Latest election: Reform moves to Tory point in new poll – as minister refuses to admit tax burden will rise | Political news

Tonight’s panel consists of Boris Johnson’s former communications director, Good Harryand a collaborating editor at Novara Media, Ash Sarkar.

Asked what he makes of the Tory manifesto, Mr Harri says there are “good meaty things” to get people talking.

“But at the end of the day it’s about values,” he adds, about whether the money is available … whether you’re spending it on welfare or working people.

But Ms Sarkar says she has set a “low bar” by saying at least people are talking about it – saying they would even if it was “just a picture of Scrooge McDuck”.

Instead, she worries about what’s missing, including a lack of “serious solutions” to fix the NHS.

Not a “wow” campaign.

Asked if the document was enough to turn the tide for the Tories, Mr Harri says it will never be a “wow” campaign like his former boss’ or even Tony Blair’s.

“They’re two guys capable (as it were) of being interviewed by the board saying they’d do a better job,” he says. “It’s not very exciting, but it’s important and it matters.”

The Tories have not done enough to recover from Truss

Ms. Sarkar agrees to an extent, saying, “I don’t think anyone’s heart is set on fire unless you live a deeply sad life.”

But she says the Tories have not done enough to change the narrative since Liz Truss “machine-gunned her core voters” with her mini-budget.