ITV debate branded ‘car crash’ as Julie Etchingham ‘lets Rishi Sunak interrupt Keir Starmer’

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser that supports HTML5video ITV viewers have been left fuming watching the debate between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer – but not for the reason you might think. The Tory and Labour leaders went head-to-head in the first General Election debate on Tuesday night, in front of a live studio audience and moderated by newsreader Julie Etchingham. And while they clashed over taxes, the NHS and immigration, those watching at home were more concerned about the debate descending into chaos, with Julie being accused of allowing one leader to speak over another.

‘@ITV why bother having Julie Etchingham mediating when she allows RS to talk over her and KS and then let him ask the questions? Poor show,’ Alexandra fumed on X. Dean added: ‘Julie Etchingham needs to let Starmer pick up on points. Allowing Sunak to talk over and interrupt and make points but not Starmer.

’ Tim seethed: ‘Switching off now as you cannot control Sunak. Pathetic and shambolic.’ ‘A dreadful format and you were not in control.

You let Sunak talk over you and Starmer all the time,’ Cath added. ‘Maybe let Starmer answer and stop Sunak shouting over him. Just a thought,’ Tom wrote.

Suzanne added: ‘You’re doing a terrible job of this. You’re letting Sunak speak over Starmer and then cut Starmer off! Appalling job.’ Carol Vorderman urged: ‘Time for Julie Etchingham to.