Author: Ben Riley-Smith

The anticipation surrounding this year’s general election date finally came to an end when Rishi Sunak unexpectedly announced July 4th as the polling day, putting an end to months of speculation. However, as the campaign enters its final week, a betting scandal surrounding the election date has emerged, stealing focus from policy debates. The Gambling Commission is investigating individuals, including some close to Sunak, for placing bets on the election date, sparking interest in whether any action will be taken. Ben Riley-Smith, The Telegraph’s Political Editor, reflects on the impact of this scandal on the campaign, highlighting how it exposes…

One of the biggest stories of the general election campaign has been Nigel Farage’s dramatic return to lead Reform UK, formerly known as the Brexit Party. Despite a slight drop in the polls prior to the snap election, Mr. Farage’s takeover saw support for the party surge. While Reform UK is known for its tough stance on immigration, many are questioning the party’s overall political impact and the extent of its policy proposals beyond this issue. Ben Riley-Smith, political editor at The Telegraph, delves into why Reform may struggle to secure a significant number of seats in Parliament, despite the…

The election campaign is well underway, and it is becoming clear that the Tories are willing to take big risks to change the dynamics of the race. With the Conservatives trailing by around 20 percentage points behind Labour in opinion polls, they need to shake things up quickly. In this week’s Westminster Source, Ben Riley-Smith, The Telegraph’s Political Editor, delves into the four key points that highlight the risks the Tories are taking in the campaign. But the big question remains – will these gambles pay off? From strategic decisions to campaign tactics, the Tories are leaving no stone unturned…