When Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn meet in Manchester this evening for the first leaders’ debate of the campaign, the risk will all be on one side and the opportunity on the other. Although Johnson’s popularity has improved in recent weeks, the Conservative government is unpopular and Corbyn will seek to hold the prime minister responsible for his party’s nine years in power. Labour’s shadow chancellor John McDonnell will portray Johnson as a prime minister in the pocket of billionaires. Johnson got in a spot of gamesmanship late last night by writinga letter to Corbyn asking him to answer four questions about Labour’s policy on Brexit. And I’ve been nothing but loyal to you.” - a text message US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri says she sent to Boris Johnson when he would not take her calls.

Source: The Irish Times November 19, 2019 07:30 UTC