Tory leadership debate: Johnson rules out general election before Brexit, as he and Hunt attack Corbyn over 'antisemitism'
The latest updates from Westminster, as they happened
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The two candidates vying to be the next Tory party leader both ruled out a general election before delivering Brexit, and joined the prime minister in condemning Donald Trump's "totally unacceptable" tweets.
Speaking at what was expected to be the last live debate of the leadership contest on Monday evening, Boris Johnson said "we will have an election at some stage in 2022".
His rival Jeremy Hunt said he agreed with prime minister Theresa May in condemning Mr Trump after the president told US congresswomen to “go back” to the “broken and crime-infested places from which they came”.
Mr Johnson added that the language used by the US president was “totally unacceptable”.
However neither politician would go as far as to call the comments racist.
Earlier in the day, Mr Johnson was warned that suggestions he could strike an early US trade deal in October would be a "breach" of EU law.
International trade secretary Liam Fox dismissed reports that the Tory frontrunner could broker a deal with Washington as soon as the UK leaves the EU on 31 October, saying it was impossible to negotiate anything in earnest until after Brexit.
See below for live updates
Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson are going head-to-head in what is expected to be their last live debate of the Tory leadership contest.
Speaking at the debate, which is being hosted by The Sun and talkRadio, Mr Hunt said was the most likely candidate to get Brexit delivered by the current deadline.
He said: “On Brexit, if people think with their heads as well as their hearts, they will see that my way of delivering Brexit is more likely to get us out by 31 October because I have a plan for no-deal but also the ability to negotiate a deal that can get through the Houses of Parliament.
“Being prime minister is not just about what you promise but what you can deliver.”
Mr Johnson said the nation faces a “momentous choice” between the “same old failed can-kicking approach” between change and getting back “our mojo”.
“The way to do that is to get Brexit done by 31 October 31,” he said.
Mr Hunt said Mr Johnson is promising things about Brexit and trade deals that he cannot deliver if he were to become prime minister.
He told the debate: “Right now, Boris is guaranteeing something that he knows that neither he nor I can truly guarantee because we don't know what parliament would do.
“We do not have a majority in parliament. We can hope and I would hope and urge my colleagues not to take no deal off the table.
“I think it is one of the most dangerous and destructive things we can do when we are trying to get a deal but we cannot control what parliament does.”
Mr Johnson challenged Mr Hunt on when he would deliver Brexit, saying any delay would be “absurd”.
“I’m hearing that Jeremy might delay for a few days. Well, how many days? Is that three days? Is that six days,” he said
“You said you would be prepared to wait until Christmas. Which Christmas is it?”
Boris Johnson says he will “absolutely” rule out a general election before delivering Brexit.
He said: “We will have an election at some stage in 2022.”
The candidates were asked whether they would prefer a second referendum or a general election if they fail to secure a Brexit deal.
The government is “looking closely” at the two-year duration of the Windrush compensation scheme, the immigration minister has said.
Caroline Nokes told MPs that “should there be a requirement which undoubtedly would need primary legislation to extend it, we will be happy to consider that”.
Her comments during Commons Home Office questions came as Labour questioned whether the current two-year arrangements were long enough.
PA
Both candidates said they would give a woman one of the “top four” jobs.
Asked how they will convince people they are not just “self-serving posh boys”, Mr Johnson says he will win trust by pushing ahead with Brexit.
Mr Hunt said: “As a Charterhouse boy, I’m never going to criticise Boris for going to Eton.”
Boris Johnson dodges a question about his personal life and who he would potentially be living in Downing Street with.
The Sun political editor Tom Newton Dunn says "it’s a trust thing".
Mr Johnson replies: "I took a decision ages ago that I just don’t talk about people that I care about.
"I’ve had a pretty ruthless rule of not commenting on that side of things."
Mr Hunt jokes that he will be living in No 11, while Mr Hunt will be living in No 10.
He says he's happy to have his wife with him on the campaign trail.
Tom Newton Dunn says “for the record, you didn’t answer the question”.
Mr Johnson replies says that’s as much as he’ll get out of him on the subject tonight.
Mr Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds were in the public eye last month after police were called to a loud late-night altercation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments