July 2nd 2024.
As the 2024 General Election draws near, all eyes are on the two main contenders, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his opponent Sir Keir Starmer. With just 48 hours left until voters make their way to the ballot box, it's clear that this campaign has been a disaster for the Tories. From the very beginning, when the Prime Minister announced the election in the midst of a downpour on the steps of Downing Street, the mood was set. And it hasn't improved since then.
The series of missteps, from the disrespectful treatment of D-Day veterans to Rishi Sunak's disastrous media appearances, have left Tory MPs feeling hopeless and their traditional supporters turning away. In stark contrast, Labour's campaign has been carefully planned and executed, earning them the nickname "Ming vase" for their sleek and focused strategy. Keir Starmer exudes confidence and ease, looking every bit like a Prime Minister in-waiting. On the other hand, Rishi Sunak appears defeated and worn down.
Despite the slow-motion trainwreck of the Tory campaign, the polls have remained stagnant for the past five weeks, suggesting that Labour is on track to form their first government in fourteen years. For the latest updates on the General Election, you can follow our live blog or sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive analysis, news, and views on the issues that matter to you, such as immigration, taxation, childcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change.
You can also join our WhatsApp channel for quick bulletins and breaking news, or follow us on TikTok where we debunk myths, share voter opinions, and provide updates on the election. However, as we enter the final stretch of the campaign, anything can happen. Will the Tories be able to salvage their campaign with just one week left? Or will Labour coast to a landslide victory?
With that in mind, here are six key things to expect in the final hours of the campaign.
1. Tories to continue pushing their tax scare tactic
In the final BBC Leaders Debate, Rishi Sunak came out swinging. Privately, Tory MPs have admitted that they wished he had shown this level of aggression from the start of the campaign. With nothing left to lose, Sunak boldly repeated the highly contested claim that Labour's policies would cost families an extra £2,000 in taxes, despite Keir Starmer's forceful rebuttal that it was simply not true. This message will continue to be hammered home in the remaining days of the campaign, with a particular focus on families in the Tory heartland.
2. Starmer's confidence, but no complacency
Keir Starmer has grown in confidence throughout this campaign, and he looks every bit like the next Prime Minister of Britain. However, there will be no room for complacency as the finish line draws near. Despite being ahead by 20 points in all national polls, Labour is acutely aware of their past election losses and will continue to stress the need for every vote. They will also be closely monitoring turnout in key marginal constituencies.
3. Angela Rayner ramping up her Red Wall tour
Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, will continue her battle bus tour of the Red Wall. She has been instrumental in winning back lost Labour voters in these crucial seats and is popular among the constituents. In the final days of the campaign, Rayner will increase her efforts to connect with voters and boost turnout in these areas.
4. Tories defending their heartlands
As opinion polls predict a crushing defeat for the Tories, it seems that every candidate is now fighting for themselves. This is evident in the absence of leading Tory figures from TV and radio appearances in the final days of the campaign. They are focused on defending their own constituencies and securing every possible vote.
5. Betting scandal continues to stir up trouble
The controversy surrounding the betting scandal over the election date shows no signs of dying down. It has plagued the Tories for the past two weeks, with five of their candidates under investigation by the Gambling Commission. The recent revelation that a former Tory cabinet minister also placed bets on the election date has only added fuel to the fire. Labour has also withdrawn support for their candidate who bet on himself to lose. This scandal only adds to the perception of Tory sleaze and scandal, an image that has haunted them since "Partygate" earlier this year. It is expected to remain a hot topic until July 4th, with the potential for more candidates to be implicated.
6. Record spending on digital advertising by Labour
In this campaign, Labour has significantly outspent the Tories on digital advertising. They have invested heavily in reaching voters through social media, with massive online ads appearing on major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. This is a stark contrast to the 2019 election when the Tories had the upper hand in the digital campaign. However, this time, they have been outmaneuvered and are playing catch-up in the final days. Meanwhile, Labour's digital team has been focused on targeting their message of change to specific voters in key battleground constituencies.
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