Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May faced a live studio audience on Monday night ahead of the general election on June 8.
The Prime Minister and the Labour leader didn’t go head to head in a debate, but took questions from the audience and were grilled by Jeremy Paxman on “The Battle for Number 10.”
The broadcast was shown live on Sky News and Channel 4.
First up was Corbyn, who took questions from the audience, including one on why he was so “ruthless” in his determination to help people living in poverty.
"Why have you made it impossible for me to vote Labour in this election?" – a small business owner asks Corbyn about his "ruthless" policies pic.twitter.com/R7v8pOFKG3
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 29, 2017
After taking several questions from the audience, the Labour leader sat down with Paxman.
The journalist questioned why Corbyn didn’t include more of his own personal beliefs in the manifesto.
The Labour leader replied that he’s “not a dictator” and that the manifesto was the result of consultation with his party.
Most of Paxman's questions so far about why more of Corbyn's personal beliefs aren't in the manifesto. "I'm not a dictator," says Corbyn.
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) May 29, 2017
"I am not a dictator, the Labour manifesto is a product of a process of party discussion" says Jeremy Corbyn #BattleForNumber10 pic.twitter.com/WaRA0YJxdc
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 29, 2017
Corbyn insisted that he is “fighting this election for social justice and a stronger economy for the future.”
However, Paxman wasn’t interested in that.
Instead, he showed he has his finger on the pulse of the British electorate and began asking Corbyn about the Falklands War and the monarchy.
"Do you know what? I had a very nice chat with the Queen" – Jeremy Corbyn says Labour will not abolish the Monarchy #BattleForNumber10 pic.twitter.com/d6QRcQYEvz
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 29, 2017
But, regardless of what Corbyn was asked, he was soon interrupted by Paxman.
This didn’t go down well with those watching at home.
Paxman really needs to let Corbyn finish his sentences. This is ridiculous – we can't tell if his answers are bad or good
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) May 29, 2017
Think a bully-ometer might be needed for Paxman tonight, will he interrupt and hector Theresa May as much as Corbyn…
— David Conn (@david_conn) May 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/HanWilliams3010/status/869282610236796929
Watching Corbyn v Paxman in UK election debate. Corbyn is coming across like a measured human being, Paxman less so…
— Neal Mann (@fieldproducer) May 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/northernluke/status/869285597545992192
Watching Paxman badger Corbyn is an uncomfortable example of poor journalism, no matter your politics #BattleForNumber10
— Jessica Sinclair (@jsinclair_dev) May 29, 2017
"How many fingers am I holding up behind my back?"
Paxman really grilling Corbyn now #BattleForNumber10
— WWN (@WhispersNewsLTD) May 29, 2017
Watching Paxman on C4 – I can't believe Jeremy Corbyn has the temerity to keep interrupting him! Listen man and we might learn something.
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) May 29, 2017
Paxman: Tell me about Brexit
Corbyn: I
Paxman: I'M ASKING A SIMPLE QUESTION
Corbyn: Can I fini
Paxman: NO
— Alan White (@aljwhite) May 29, 2017
I think Corbyn answered tough questions – questions I also have, such as re: Hamas – with calm, clarity and reason. And Paxman was abysmal.
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) May 29, 2017
I might learn something about Corbyn's policies and intentions if Paxman allowed him to speak more than eight words before butting in.
— Bruce Millington (@brucemillington) May 29, 2017
Corbyn making Paxman sound and look stupid#BattleForNumber10
— Joe Anderson (@joeando58) May 29, 2017
Paxman: *asks Q*
Corbyn: Well, I thi…
Paxman: NO. HERE'S WHY YOU'RE WRONG.#BattleForNumber10— Joe Robert Troughton (@KarticaJoe) May 29, 2017
