Rishi Sunak tries to prove he's the only man for the job with Tory manifesto launch
Rishi Sunak will look to secure a new term as Prime Minister when he launches his manifesto at 11.30am.
Rishi Sunak launched his manifesto at Silverstone race track in a high-octane event today.
Set against the backdrop of the legendary track in Northamptonshire, the Prime Minister attempted to put the Tories in pole position ahead of the general election on July 4.
He laid out his 76-page roadmap for life under the Conservatives if they come into power again.
The Tory leader vowed to “halve migration” and then reduce the number “every single year” if the Conservatives are re-elected.
He also said his party would cut the National Insurance paid by employees by a further 2p by April 2027 to help turbocharge the economy.
Drawing on the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, Mr Sunak sought to pitch the Tories as the party of “sound money” and draw dividing lines with Labour over reducing the burden for “earners, parents and pensioners”.
The audience, including cabinet ministers, applauded as Mr Sunak presented his offer to the nation at the home of the British Grand Prix.
And it appeared even Mr Sunak could not resist the opportunity for a pun.
He said there is “nowhere better in fact to mark the fact that our economy has truly turned a corner”.
One unexpected attendee at the track was TV star Brad Pitt who is filming an upcoming movie.
Insiders are said to have been forced to time the Prime Minister's speech to make sure it was not drowned out by the sound of zooming race cars.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Mr Sunak said: “F1 isn’t the only thing they do here at Silverstone. As nice as it would be for Brad Pitt to turn up at our manifesto launch, he’s currently filming just outside with a brilliant British crew.”
He later joked that Labour's tax policy is like Fight Club - a famous Pitt film - where the first rule of Labour tax rises is that you don't talk about tax rises.
The starting gun on this general election campaign has long been fired. The race to Number 10 is on - with Sir Keir Starmer's party 21 points ahead in polls.
But it is too early to wave the chequered flag. It is too soon for any party leader to do a victory lap.
The revved up Prime Minister is focused on reviving a flagging campaign after a bruising few days following a backlash over his early departure from D-Day commemorations.
His mission has been to leave voters with no doubt that he is the right man to take the wheel for another term.
