General election latest: Boris Johnson’s warning over Labour majority in surprise speech at Conservative rally
Boris Johnson introduces Rishi Sunak at late-night Conservative Party rally in the final countdown to the general election
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Boris Johnson warned a Labour super-majority would be “pregnant with horrors” as he gave a surprise appearance at a Conservative Party rally on Tuesday.
Rishi Sunak’s predecessor took to the stage ahead of Thursday’s general election in a last-ditch attempt to gather support for the current Tory leader, who is thought to be on the verge of leading the party to its worst defeat in history according to polling for The Independent.
Mr Johnson accused Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of trying to “usher in the most left-wing Labour government since the war”.
He told campaigners: “Don’t let the Putinistas deliver the Corbynistas. Don’t let Putin’s pet parrots give this entire country psittacosis – which is a disease you get by the way from cosying up to pet parrots.”
He added: “If you want uncontrolled immigration and mandatory wokery, and pointless kowtowing to Brussels again, then go right ahead, make my day, vote for Starmer.”
It came as the UK’s postal vote system is “creaking”, the chief of the election watchdog has said, as a “record” amount of postal votes are expected this year.
What to expect on the General Election campaign trail on Tuesday
Sunak in last-ditch attempt to rally Conservative voters with threat of a Labour ‘supermajority’
Is Starmer right to stop work for his family at 6pm on Fridays? Join The Independent Debate
Is there real reason to fear a Labour ‘supermajority’?
Tories attack Starmer over his desire to spend Friday nights with family
Clacton to get US presidential visit if Trump and Farage pull off victories
Clacton is expected to receive an official visit by a US president if Nigel Farage pulls off victory on Thursday and his friend Donald Trump retakes the White House in November, Reform campaigners have been told.
With Mr Farage now the odds on favourite to win the seaside town against defending Tory MP Giles Watling his supporters are already beginning to look ahead to what will follow.
With the election of an international celebrity politician, Reform campaigners in Clacton have been told that Trump will visit if he is reelected against an increasingly tired looking Joe Biden.
Mr Trump’s love for golf may mean that Clacton Golf Club with its 18-hole links course, 10-acre practice field, putting and chipping areas and clubhouse with bar may need to prepare for an unusual guest.
Our Political editor David Maddox reports:
Clacton to get US presidential visit if Trump and Farage pull off victories
Farage supporters in Clacton expect Trump visit to seaside town with double election victories
Reform accuses Conservatives of placing ‘Trojan horse’ candidates
Reform UK chairman Richard Tice has accused the Conservatives of placing “Trojan horse” candidates to “spread lies” about the party.
In the past week, two Reform candidates have defected to the Tories blaming the ongoing row about racism in the party.
Mr Tice wrote on X: “Desperate toxic Tories sent us some Trojan horse candidates by offering jobs, safe council seats etc to spread lies.
“Their corruption will rightly be punished by voters on July 4. Many millions will vote Reform for change.”
What is voter ID and which forms of identification can I use to vote in the General Election?
Which forms of ID can I use to vote in the General Election on July 4th?
Everything to know about the voter ID you need to vote in the General Election this Thursday
Where do the main party manifestos stand on key areas from NHS to immigration
Where do all the party manifestos stand on key policy areas?
The Independent’s guide to all the major party manifestos ahead of the general election
Sunak backs Royal Mail investigation into postal votes
Rishi Sunak has said “it’s right” that Royal Mail is investigating concerns around delayed deliveries of postal votes.
Asked whether he was worried about reports some people may not be able to vote, the Prime Minister told broadcasters in Banbury: “It’s right that the Royal Mail have said that they will look at any concerns where they’re raised, because obviously we want to make sure everyone can vote because this is an important election.
“In spite of what some people want others to believe, that it’s all a foregone conclusion, every vote matters.
“Every vote matters, particularly if you want to prevent a Labour supermajority, you want your taxes cut and your pension protected. The only way to do that is to vote Conservative.”
VOICES Claire Cohen (non-Premium): Will your kids thank you for clocking off early at No10, Sir Keir?
Will your kids thank you for clocking off early at No10, Sir Keir?
If he gets the keys to Downing Street, the Labour leader hopes to finish work at 6pm on a Friday, to spend a few hours with his family. That doesn’t make him a ‘slacker’ says Claire Cohen – as anyone who’s shared a house with teenagers knows…
Pictured: Sunak packs boxes during warehouse visit in Banbury
Sunak: ‘No point fretting about the past'
Rishi Sunak said there is “no point fretting about the past” when asked if he feels frustrated by the “poisoned chalice” he was given when taking on the role.
The prime minister said “I don’t focus on these things in the past”, adding to reporters: “You’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt. It’s a great privilege to do this job.
“Has it been tough? Of course it’s been tough. I got made chancellor and I had to do a budget in three weeks, and then a pandemic hit. Things happen, how you respond to them is what defines you as a person, your character, your actions, your values.”
Mr Sunak said he is now at a point where it is “quite nice for me to be able to talk about what I’d like to do in the future”, adding: “There’s no point fretting about the past. I’ve delivered what I’ve delivered, this is about the future and that’s what gives me the energy and motivation to go around and get up and talk to many people about it.”
Sunak tucks into ‘comeback’ breakfast wrap
Rishi Sunak revealed he has three breakfast before 10am while campaigning.
The prime minister said his favorite morning food is a McDonald’s breakfast wrap.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments