Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
battle for number 10
Here's what happened when David Cameron and Ed Miliband went head-to-head with Jeremy Paxman*
*Well, sort of.
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER David Cameron and his main rival Ed Miliband faced a prime time television grilling last night, as May’s election draws ever closer.
It wasn’t a head-to-head debate with Jeremy Paxman questioning both leaders individually, while Kay Burley moderated audience Q&A.
A snap Guardian/ICM poll of viewers showed 54% believed Conservative party leader Cameron put in the strongest performance, compared to the 46% who thought Labour leader Miliband came out on top.
Some commentators have suggested Cameron didn’t want a head-to-head debate in the belief that a lacklustre performance in TV debates during the 2010 election campaign contributed to the Tories failing to win outright.
Asked about claims from critics that he is a “north London geek” who wouldn’t be able to stand up to world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Miliband hit back: “Am I tough enough? Hell yes, I’m tough enough.”
Miliband was also questioned on immigration limits and budget cuts:
Meanwhile, Cameron was asked about cutbacks, his plans to hold a referendum on Britain leaving the European Union and his disclosure this week that he would not stand for a third term if re-elected.
Speaking on his time in office he said: ”What I have learnt in the last five years is that nothing you want to do will work without a strong and growing economy.”
The prime minister was also asked if he has a “credibility problem”:
Twitter had a slight meltdown when users misheard one audience member’s name as Zayn Malik (he of leaving One Direction fame).
The police officer was actually called Zaid Malik.
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
The 95-minute programme came hours after the British parliament held its last day of business before shutting down ahead of the polls on 7 May, signalling the real start of an election campaign that has been simmering for weeks.
Here’s what some people made of the programme:
You can watch the full Sky News/Channel 4 show here:
Additional reporting: AFP
have your say