Why Reeves is going to disappoint her 'hero'
Welcome to the daily ITV News digest direct from the campaign trail. Each afternoon we'll bring you analysis and insight from across the nation as the General Election 2024 gathers pace.
Hi, Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana here. I’ve been spending some time over a pint talking to two of Labour’s leading figures about the thorny issue of the two-child benefit cap.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner has described in the past the policy as “obscene”. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves’ ‘hero’ Gordon Brown says this policy drives children into poverty.
But, removing it to allow families to claim for a third child has been ruled out - for now. I spoke to both of them and asked them that if they were to get into power, would this policy be gone in five years?
Angela Rayner told me that removing children from poverty was an “absolute priority” but there were many other “levers” they could pull first.
Rachel Reeves has been clear - there will be no new spending. Whenever I talk to anyone in the shadow cabinet, you hear how tough she is.
But, if Keir Starmer wins, the question becomes “what did you win for?”.
For more analysis on the day’s events, check out Talking Politics, our daily podcast from the campaign live from 4pm on ITVX, hosted today by News at Ten presenter Tom Bradby, with myself and Robert Peston. Or watch on demand on ITVX or where you listen to your podcasts.
Thanks for reading and enjoy some of the best content brought to you by the rest of the ITV News team below.
Look who’s back, back again…
Fresh from Nigel Farage making a startling return to the election campaign, another ‘big beast’ has been mobilised, it’s been confirmed.
Former Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson has been endorsing candidates through video messages and letters, his successor (plus 1) Rishi Sunak has said.
The Prime Minister told broadcasters: “It’s great that Boris is supporting the Conservative Party, I very much welcome that.
“I know that will make a difference and, of course, every week he is making the case in his column and making sure that everyone understands what the Labour government would do to this country and why it’s important that everyone votes Conservative and I’m glad he’s doing that.”
Political Correspondent Romilly Weeks explains just how involved Mr Johnson could be over the next couple of weeks on ITVX.
Stephen Flynn on immigration, ‘gunning for Labour’ and cannabis
"I'm not scared of Nigel Farage," the SNP's Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn has told ITV News, as he urged politicians to "stand firm" against what he described as the "far-right".
The Scot was forthright in his rejection of Reform UK, which has surged in the polls since the Brexiter took over two weeks ago, saying people must take Farage's self-proclaimed trajectory "very seriously now".
In the latest of our interviews with party leaders, ITV News Westminster Producer Lewis Denison put questions to Mr Flynn sent in by social media users.
The SNP politician was asked about “Scotland’s immigration problem”, why he is so often “gunning for Labour” and what the SNP’s position is on legalising cannabis.
You can see the full interview on our YouTube channel, or read Lewis’ report on our website.
And, follow @itvpolitics on Instagram and TikTok to get involved.
Day 27: Starmer dodges tax questions as Sunak heads west
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer spent much of his morning taking questions from radio listeners during which he would not rule out changes to council tax rates in his plans for government.
He said he would not “write the budgets for the next five years”, when asked about changes to council tax on LBC.
Sir Keir continued to insist Labour has no plans to raise taxes outside those it has already specified.
Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds had earlier suggested to ITV’s Good Morning Britain that Labour would not need to revaluate council tax.
The top Labour team was spending much of the rest of the day focusing on kick-starting the high street - such as giving local communities a right to buy local pubs.
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak for the Conservatives was back in the south west - where the Liberal Democrats have been pushing hard.
Mr Sunak was visiting family farms to talk about inheritance tax breaks and support for rural communities, including fishing towns. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay accused Labour of treating farmers with “contempt” and stressed the Tories’ commitments to increasing the farming budget and implementing a legally binding food security target.
Pastries and garden games were on the Liberal Democrats menu as party leader Ed Davey continued his colourful campaign on Tuesday.
He was in Eastleigh, Hampshire where as well as promoting cleaner water, he also gave an insight into life on the campaign trail to ITV News Correspondent Chloe Keedy.
ITV News is one of Britain’s most trusted providers of news. You can access our expert analysis, correspondents and content on platforms beyond ITV1.
Our streaming platform ITVX has all our regional and national news programmes, plus original content and a regularly updated bulletin
Visit our website or download the news app on Apple or Android
We’re on social platforms: TikTok; Instagram; Facebook; X (Twitter); LinkedIn and You Tube
And we’ve a range of podcasts including Talking Politics and What You Need To Know
You can also follow the ITV News channel on WhatsApp for regular updates
All our journalists work to the Ofcom code
Reform's tax cuts promises so big even Truss might think them gung-ho
A combination of high debt interest costs and low economic growth means whoever forms the next government is likely to find money is very tight, writes ITV News Economics Editor Joel Hills.
But Reform’s manifesto is definitely not shy. It proposes tax cuts and spending increases worth £141 billion a year.
It would scrap VAT on energy bills, cut fuel duty, abolish Inheritance Tax and reduce Corporation Tax for businesses.
Too big to be credible? Well, even Liz Truss might think Reform’s tax cuts are a little gung-ho, says Joel.
You can read more of what Joel made of Reform’s “contract with the people” on our website.
And, ITV News Political Correspondent Harry Horton has been travelling up and down the country on the Reform battle bus - watch his interview with leader Nigel Farage on ITVX.
Memes, Snapchat, Tinder and influencers in last push to register
A former student is part of a huge campaign using celebrities, influencers, memes and social media to encourage young people to vote in the upcoming General Election.
Dan Lawes, who studied in Manchester, works with the groundbreaking Give an X campaign which targets 18 to 24-year-olds.
People who have not yet registered to vote, or are not sure if they are eligible, have until 23.59 June 18 to submit an application, or June 19 if you want to vote by post.
This can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
For all the details about how to vote, what you’ll need to take as ID to be able to vote on the day and other information, visit our website or watch our TikTok video here.
What’s coming up…
Tuesday June 18: Midnight deadline for registering to vote.
Wednesday June 19: Deadline for new postal vote applicants or amending existing absent voting arrangements.
Wednesday June 19: Inflation figure for May to be published by the ONS.
Wednesday June 19: SNP to reveal its manifesto.
Thursday June 20: Question Time Leaders’ Special to air on BBC1 with Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer and a representative from the Liberal Democrats and SNP.
And finally… how the Euros could shape the election
It’s not just the pubs up and down the nation looking to get a boost from England and Scotland’s presence on the Euro 2024 football championships.
Party leaders and election candidates are quick to send out images of themselves suitably dressed in replica shirts to signal their support.
So, does it help get an election win over the line or do (genuine) fans throw up their arms in despair?
Watch Reporter Ellie Pitt lace up her boots to find out on ITVX…