General election 2024 live: Labour launches manifesto with economic growth and wealth creation at centre

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NationalWorld’s reporters from across the UK will bring you the latest news from the general election 2024 campaign trail.

Follow our live blog below for all the updates and analysis ahead of polling day on 4 July.

LIVE: general election 2024

Welcome to NationalWorld's general election 2024 live blog

Rishi Sunak caught most of Westminster on the hop yesterday by calling a general election on 4 July. That means we’ve got a six-week campaign to look forward to before polling day, when the UK will decide who will be its next Prime Minister. NationalWorld’s reporters across the country will bring you all the twists and turns on our live blog. Should Sunak have called an election? Let me know [email protected].

Farage is not standing

Reform UK, Richard Tice’s right-wing anti-immigration party, is holding a press conference today in Westminster, which I will be attending. There has been some speculation that it could have been to announce that the party’s honorary president Nigel Farage will be standing as a candidate. However, the Brexiteer has ruled this out but said he will “do my bit to help in the campaign”.

Richard Tice, left, with Nigel Farage during the Hartlepool by-election in 2019. Credit: GettyRichard Tice, left, with Nigel Farage during the Hartlepool by-election in 2019. Credit: Getty
Richard Tice, left, with Nigel Farage during the Hartlepool by-election in 2019. Credit: Getty | Getty Images

Starmer kicks off Labour's election campaign in Gillingham

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has kicked off his party’s election campaign with a speech at Gillingham Football Club.

Kicking off his speech, the opposition leader joked: “It is great to be here in Gillingham. Last time under a Labour government, Gillingham was in the same league as Manchester City, so that is a good place to start.”

He then went onto describe the general election as one with the power of “change”.

Starmer said: “This election is about a choice: Two different countries, two different futures. Decline and chaos continuing under the Tories, or rebuilding our country under Labour.

“The power of the vote is with you. If you want change, you have to vote for it. And if you vote Labour, it is a vote to stop the chaos, it is a vote to turn the page and it is a vote to rebuild our country together.”

Rwanda flights won't take off before election - Sunak

Rishi Sunak has confirmed that his long-awaited and controversial flights carrying asylum to Rwanda will not take off before the general election.

The Prime Minister’s key policy plan to get jets off of the ground by July has now been halted due to his decision to call an election for July 4.

It comes amid rumours that minister would be working to the wire to get the flight in the air as an example to voters on the work being done to ‘stop the boats’, a key feature of Sunak’s pledges when taking up the role of PM.

However, he has now confirmed that the flights will go ahead “if I’m re-elected” in the July election and used the possibility as an incentive for those who agree with the policy to vote Conservative on polling day.

He told BBC Radio 4: "If you think stopping the boats is important, and you think like I do that you need a deterrent to do that [...] then I'm the only one that's going to deliver that."

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Prime Minister saying that no flights to Rwanda will happen before July, said: “The Prime Minister’s own words this morning show this whole Rwanda scheme has been a con from start to finish.

 “With all the hundreds of millions they have spent, it would be extraordinary if 'symbolic flights' didn't take off in early July, as the Tories planned. But Rishi Sunak's words confirm what we've known all along - he doesn't believe this plan will work and that's why he called the election now in the desperate hope that he won’t be found out.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said deportation flights of asylum seekers to Rwanda will begin in '10 to 12 weeks', as the plan entered its final stage in Parliament. Picture: AFP via Getty ImagesPrime Minister Rishi Sunak said deportation flights of asylum seekers to Rwanda will begin in '10 to 12 weeks', as the plan entered its final stage in Parliament. Picture: AFP via Getty Images
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said deportation flights of asylum seekers to Rwanda will begin in '10 to 12 weeks', as the plan entered its final stage in Parliament. Picture: AFP via Getty Images

Farage to help Reform UK 'significantly'

At the launch of Reform UK’s general election launch, party leader Richard Tice revealed that 630 candidates will be standing in the upcoming ballot.

The right-wing party will stand in seats across the country, but missed the registration deadline in Northern Ireland.

It comes after Nigel Farage ruled out standing for the party in the general election for Reform UK, for which is is honorary president. But Tice said in his launch speech that he will be “helping out significantly” as Reform UK looks to lure away traditional Tory voters.

Other speakers at the launch of Reform UK’s campaign included Ben Habib and Anne Widdecombe, but Lee Anderson, the party’s only sitting MP, notably skipped out on the event.

Opting for a staunchly anti-immigration stance, the party will hope to attract voters of the opinion that Sunak hasn’t gone far enough to “stop the boats”.

NationalWorld’s Political Editor Ralph Blackburn was at the launch of the campaign, where he spotted that the party might be hoping to get immigration levels back to... 1066?

Tories 'want six TV debates'

The Telegraph is reporting that Rishi Sunak is willing to hold a TV debate with Keir Starmer every week until the election. A far cry from 2019 when Boris Johnson refused to go on any televised debates.

A source told the paper: “Rishi Sunak is up for debating Keir Starmer as many times as he likes. And if Starmer doesn’t want to do it, what is he hiding? If he has all these great plans, why doesn’t he come out and say what he wants to do?”

Six TV debates is a but much for me personally, and perhaps a slight sign of desperation from the Prime Minister?

Reform UK also promising change

One day into this election campaign and change is clearly the order of the day. In first speech to the nation, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told voters this was “a chance to change for the better”. Last night, Tory MP Danny Kruger explainer that actually voting for the Conservatives was a vote for change, while Labour represents more of the same. Make sense of that if you can.

And today, at Reform UK’s campaign launch in Westminster, leader Richard Tice said: “Do you want more of the same from the main two parties or do you want change?” He said: “Do you agree with me and us that actually this great nation of ours can do so much better, but we have to change course.”

Reform and Labour could form an uncomfortable pincer movement on the Tories, pulling away voters from both wings of the party who want change. Noticeably, during campaign speeches, there was no word from Reform UK’s only MP, Lee Anderson, who sat in the front row glaring at photographers. Perhaps, like many Tory MPs, he also didn’t want an election so soon?

Lee Anderson at Reform UK's campaign launch. Credit: GettyLee Anderson at Reform UK's campaign launch. Credit: Getty
Lee Anderson at Reform UK's campaign launch. Credit: Getty | AFP via Getty Images

What happens to legislation now the election has been called?

Now that Rishi Sunak has called an election, Parliament will be dissolved on 24 May in just over a week’s time - and MPs will become candidates. That means there’s a few days to wrap up any legislation which is close to passing in a process called “wash up”.

This is where the government and opposition parties agree which bills to push through Parliament and get turned into law before the legislature is dissolved. We haven’t had the list in full yet, but it certainly sounds like the Football Governance Bill, which would bring in a football regulator, is not going to make it, per this tweet by the law’s architect Tory MP Tracey Crouch.

The Guido Fawkes website is also reporting that Rishi Sunak’s landmark smoking ban legislation will also not get passed, despite the Prime Minister promising that his government would “ensure the next generation grows up smoke-free”. That was significant pledge from Sunak which, forgive me, looks like going up in smoke.

At PMQs yesterday, Sunak also promised to pass Martyn’s Law before the summer recess, which promises greater resilience to terrorism in public places. This is named after Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, and his mother was in Parliament yesterday. While this has cross party support, it looks like another piece of legislation which may fall by the wayside with the election.

I’ll be keeping my eye on the Renters Reform Bill, which could ban no-fault evictions, and the Freehold and Leasehold Bill, which could eliminate punitive ground rents. Both policies formed part of the Tories’ 2019 manifesto, but so far haven’t been turned into law. Are they about to break these manifesto commitments?

Sunak makes footy faux-pas

Rishi Sunak has been in Wales today for the third stop on his tour of the UK. I was in London to witness part of the English leg yesterday. The Prime Minister has obviously forgotten to change his lines as he asked Welsh voters if they are “looking forward to all the football”?

He looked shocked when one person pointed out Wales have not qualified for the Euros. Scotland and England, which formed the first part of his tour, have. Here’s the clip:

SNP say general election is 'independence day'

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has described 4 July, the date of the general election, as “independence day”. John Swinney said the election gives voters the chance to get rid of Rishi Sunak and his “disastrous” Conservative government.

The SNP leader declared: “Never has a government deserved to lose more than Rishi Sunak’s Government.” Launching the SNP election campaign at an event in Edinburgh, he urged voters north of the border: “On July 4 – Independence Day – make sure your voice is heard.”

First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar are gearing up for the general election (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar are gearing up for the general election (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar are gearing up for the general election (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A recent YouGov poll found Labour has a 10-point lead over the nationalists in Scotland, NationalWorld sister site’s the Scotsman reports. It predicts the SNP will win just 11 seats in the Westminster election, down from 43. Meanwhile, the poll finds Labour would secure 35 MPs, a huge increase on their existing total of just two.

Simon Case: I wasn’t aware of Sunak's Eat Out To Help Out until day it was announced

Some news is coming in from the Covid Inquiry, which could have a bearing on the general election. Simon Case, the UK’s most senior civil servant, is currently giving evidence. His session was originally due to be heard last year, but was delayed due to health issues.

He’s just told the Covid Inquiry that he had not heard of Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme until the day it was announced. Now why is this important?

Rishi Sunak puts an Eat Out To Help Out sticker up. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/PA WireRishi Sunak puts an Eat Out To Help Out sticker up. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire
Rishi Sunak puts an Eat Out To Help Out sticker up. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire | Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire

Previously, both Sir Patrick Vallance, who was chief scientific adviser, and Sir Chris Whitty, who is still chief medical officer, said they were not informed about the scheme until the announcement. Vallance said he would have advised against the scheme as it was “highly likely” to have fuelled deaths.

When Sunak gave evidence in December, he denied keeping the scientific experts in the dark, saying this was normal procedure. He added that it was the “right thing to do to protect” workers from the “devastating consequences” of job losses. However, now Case has also said he wasn’t informed

Two ministers to stand down on first election campaign day

Two serving Government ministers are among the Conservative MPs who have announced they will not seek re-election on the first day of the General Election campaign.

Transport minister Huw Merriman and work and pensions minister Jo Churchill shared resignation letters featuring the House of Commons letterhead on Thursday.

Other MPs who have already said they will not stand are having to say goodbye to Parliament sooner than expected.

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and BattleHuw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle
Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle

Ms Churchill cited “family reasons” in her resignation letter, and said she had the “utmost respect for the difficult job” of the Prime Minister.

In his letter, Bexhill and Battle MP Mr Merriman did not specify a reason for his departure but thanked his staff, local Conservative association and the Prime Minister, and paid tribute to his constituency.

Dame Eleanor Laing, the Deputy Commons Speaker who was elected as a Conservative MP but relinquished party affiliation to take up her role, also announced she would stand down.

The MP for Epping Forest, who has served for 27 years, said in a post on X that she had informed Mr Sunak “several days ago”.

Labour former minister Kevan Jones to stand down

Labour former minister Kevan Jones has announced he will not stand at the General Election.

The North Durham MP said it would be “impossible” for him to fight the campaign as he is undergoing surgery and treatment in early June for “an ongoing condition”.

Labour MP Kevan Jones. Credit: PALabour MP Kevan Jones. Credit: PA
Labour MP Kevan Jones. Credit: PA | James Manning/PA Wire

He described his decision not to stand as “difficult”, adding: “I am sad to be leaving the House of Commons but would like to thank the people of North Durham and my supporters who gave me the opportunity to serve them.”

Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis will not stand for re-election

Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis has announced he will not be standing for re-election.

Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis has announced he will not be standing for re-election.Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis has announced he will not be standing for re-election.
Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis has announced he will not be standing for re-election. | PA

The Northampton North MP, who has served in several prominent ministerial positions including as attorney general, said it was an “extremely difficult decision” not to stand again.

Among his “lasting legacy” achievements, he counted the “Diamond and Platinum Jubilee gifts I arranged for the late Queen” on the Parliamentary estate, and a plaque to commemorate former prime minister Spencer Perceval, a Northampton MP, and the only premier to have ever been assassinated.

Jeremy Corbyn to stand as an independent

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said that he will continue to defend his seat in Islington North as an independent.

Corbyn lost the Labour whip following the party’s handling of anti-Semitism allegations while he was leader. He lost the whip in 2020 and has sat as an independent MP since.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Corbyn said: “I am standing as an independent candidate for the people of Islington North. As your MP, I will continue to be an independent voice for equality, democracy and peace.

“Let’s prove that when we come together, we can win.”

The future of MP Diane Abbott, who served in Corbyn’s shadow cabinet, within the Labour Party is still to be determined after she lost the party whip in 2023.

She lost the whip after saying that racism experienced by Jewish, Irish, and Traveller communities was not comparable to racism experienced by black people.

The veteran MP is still under investigation but Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said that the matter will be “resolved” before the general election.

Key points from Starmer's broadcast round

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has been on the broadcast round this morning. Here are a few of the key things he said:

TV debates: Rishi Sunak has challenged Starmer to six TV debates, one a week until election day. The Labour leader has reportedly offered to do two. Today, he said: “He is sounding increasingly desperate, I have to say. Of course there are going to be TV debates. They are part and parcel of the election cycle now. I obviously want to spend as much of my time talking to voters directly.”

Two-child benefit cap: This is a policy which for years Labour figures have said has caused immense poverty, however Starmer has said an incoming government could not afford to get rid of it. He said he would scrap it “in an ideal world, of course”. “But we haven’t got the resources to do it at the moment,” he added.

Keir Starmer needs to convince people that his energy strategy is the right way forward (Picture: Robert Perry/Getty Images)Keir Starmer needs to convince people that his energy strategy is the right way forward (Picture: Robert Perry/Getty Images)
Keir Starmer needs to convince people that his energy strategy is the right way forward (Picture: Robert Perry/Getty Images)

Diane Abbott: the investigation into the veteran Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP will be concluded before the election, Starmer said. He told LBC: “It will be resolved, yes of course it will. We have got a cut-off date for, I think it is 4 June, or thereabouts.”

Jeremy Corbyn: Starmer said former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s decision to stand as an independent is “a matter for him”. He added: “We will have an excellent Labour candidate in Islington North, as we’ve got excellent Labour candidates across the country.”

Tories fail to deliver no-fault evictions promise

The Renters Reform Bill has not made it into wash up, which is where the government and opposition parties agree to push through legislation which is nearing completion. That means the Conservatives have failed to deliver their promise to ban no-fault evictions from their 2019 manifesto.

Tom Darling, campaign manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, a campaign group of 20 leading housing and renter organisations, commented: “In 2019 the Conservative Manifesto promised to deliver a better deal for private renters and an end to no-fault evictions.

“Renters in England – trapped in an unhealthy, unaffordable and insecure renting system – have been waiting five long years for action on that pledge. Today we get confirmation that the Renters (Reform) Bill won’t pass – meaning the Bill is dead and the task of fixing England’s broken renting system will fall to the next government. Renters have been so badly let down.”

Michael Gove found himself in hot water this week.Michael Gove found himself in hot water this week.
Michael Gove found himself in hot water this week. | Getty Images

As NationalWorld previously reported, several landlord Tory MPs put a lot of pressure on Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, to water down the bill. Shadow Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, said: “The Tories' decision to cave in to vested interests and abandon their already weakened Renters Reform Bill leaves in tatters the promises they made to private tenants five years ago.

“If the Tories get back in, renters will remain exposed to spiralling costs, poor housing standards and the risk of homelessness from no-fault evictions.

“Labour will turn the page on 14 years of Tory chaos, deliver where the Tories have failed and pass robust renters reform legislation that abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions immediately and decisively levels the playing field between landlords and tenants.”

Lib Dems promise plans for patients to see GP in seven days

The first bit of policy heft of this general election campaign comes from the Lib Dems. Leader Sir Ed Davey has unveiled plans to give patients a right to see a GP in seven days.

Davey announced the pledge on a visit to Eastbourne, a target constituency for the party where the Lib Dems came second behind Conservative MP Caroline Ansell.

Speaking at Eastbourne Pier, the party leader said: “So many people tell us they can’t get a GP appointment in the time they want. They’re having to wait days and weeks in some cases.

“We’re so excited that we’re coming forward with new ideas about how we can transform our health system that will really help people struggling at the moment.”

Ed Davey eats an ice cream in Eastbourne. Credit: PAEd Davey eats an ice cream in Eastbourne. Credit: PA
Ed Davey eats an ice cream in Eastbourne. Credit: PA | Aaron Chown/PA Wire

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