Rishi Sunak squirms as he's asked what he really thinks about Nigel Farage
The Prime Minister was grilled on what he thinks about the Brexit architect who has made a sensational political comeback for the General Election.
Rishi Sunak is asked if he's 'threatened' by Nigel Farage
Rishi Sunak said he has "respect" for Nigel Farage but insisted he does not feel threatened by him.
The Prime Minister said the Reform UK leader, who is standing in Clacton at the General Election, was "right" to highlight the issue of immigration.
But he warned that a vote for Mr Farage's party at the General Election risks handing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer the keys to 10 Downing Street.
Asked what he thinks about the Brexit architect, Mr Sunak told ITV's Tonight programme: "I’ve got respect for Nigel."
Pressed on what he admires about him, he added: "It’s right that he’s highlighted migration as an issue because I think it is an issue.
"And the choice for everybody is a vote for anyone who’s not a Conservative candidate is ultimately a vote to put Keir Starmer in office.
"Now, if you are someone who cares about migration as an issue and wants to stop the boats, I've got a plan to do that."
Asked what his best qualities are, Mr Sunak said: I really don’t know him. I think I’ve met him maybe once in my life."
The PM denied that he felt threatened by the charismatic 60-year-old, saying: "I’m talking to everyone across the country about my plans for this country."
He added: "At the end of the day, as I said, one of two people is going to be Prime Minister on July 5th. It’s either Keir Starmer or me.
"A vote for anyone who’s not a Conservative candidate is a vote to put Keir Starmer in office."
