‘Rishi is a w*****!' Furious Tory MPs erupt over Sunak's 'bullying' in leadership debate
FURIOUS Tory MPs have erupted at Rishi Sunak for "bullying" Liz Truss during tonight's leadership debate.
Tory MPs and senior sources reacted with fury to Rishi Sunak's tactics. One senior tory MP messaged Express.co.uk: "Rishi is definitely in bullying mode." A senior Tory source bluntly added: "Rishi is a w*****!" Another Tory MP said: "My normal friends are utterly astounded by him! True colours showing through." A third added: "He’s detoxifying our brand!!" During tonight's BBC leadership debate Liz Truss accused Rishi Sunak of "scaremongering" after he said that country's such as Canada and the US have interest rates 50 percent higher than the UK because of the amount they are borrowing. In response Mr Sunak said there was only one person in the debate that was part of "Project Fear" during the 2016 Brexit referendum. "Maybe I've learned from that", Ms Truss responded.
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Truss interrupted 22 times in first 12 minutes
According to some Tory MPs Rishi Sunak interrupted Liz Truss 22 times in the first 12 minutes of the debate.
One said: "It was appalling. Liz was genuine."
Host Sophie Raworth frequently had to stop Sunak from speaking to allow Truss a word in edgeways.
Tories think Truss did better, Labour thinks Sunak did better
A snap poll of the night has revealed that the Tories thought Truss did better in the debate (47% vs 38% for Sunak) and Labour voters thought Sunak performed better (41% vs 30% for Truss).
Conservative voters thought Truss did better (47% vs 38% for Sunak).
\u2014 Opinium (@OpiniumResearch) July 25, 2022
Labour voters thought Sunak did better (41% vs 30% for Truss). pic.twitter.com/XsAnuzZBVX
Sunak has won the debate on the economy, says spokesperson
A spokeswoman for Mr Sunak said: "This debate demonstrates why polling shows Rishi Sunak has won the argument on the economy."
The spokeswoman added: "Truss's plans would leave our children and grandchildren with billions of pounds worth of debt. That is not what the Conservative Party is about.
"We need someone that has the consistency and courage of their convictions. And that’s what Rishi will bring as Prime Minister."
Truss and Sunak neck and neck
Sunak and Truss are neck and neck after a snap poll of 1,000 regular voters.
39 percent said Sunak performed better in the debate and 38 percent said Truss did.
This is a fightback for Sunak who was polling much lower than Truss before the debate.
UK voters who watched the BBC debate: Who performed best?
\u2014 Britain Elects (@BritainElects) July 25, 2022
Rishi Sunak: 39%
Liz Truss: 38%
via @OpiniumResearchhttps://t.co/qCtk8ZbPiJ
Who won Tory leadership debate?
Who won tonight's leadership debate, Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak?
Truss demonstrated she is right person to lead, says spokesperson
After the debate, a spokeswoman for Ms Truss said: “Liz once again demonstrated why she is the right person to lead our nation. "She put forward a bold and ambitious plan for the country and economy - based on Conservative values. "Her track record of delivery and her determination to hit the ground running with immediate proposals to ease the cost of living prove why Conservative members can only put their trust in her."
Truss says Sunak should take more risks
Liz Truss said that if Rishi Sunak were PM he should improve himself than take more risks.
Rishi Sunak refused to answer the question and said there is more that unites than divides the pair.
Brexit not to blame for queues
Both candidates said Brexit is not to blame for the queues at Dover and Folkestone.
They also both said they would ban train strikes.
'My first job is to restore trust in government', says Sunak
Rishi Sunak has said that his first job in government will be to restore trust in the government.
He said that telling the public how hard it will be to fix the problems in the country shows that he is honest.
Liz Truss shot back that she is honest and "straight-talking".
Truss says what Johnson did was not sufficient for her to resign
Liz Truss has said that she does not think that what Boris Johnson did was bad enough for her to resign.
Asked if she would have him in her government she said that she does not think he would want another role in government and said he deserves a well-earned break.
Economist claims he was misquoted in debate
Top economist Patrick Minford has claimed he was misquoted in a key attack line used by Rishi Sunak that Liz Truss’ economic plans would bankrupt people with mortgages.
Mr Sunak repeatedly attacked Ms Truss claiming that he “chief economic adviser” had claimed that interest rates would need to be seven percent.
He claimed that it would "tip millions of people [with mortgages] into misery."
But Professor Minford, who was Margaret Thatcher’s favourite economist has written exclusively for Express.co.uk saying that Mr Sunak’s quotes were based on fake news.
He said: "I was misquoted in The Times on where interest rates are likely to go. In a long conversation with one of their journalists I explained principles and possibilities, which of course are wide.
“But the published forecast of my research group is for around 3 percent (patrickminford.net), not the 7 percent he produced out of that conversation. I made it clear that the most likely new normal would be in the range of 2 to 4 percent."
'If there was another referendum I would vote Leave'
Liz Truss has said if there was another Brexit referendum she would vote Leave and has realised she was mistaken to vote Remain in 2016.
'What would you say to voters who wanted Johnson as PM'
Raworth asks Sunak what he would say to voters who voted for Johnson and see Sunak as the man who brought him down.
Sunak said that he acts on principle and did what he thought was right.
'Would you be a better PM because you went to a comprehensive school?'
Raworth asks Truss if she would be a better PM because she went to a comprehensive school.
Truss says because she went to a comprehensive school and saw how her peers were let down by the lack of opportunities in her local area she was encouraged to get into politics.
Sunak said that his parents did not have much but worked hard to be able to provide for their children, which he is proud of.
Dorries calls out Sunak for talking over Truss
Nadine Dorries has called out Rishi Sunak for talking over Liz Truss during the leadership debate.
In a tweet, she said: Rishi really needs to stop talking over #Liz4Leader #LeadersDebate It’s a terrible look. He’s irritable, aggressive, bad tempered. He’s losing it."
Rishi really needs to stop talking over #Liz4Leader #LeadersDebate
\u2014 Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) July 25, 2022
It\u2019s a terrible look.
He\u2019s irritable, aggressive, bad tempered.
He\u2019s loosing it.
'What three things should people do to tackle climate change?'
Sophie Raworth asked the three candidates what people should do to help reduce their impact on the planet.
Rishi Sunak said people should reduce energy use - which also saves money - recycle, and focus on innovation.
Liz Truss said people should use less, waste less, especially food waste and focus on innovation to create new technology.
'Would you deploy the Royal Navy to the Black Sea?'
Sophie Raworth asked if the candidates would send the Royal Navy to the Black Sea to protect Ukrainian grain.
Liz Truss said she would not be prepared for Britain to be directly involved in the war as it is not a NATO country.
'Are you going to crack down on TikTok?'
The candidates have been asked if they would crack down on Chinese companies like TikTok.
Liz Truss said we have to take a tough stance and "freedom is a price worth paying".
Rishi Sunak said as PM he would take a robust view.
Raworth asks about China
Sophie Raworth has asked the candidates about their thoughts on China.
Rishi Sunak said we need to realise that China is a threat to our security and we need to stand up to our values.
Liz Truss said that Rishi was pushing for a closer relationship with China last month.
She said she is happy that he has come around to her way of thinking but that that has been driven by the Foreign Office.
She added that we should not depend on China like we depended on Russia as we will have to suffer the consequences.
Tory MPs react with fury to Sunak's tactics
Tory MPs and senior sources reacted with fury to Rishi Sunak's tactics. One senior tory MP messaged Express.co.uk: "Rishi is definitely in bullying mode."
A senior Tory source bluntly added: "Rishi is a w*****!"
Another Tory MP said: "My normal friends are utterly astounded by him! True colours showing through." A third added: "He’s detoxifying our brand!!"
'How are you going to level up the country?'
Sophie Raworth has asked what changes to level up the country the candidates would do in the first two years of their premiership.
Rishi Sunak said he would cut tax on business investment.
Liz Truss said she would immediately put in low tax investment zones, keep the corporation tax low and "challenge the orthodoxy that is making things slow to deliver".
She said: "I get things done in government".
'Would the public believe you will cut tax?'
Chris Mason has asked whether the public would ever believe that Rishi Sunak would cut tax.
Mr Sunak said he is going to deliver tax cuts and the public would believe him because they understand that he was Chancellor during Covid so had to do what he had to do.
Truss accuses Sunak of scaremongering
Liz Truss has accused Rishi Sunak of "scaremongering" in a debate about taxation.
In response Mr Sunak said that there was only one person part of "Project Fear" during the 2016 referendum.
Truss responded: "Maybe I've learned from that".
Truss 'in command', Sunak 'struggling'
Former aide to Margaret Thatcher Nile Gardiner has said that Liz Truss is "in command" and Rishi Sunak is "struggling" in tonight's debate.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "A strong night for @trussliz in the leadership debate. She is in command, with sound conservative policy views. In contrast @RishiSunak is struggling, and overly aggressive in his performance, a sign of weakness and not strength in a debate.
A strong night for @trussliz in the leadership debate.
\u2014 Nile Gardiner (@NileGardiner) July 25, 2022
She is in command, with sound conservative policy views. In contrast @RishiSunak is struggling, and overly aggressive in his performance, a sign of weakness and not strength in a debate. https://t.co/zrYEBQ11xL @BBCNews
'Not moral to ask our children to pay our debts'
Rishi Sunak has said that it is not moral to let our children pay back our debts and that therefore the National Insurance hike was necessary so that we can pay back our Covid debt quicker.
Sunak says Tories will have no chance of winning election with her economic plans
Rishi Sunak has said that the Tories have no chance of winning the next election with Liz Truss's economic plans.
In response, Ms Truss said that if we follow Mr Sunak's plans we will go into a recession.
'Is now the right time to cut taxes?'
Sophie Raworth asks the candidates if now is the right time to cut taxes.
Rishi Sunak said now is not the time to cut taxes because we need to pay back the NHS Covid debt.
Liz Truss said she would cut taxes and would start paying back the Covid debt in three years.
First topic - cost of living crisis
The first topic of debate tonight is the cost of living crisis.
Sophie Raworth asked the two candidates whether they will do more to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Rishi Sunak said he announced significant support as Chancellor and as PM would make sure the policies were in place to support families.
He said he would help people to become more energy efficient by insulating homes and investing more in British energy.
Liz Truss said she would act immediately because people are struggling.
She said she would reverse the increase in National Insurance, impose a temporary moratorium on the green energy levy and would immediately put in a plan to grow the economy.
The BBC leadership debate has now begun
The BBC head-to-head leadership debate has now begun.
Sophie Raworth has begun the programme with a brief introduction of both candidates.
She said all of the Stoke-on-Trent audience voted for the Tories in 2019.
Sunak surprises campaigners during Zoom call
Rishi Sunak has surprised some of his volunteer campaigners by jumping onto a Zoom conference with them.
As we crossed the 20,000 mark, I dropped in to surprise a few of our earliest supporters and say thank you.
\u2014 Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 25, 2022
Join the team at https://t.co/3cXn1rFhca pic.twitter.com/Bl9FtpvGFG
Former Tory chair urges Sunak and Truss not to 'trash brand'
Former Conservative Party chair Francis Maude has warned Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss not to "trash" the Tory brand during tonight's TV debate.
Lord Maude told the BBC: “One is obviously going to win the leadership, but if the behaviour of the teams and their language has been uncontrolled, and it has damaged the party’s standing or the way people see the party, then it could end up being a Pyrrhic victory.”
Urging the leadership hopefuls to “remember it is generally an error to trash the brand”, he said that “people’s impressions will be formed by how they behave in this leadership election” and Sunak and Truss should “reflect and concentrate more on showing why they are the best person to be the prime minister of this country.”
Sunak criticises railway unions over planned strikes
Rishi Sunak has criticised railway companies for announcing new strikes.
The former Chancellor said that if he becomes Prime Minister he will stop unions “holding working people to ransom”.
Commenting on the new strike action announced today, he said: “These irresponsible strikes will cause hardship for millions of ordinary workers across the country. Keir Starmer and the Labour Party should stand up to their union paymasters instead of joining them on the picket line.”
Truss says she is the only candidate who can deliver change
Ahead of tonight's leadership debate, Liz Truss has tweeted that she is the only candidate that can deliver changes to the economy "in line with true Conservative principles".
I am the only person who can deliver the change we need to the economy in line with true #Conservative principles.
\u2014 Liz for Leader (@trussliz) July 25, 2022
I will deliver and get things done from day one.
Sign up \ud83d\udc49 https://t.co/koPyqw4wIG#LizForLeader pic.twitter.com/3yzvOaWUka
Truss vows to limit unions ability to 'paralyse economy'
Liz Truss has said she will limit the ability of unions to "paralyse our economy".
Ms Truss said that if she becomes Prime Minister she will introduce legislation to guarantee a minimum level of service on national infrastructure.
She added that she would also raise the minimum threshold for voting in favour of strike action from 40 percent to 50 percent.
She said: "We need tough and decisive action to limit trade unions' ability to paralyse our economy.
"I will do everything in my power to make sure that militant action from trade unions can no longer cripple the vital services that hard-working people rely on."
Conservatives face DECADE out of power as 'toxic' race angers voters
The Conservatives face being out of power for a “decade” as Tory leadership hopefuls Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss continue to launch scathing attacks at each other.
The former Chancellor and the Foreign Secretary will go head to head for the first time in a TV debate, each aiming to show why they will be the better Prime Minister before voting opens to Conservative Party members in about 10 days time.
In recent days, Mr Sunak and Ms Truss have attacked each other over their stances on issues such as immigration and China and several prominent Tories have called them out for their behaviour.
Amanda Milling, Foreign Office minister and a former chair of the Conservative party, said the contest was “more toxic than I’ve ever seen”.
She added that if the candidates did not change their approach, “the lasting damage to our party could see us out of power for a decade”.
Johnny Mercer, veterans minister described the race as “embarrassing” and, writing on Twitter added: “Probably worth remembering that on current trajectory we are out of power in two years’ time.”
Sunak campaigns in Staffordshire
Rishi Sunak has been campaigning in Staffordshire today ahead of tonight's BBC TV debate.
I'm in Codsall in Staffordshire meeting members and taking their questions on what they want to see from the next PM.
\u2014 Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 25, 2022
Shout out to the girl who wished me luck in tonight's debate \ud83e\udd1e
Sign up: https://t.co/3cXn1rFhca pic.twitter.com/8cTvNnuY5g
Tugendhat says he would serve any Tory leader who asked
Former Tory leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat said he would serve any Tory leader that asked.
Asked on BBC Radio 4's World At One programme about the tone of the current leadership debate, Mr Tugendhat said: "Conservative ideas need a champion and we need to be uniting behind them.
"And so I hope very much what we'll do is we'll see this debate focus on ideas rather than on personalities."
Asked if he would serve in either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak's Cabinet, Mr Tugendhat said: "I would serve any Conservative leader who asked me to because it's about serving the country and serving the British people, and it would be a privilege to do so."
'Real danger' Sunak and Truss destroying Party lead - tensions erupt
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are in "real danger" of destroying the public's faith in the Conservative Party as the leadership race takes a bitter turn, a commentator has warned.
The former Chancellor and the Foreign Secretary are battling it out to become the next Tory leader and have launched scathing attacks, not only on each other but on the state of the country.
ITV Political Correspondent Daniel Hewitt has warned that the public could realise that since the Conservatives have been running the country for the past 12 years, the problems being referred to are ultimately the Party's fault.
He said: "A thought on the Tory leadership contest, with both candidates not only trashing each other but also being very critical of the state of the country.
"While both Sunak and Truss offer themselves as the solution, will voters conclude the problem is ultimately the Conservative Party?"
'Talented' Boris Johnson poised for dramatic return to power
Boris Johnson has been tipped to return to power by a key Liz Truss ally, despite his dramatic fall from grace that will soon see him out of Number 10.
James Cleverly said Mr Johnson could be set to make a Government return. The Education Secretary said he will not rule out his future support for Mr Johnson returning to the Cabinet - but said it was not his decision to make.
Asked on Sky News if Mr Johnson should get a senior role in government, Mr Cleverly said: “He’s an incredibly talented politician.
“Whether he would want to serve after the bruising that he’s got at this moment, that might be another matter, but it’s not for me to start dictating to Liz [Truss] who she puts into her Cabinet.”
He added: “I would be comfortable if she is.”
Both leadership candidates have sought to distance themselves from Mr Johnson recently as they fight to win over the Conservative party membership.
But a petition among members to put Mr Johnson on the leadership ballot has reached 10,000 signatures, showing there is still significant support for the outgoing Prime Minister.
Good afternoon
Good morning, I'm Olivia Stringer and I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the Tory leadership race for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: olivia.stringer@reachplc.com
Twitter: @Livstringer_
Truss backed on China stance ahead of tonight's debate
Education Secretary James Cleverly has backed Liz Truss China stance after Rishi Sunak announced a slew of proposals for his potential leadership this morning.
Truss backed on stance on China's influence on UK education
Who isn't backing a Boris return?
Therese Coffey, the Work and Pensions Secretary who is backing Liz Truss as the next prime minister, said "understandably a lot of people supported Boris" but conceded he "chose to step down" and would "continue to be supportive of the next Conservative Prime Minister and into the next election."
She added: "He has stepped aside and will be stepping down as Prime Minister in due course".
Fellow ministers Sir Robert Buckland, the Welsh Secretary, conceded the party had moved on and there was no chance of the PM returning.
He said: "His time in office is coming to an end and that means a new chapter for him and a new chapter for the Conservative Party."
Have your say: Do you want Boris back?
Momentum to keep Boris Johnson in power is gathering - but do you want to see him remain in Number 10?
Its 'Truss or bust' - opinion
Professor Gywnthian Prins has written for Express.co.uk, saying Liz Truss "has demonstrated that she is a quick learner. As the economist Keynes once observed, "when the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do sir?"
"She has delivered Brexit dividends. She will neutralise the weaponised Northern Ireland Protocol that the EU and Rejoiners use to keep us aligned in preparation for rejoining."
Read the full article here.
Rishi Sunak blasts Truss for not taking part in Andrew Neil interview
Mr Sunak has taken to Twitter to ridicule Ms Truss for not taking part.
It is currently unclear whether the Foreign Secretary will accept her invite to join the broadcast.
Just me then? \ud83d\ude09 https://t.co/G1Kosx4GFA
\u2014 Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 25, 2022
Watch Keir Starmer speech taking on Tory candidates
Sir Keir Starmer delivered a speech today, saying neither Liz Truss nor Rishi Sunak are fit to deliver for the UK.
Keir Starmer pauses Labour speech as crowd applauds
Boost for Boris as campaigner legal bid could get underway in 'days'
A legal bid to allow Tory members to keep Boris Johnson in Downing Street could be decided on in just two days, campaigners have revealed.
According to David Campbell Bannerman, a founder of the Boris Ballot Group, the contingent is confident it can reverse the “coup” by Tory MPs against Mr Johnson.
Find out more here.
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are 'part of the problem,' says Starmer
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are "part of the problem" when it comes to improving the UK economy, Sir Keir Starmer has claimed.
Answering questions after delivering a speech in Liverpool, Sir Keir said: “What we’re seeing from the leadership contest is two individuals who are part of the problem.
Police investigating death threat to Penny Mordaunt
Police are investigating after a letter was delivered to the former Tory leadership candidate Penny Mordaunt threatening to “shoot her in the head”.
The death threat was sent to the constituency office of the Portsmouth North MP before she was voted out of the contest to be leader of the Conservative Party.
Rishi Sunak to be interviewed by Andrew Neil
Leadership candidate Rishi Sunak will be interviewed by veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil this Friday, it has just been revealed.
The interview will air on Channel 4 this Friday at 7.30pm.
Minister slams 'puerile nature' of Tory leadership contest
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs said that if the contest keeps going the way it is, the Tories are on track to be out of power after the next general election.
Back in Whitehall today - perhaps only a few weeks to make a difference. Probably worth remembering that on current trajectory we are out of power in two years time. The puerile nature of this leadership contest is embarrassing. Time to raise the standards. https://t.co/7XBKgWyAl3
\u2014 Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) July 25, 2022
Keir Starmer claims Tories cling to 'old ideas'
Boris was subject to a 'coup' and will bounce back - opinion
Conservative politician Alex Story has said in an article for Express.co.uk that Boris Johnson was subject to a "coup" and that the campaign to bring him back is growing stronger.
He wrote: "In short, his ousting was undemocratic. It was also shockingly quick. Pincher, the supposed “straw that broke the camel’s back”, a mere pretext, has largely been forgotten.
"Such are the sentiments brewing beneath the surface. They are spreading fast."
Read the full article here.
'Huge mess' Warning early general election looms as fresh row erupts
The Tory leadership fight could result in an early general election being called, one political analyst has warned.
There are only six weeks until Boris Johnson’s replacement will step into Number 10, but the fight between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak is growing increasingly bitter. CNN’s Luke McGee said the party is “so badly divided it could be forced to call an early general election and hope for the best”.
One MP who joined the House of Commons following Margaret Thatcher’s forced resignation said: "I am worried. Back then the people who stabbed her in the back and the people who remained loyal were such a clear dividing line that defined the party for years.
“Things are even more complicated now and I am not sure these two [Sunak and Truss] can bridge those gaps."
Tonight, the first head-to-head debate between the two candidates, broadcast at 9pm BBC One, is likely to see the divide increase even further.
Nadine Dorries praises Truss for inexpensive accessories - causing Twitter storm
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has caused a Twitter storm for praising Liz Truss for her earring choice, while chastising the former Chancellor for his expensive taste.
.\u2066@trussliz\u2069 will be travelling the country wearing her earrings which cost circa \u00a34.50 from Claire Accessories. Meanwhile\u2026
\u2014 Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) July 25, 2022
Rishi visits Teeside in Prada shoes worth \u00a3450 and
sported \u00a33,500 bespoke suit as he prepared for crunch leadership vote. https://t.co/1VO4xLwQ66
Expert says Sunak 'has a lot to do' in tonight's debate
Rishi Sunak has been told he has his work cut out for him in tonight's BBC debate against leadership rival Liz Truss - watch now.
Sunak 'has a lot to do' in BBC debate against Truss says expert
Where are Sunak and Truss in the polls?
A new survey from Redfield and Wilton Strategies found 32 percent of voters – and 58 percent of those backing the Conservatives in the 2019 general election – said they could see themselves supporting the Tories under Liz Truss.
Under Mr Sunak, only 28 percent would support the Tories, including 52 percent of 2019 Tory voters.
A Truss campaign spokesperson said: “This polling shows Liz has the widest appeal among voters nationwide, but is also the best candidate to hold the 2019 Conservative coalition together and beat Sir Keir Starmer.
Petition for Boris Johnson to be added to leadership race gains momentum
A petition to vote on Boris Johnson’s resignation has passed 10,000 votes from Conservative members.
Organised by Tory peer Lord Cruddas and former MEP David Campbell-Bannerman, the petition has gained attention as ballots are sent out to Tory members to elect the next parry leader and Prime Minister.
Lord Cruddas said: “The ousting of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister by a minority of MPs is deeply anti-democratic.
“It defies the will of the country and the Conservative Party members who elected him.
“It amounts to a coup. I am ashamed this can happen in Britain, the birthplace of modern democracy."
Dominic Cummings claims remainers are running Truss campaign
Former Boris Johnson advisor Dominic Cummings has claimed the Foreign Secretary's leadership campaign is being run by remainers.
Mr Cummings claimed, without providing evidence, that her campaign was “being run by Jason Stein & Roland Rudd, literally the most ‘Remain and Rejoin’ campaigner in UK” on Twitter.
His tweet included two emoticons depicting explosives, referring to his nickname for Ms Truss, “the human hand grenade”.
Read the full article here.
Economists back Truss tax plans
Sunak lashes out at Truss over China
Mr Sunak said on Sunday night: “Enough is enough. For too long, politicians in Britain and across the West have rolled out the red carpet and turned a blind eye to China’s nefarious activity and ambitions.”
Mr Sunak has pledged to close all Confucius centres in the UK if he becomes Prime Minister.
Mr Sunak's campaign team pointed out that nine of the 31 Confucius centres in Britain were established when Ms Truss was an education minister between 2012 and 2014.
Tory MP says candidates are playing 'media's game' with TV debate
Ahead of tonight's TV debate, Conservative MPs are tearing their hair out over the internal party divide the leadership contest is causing.
A frustrated MP told Express.co.uk: "I don't know why we are doing this. It doesn't help inform debate, it just makes us look divided.
"We're playing to the media's game, turning the whole thing into a circus and then we need to somehow put the party back together at the end of it all.
"We should be focused on membership hustings."
Read more here.
When is the next TV debate?
The BBC will broadcast a live TV debate for the final two candidates on Monday, July 25 at 9pm.
Those at home can also tune into BBC Radio 5 Live, where the debate will be simulcast.
Express.co.uk will also be covering the broadcast later this evening.
Liz Truss to reveal plans to supercharge Brexit
The Foreign Secretary is due to announce her vision new low-tax, low regulation “Investment Zones” that will unleash Britain's potential.
On Sunday, Ms Truss said: “As Prime Minister, I will be laser focused on turbocharging business investment and delivering the economic growth our country desperately needs.“We can’t carry on allowing Whitehall to pick the winners and losers; like we’ve seen with the current freeport model.“Instead, by creating these new Investment Zones we will finally prove to businesses that we’re committed to their futures and incentivise them to stimulate the investment that will help deliver for hardworking people.”
Read more from Express.co.uk's political editor Macer Hall here.
Tough talk on China as race intensifies
Rishi Sunak has closed in on China as both candidates begin to outline their specific policy plans if they become the next Prime Minister.
Mr Sunak has taken a hardline against China, accusing the country of "stealing our technology and infiltrating our universities", while "propping up Putin's fascist invasion of Ukraine".
He also said China is Taiwan and contravening human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and slammed the Government for supressing its currency to "continually rig the global economy in their favour.
Outlining his policy regarding the world superpower, Mr Sunak pledged to stand up up to China's "technological aggression" by amending the Higher Education Bill.
The move would force British universities to disclose any foreign funding partnerships of more than £50,000.
Good morning
Good morning from London. I’m Aliss Higham, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the Tory leadership contest today. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: aliss.higham@reachplc.com