in Sky News TV debate on August 4 before touring the country in a bid to win over party members.
The new Tory leader and prime minister will be announced on September 5.
