Leader of the Commons criticizes Prime Minister in scathing opening debate

Allies of Penny Mordaunt claimed Downing Street was keeping her "in a box" during the election campaign because Rishi Sunak's team see her as a threat. Mordaunt was relentless in hammering Labour on its policies on tax, immigration, and crime. She was combative on the Tories' allegation that Labour is planning a £2,000 per household tax grab. The debate focused on Mordaunt, with her attacks on Rayner and Labour's policies. It was a story about a blunder of the PM's own making. Penny Mordaunt faced a dilemma as she aimed to promote the Conservatives while also considering her ambition to be the next Tory leader.