Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn arrive for ITV election debate in Manchester

0
248

JEREMY Corbyn and Boris Johnson have arrived at ITV’s studios ahead of their TV clash this evening.

The PM was bustled in the back ahead by his security detail before the pair go head-to-head at 8pm tonight, but Mr Corbyn chatted to reporters and fans outside.

Jeremy Corbyn arriving at tonight’s debate

Boris Johnson has warmed up for his election TV bout with Jeremy Corbyn by jumping in the ring at a boxing gym

The PM threw a few punches with a trainer in Manchester before he trades blows with Mr Corbyn in an hour-long debate on ITV tonight.

IN THE BLUE CORNER

Mr Johnson pulled on blue boxing gloves with Get Brexit Done emblazoned on them as he sparred in front of reporters.

Boris is the third leader to jump in a ring on the election trail with Lib Dem boss Jo Swinson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage both doing the same.

Last night Mr Johnson demanded the Labour boss offer Brits clarity on Brexit and his manifesto pledges.

He insisted the public have a right to know where Mr Corbyn stands on the major issues which he says his rival for No10 has ducked.

Mr Johnson has triumphantly declared an end to the Tories Brexit wars of the last year after all 635 of his candidates for Parliament signed a pledge to vote his deal through Parliament.

It comes as:

  • John McDonnell hinted Labour could write up 70billion of student debt if they get into power
  • Boris Johnson vowed a tough crime crackdown today – with a 24 hour target for charging knife thugs
  • Nigel Farage revealed he thinks Boris WILL win the December 12 poll
  • Follow the action with our live blog here

CORBYN SHOWDOWN

Laying down the gauntlet, the PM added in the letter: Without satisfactory answers to these questions, the public will have no choice but to conclude that Corbyns Labour, propped up by the SNP, will mean dither, delay, and uncertainty with two more chaotic referendums next year.

Tory campaign chiefs are privately worried about tonights clash.

Mr Corbyn is currently the favourite to win the poll with odds of 8while the PM is evens to come out on top, according to William Hill.

The debate is seen by Labour as a big chance for their 67-year-old boss to make ground on the Tories current 11 point lead in the polls. With little expected of Mr Corbyn, his own aides say he cant lose.

One senior Tory figure dubbed it difficult territory for us, adding: Everyone thinks were going to smash him, whereas Corbyn just has to turn up to look better than what a lot of people think of him.

Meanwhile Mr Corbyn sharpened up by getting a hair cut with the Labour boss sharing a snap of his “quick trim” to Instagram.

Boris’ partner Carrie Symonds is supporting the PM on the campaign trail with the couple spotted boarding a train together at London Euston this morning.

BORIS COACHED BY BUSH ADVISOR

Both leaders scrapped their campaign schedules yesterday afternoon and today to carry out intensive debate prep.

Boris is being coached by former US President George W Bushs expert Brett ODonnell, while Michael Gove has played Mr Corbyn in rehearsals.

Mr Corbyn is being prepared by his usual team of close aides, and has a battle plan to lay out his own dividing lines in the election for voters to pick between the two parties.

They are based on claims that Mr Johnson is close Donald Trump and billionaire donors, and only Labour can save the NHS.

Former Lib Dem No10 adviser Polly Mackenzie said: Only half as many people think Corbyn will win it, so its Boriss to lose.

Jeremy Corbyn had a ‘quick trim’ ahead of the leadership debate this evening
Boris Johnson was spotted walking through London Euston train station this morning

Jo Swinson and Nicola Sturgeon were humiliated yesterday as their joint legal bid to force their way into the leaders debates flopped.

High Court judges dismissed a Lib Dem-SNP challenge against being left out of tonights ITV showdown, saying the decision was outside their remit and entirely up to the broadcaster.

But Ms Swinson, Ms Sturgeon and Nigel Farage will have an interview after the debate show finishes tonight.