Sunak and Starmer clash over tax and health in a debate as disruptor Farage roils the U.K. election

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer sparred over tax, the cost of living and the country’s creaking health system in an inconclusive televised debate

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer sparred on June 4 over tax, the cost of living and the country’s creaking health system in an inconclusive televised debate ahead of a July 4 election expected to make one of them the country's next leader.

Mr. Sunak tried to boost his center-right party’s dismal outlook by urging voters to back the stability of continued Conservative government. Mr. Starmer hoped to cement his status as favourite by arguing that Britain desperately needs change. Both acknowledged the country’s many problems, from fraying public services to a broken immigration system. But neither could say outright, when asked, where the money would come from to fix them.

Mr. Sunak stressed his stewardship of the economy, which has seen inflation fall to just over 2% from a peak of more than 11% in late 2022. He said should stick with him because his “clear plan” for the economy was working.

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Mr. Starmer said the election was a choice between more “chaos and division” with the Conservatives and “turning the page and rebuilding with Labour.”

Polls currently give center-left Labour a double-digit lead. To win, Mr. Starmer must persuade voters who previously backed the Tories that Labour can be trusted with the U.K.’s economy, borders and security.

Speaking in front of a live audience on a sleek, futuristic set at the studios of broadcaster ITV in Salford, northwest England, both Starmer and Sunak appeared nervous. Voters may have got the impression their choice is between two cautious and rather dull managers.