Why the summer election rumour mill is running hot

Leaders Clash on Tax and Immigration in ITV Election Debate

Seven party leaders and representatives took the stage for ITV's second General Election debate on Thursday evening, addressing issues such as taxes, immigration, and the cost of living. On stage were Penny Mordaunt from the Conservatives, Angela Rayner from Labour, Stephen Flynn from the SNP, Daisy Cooper from the Liberal Democrats, Rhun ap Iorwerth from Plaid Cymru, Carla Denyer from the Green Party, and Nigel Farage from Reform UK. The debate was moderated by Julie Etchingham of ITV News, who asked questions on key topics selected by the public ahead of the event. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Leaders arrive ahead of multi-party ITV debate

Leaders and deputies arrive at TV studios in Salford ahead of the ITV multi-party debate. Moderated by Julie Etchingham, the debate will include Penny Mordaunt for the Conservative Party, Angela Rayner for the Labour Party, Daisy Cooper for Liberal Democrats, Stephen Flynn for SNP, Nigel Farage for Reform UK, Carla Denyer for Green Party and Rhun ap Iorwerth for Plaid Cymru. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM repeats election will be ‘second half’ of the year

Rishi Sunak repeats his insistence that the general election will take place in the second half of the year amid mounting speculation he could have his eye on a summer polling day. Answering a question at PMQs from SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the prime minister says "there is, Mr Speaker - spoiler alert - there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rishi Sunak heads for Parliament amid election rumours

Rishi Sunak travels to the Houses of Parliament ahead of PMQs amid rumours that the prime minister is about to call a snap general election. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

UK Election exit poll beamed onto BBC building

The polls have closed in the UK 2024 General election, with Ipsos UK’s exit poll predicting huge gains for Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform, and massive losses for the Conservatives and SNP. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM insists only the Tories can ‘stand up’ to the SNP

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insists only the Conservatives have the "courage to stand up to the nationalists" as he launches the Scottish Tory manifesto in Edinburgh. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Swinney: I'll put pressure on Westminster over independence

John Swinney says if he were to be re-elected as Scottish First Minister, he would "intensify pressure" on Parliament over Scotland's bid for independence and accuses the Westminster government of "escaping scrutiny" on the subject. After launching his party's manifesto, the SNP leader adds "we cannot be climate deniers" and that it is "irresponsible" of the prime minister to pledge to authorise 100 new oil and gas licenses. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Swinney: People are desperate to get rid of awful Tory govt

John Swinney has said people are "absolutely desperate to get rid of this awful, awful Conservative government", as he launched the Scottish National Party's election manifesto. The SNP leader added Scotland will win its independence through the "power of democracy" and that Scotland could then become an EU member in its own right for the first time. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn