SKY NEWS HOST THE BATTLE FOR NUMBER 10, BETH RIGBY TO CHAIR EVENT

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will take part in The Battle for Number 10 - a Sky News Leaders Special Event at 7.30pm, Wednesday 12th June, live from Grimsby.

Sky’s award-winning Political Editor Beth Rigby will scrutinise both on their commitments to the country during 20-minute in-depth interviews, revealing more about the leaders vying to be the next PM.

Lead UK Presenter Sarah-Jane Mee will be amongst the representative audience drawn from the local area and nationally, as they put their questions to Sunak and Starmer in 25-minutes slots. There will be a coin toss to decide who goes first.

The complex composition of the new Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency means it’s shaping up to be a key battleground, and both leaders will have the opportunity to speak directly to local people.

Labour will need an 11.7 point swing to win this newly-merged constituency back from the Conservatives and the bellwether town is expected to reveal wider national voting trends.

Jonathan Levy, Executive Editor and Managing Editor said: “People said they wanted to hear more from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, so Sky News is giving them more time to tell you about their plans for your future. Each candidate. 45 minutes - not 45 seconds... In-depth and unfiltered. We’re giving the nation the full story, first.”

The Battle for Number 10 is available to watch for free on Sky News, and to stream on the Sky News website and App on YouTube. It will also be simulcast on Sky Showcase and Sky Mix.

Wraparound coverage across the day starts with Kay Burley at breakfast before Jayne Secker picks up through the day, meeting the locals of Grimsby ahead of the evening event.

Lead Politics Presenter Sophy Ridge will front a special programme 5pm-7.30pm, before being back on air with the wash-up at 9pm with live coverage from the spin room. Gillian Joseph will present a special edition of Press Preview live from Grimsby as she is joined by a panel to look at tomorrow’s headlines tonight.

The Battle for Number 10 special event, Wednesday 12th June 7pm-10pm (leader’s event 7.30pm-9pm) on Sky News.