‘Our late Queen’ – Sunak torn aside by Sky viewers over heartbreaking picture

A former Tory local chair called Amy has confronted Rishi Sunak over his Partygate rule-breaking during Covid.

The woman, who described herself as a “lifelong true blue”, said “trust broke down” when Queen Elizabeth attended the funeral of Prince Philip alone as Tories partied in Downing Street.

Appearing on a Sky News election programme, she told Mr Sunak: ”In this election I find myself an undecided voter. Actions taken by this government actually make me feel ashamed. You left David Cameron at the D-Day celebrations to represent our country… How do you plan to rebuild public trust in you?”

The PM responded: “When it comes to D-Day, as I said, I actually did not mean to cause any offence or harm. That was not my intention. I made a mistake. I unreservedly apologise for it. And all I can do is ask for people’s forgiveness.“

Amy added: “I’ll be very honest here, that picture of the Queen, our late Queen, who was left to bury her husband on her own during Covid – following guidance that we all followed – and knowing what was happening in Downing Street and you were part of that.

“You had a fixed penalty notice and you’ve apologised and I understand all of that. That’s where the trust broke down. And I just think we have long memories in this country as a public. I appreciate the apology tonight, thank you very much, but you have to realise that there is a long way to go to really rebuild that.”

Mr Sunak repeatedly was booed, heckled and laughed at during the Sky News programme. As the PM was challenged on his failure to turn around the economy, the studio audience could be heard to shout at him, seemingly accusing him of being out of touch. “Of course I know things are not easy. Of course I know that they’ve been difficult,” he said.

Audience members booed Mr Sunak when he blamed striking junior doctors for him not meeting his pledge to bring down NHS waiting lists.

He was laughed at when host Beth Rigby asked him: “How do we know that if you won the General Election, you’d still be prime minister in two years time?” the PM said: “I can appreciate people’s frustrations. Of course, we haven’t got everything right, but I don’t think any government does. And I know it’s been very difficult for many people.

Mr Sunak again was heckled as he claimed “I believe in cutting people’s taxes”, despite raising the overall tax burden to a record high. The audience applauded as Ms Rigby suggested many voters think it’s time for the PM and the Tories to “get your P45”.

A snap poll by YouGov showed Keir Starmer overwhelmingly won the debate. Some 64% said the Labour leader had won, compared to 36% who said the PM.