Sunak appears to rule out handing back cash to Tory donor embroiled in racism row

Rishi Sunak unveils the Conservative campaign bus

Rishi Sunak has unveiled the Conservative campaign bus in Teesside during his tour of the North East. In a speech in front of the blue coach, the Prime Minister sought to draw dividing lines with Labour. He said the Tories are “the ones taking bold action, getting the planes off to Rwanda”, despite the Prime Minister confirming earlier in the campaign that no deportation flights are due to take off before the General Election on July 4. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sunak: 'Only poll that matters is on 4th July'

During a visit to Bury, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that the "only poll that matters is the poll on 4th July," downplaying concerns over current Tory poll ratings. Sunak defended his policy announcements as bold and necessary, while criticising Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's green energy plans as lacking substance. "The British people deserve a lot more," Sunak stated, urging voters to focus on the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sunak bottle feeds lambs during Macclesfield visit

Rishi Sunak bottle feeds lambs during a visit to Rowlinson's Farm, a dairy, beef and sheep farm in Gawsworth, Cheshire, while on the General Election campaign trail. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories pledge £20m investment 30 towns

The Tories have announced a pledge to give 30 towns £20 million, a plan that Labour has described as a “reckless, unfunded” commitment. The Conservatives have announced they would add the towns to their long-term plan for towns, taking the total number of towns in the programme to more than 100, and local people in each area will decide how the money will be used for long-term regeneration. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Diane Abbott 'free' to stand as Labour candidate in election

Sir Keir Starmer says Diane Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate in the election. Ms Abbott had the whip restored on Tuesday but media reports said she had been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next election. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour's Peter Kyle promises fair inquiry into Abbott

Labour's shadow science secretary, Peter Kyle, said the party aimed to handle the investigation into Diane Abbott's comments fairly. Kyle stated that the NEC would ensure all representatives meet the high standards set by Sir Keir Starmer, adding that the issue would be resolved within days, allowing Labour to focus on a platform of change for the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Angela Rayner: I don’t see any reason why Abbott can’t stand

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner defends Diane Abbott’s choice to stand as a Labour MP at the next general election saying, "I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand at the next general election." "She’s been cleared as part of an investigation, that is a process and for me I just see that if she wants to stand I don’t see any reason why she can’t", she said. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn