General election TV debate LIVE: Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to go head-to-head in ITV clash for the keys to Downing Street – latest updates and build-up

Julie Etchingham will moderate the first live television debate between Conservative and Labor leaders.

The 54-year-old newsreader joined ITV in 2008, having previously worked at the BBC and Sky News.

She brings significant experience to the format, having chaired debates between David Cameron and Nigel Farage in 2016, and ITV debates in the 2017 and 2019 general elections.

Away from politics, Etchingham also co-hosted ITV’s coverage of major royal events, such as Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle and Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021.

Before we turn our attention to tonight’s debate, let’s recap the biggest stories of the day, as Nigel Farage gets off to a (milk) shaky start in his run to become the next MP for Clacton.

Here are some of the biggest stories of the day:

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Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage of the TV Leaders’ Debate as Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer go head-to-head on ITV.

The stakes are high for both men who want to become prime minister next month.

Mr Sunak will hope a strong performance can help turn the tide in his favor after some worrying polls, while Keir Starmer will look to cement his position as a candidate for change.

We will provide live updates from the debate, as well as analysis and reaction.

Sunak v Starmer: The ITV debate will take place live in front of a studio audience and will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX and STV and STV Player at 9pm.