Liz Truss strengthens lead after TV conflict with Rishi Sunak

Liz Truss strengthened her lead over Tory management rival Rishi Sunak following final evening’s TV debate, a bookmaker says.

The overseas secretary and former chancellor traded blows on the price of residing disaster, taxation and the economic system in a energetic contest on BBC One.

Both candidates defied warnings by Tory Party grandees to maintain the controversy clear as they engaged in private assaults throughout the hour-long dialogue.

Ms Truss accused her rival of “project fear” after he warned that her tax-cutting plans would result in rising rates of interest, whereas Mr Sunak reminded the previous worldwide commerce secretary of her help for Remain within the Brexit referendum.

William Hill stated that punters had been apparently “initially impressed” by Mr Sunak’s efficiency however Ms Truss later regained the initiative.

“Liz Truss had drifted to 1/2 nevertheless it’s been one-way visitors since and he or she’s again into 3/10 with our prospects feeling she is the extra viable candidate at this stage,” Tony Kenny, William Hill spokesperson, stated.

Neither candidate was able to land a major blow on the other, which benefitted Ms Truss – the favourite among Tory Party members, who will choose the eventual winner.

This was reflected in a snap poll by Opinium following the debate which showed the candidates neck and neck on the question of who performed best (Sunak 39 per cent vs Truss 38).

The rivals will clash on TV for a second time in 24 hours when they go head-to-head in a Sun/TalkTV event at 6pm tonight.

Both sides will be hoping to have learned tactical lessons from last night. Mr Sunak was accused of “mansplaining” after he repeatedly interrupted his rival, whereas Ms Truss struggled barely on how she would fund tax cuts that some economists say might price £40bn and additional stoke hovering inflation.