Sky's Beth Rigby Hosts The Starmer and Sunak Show.

As far as I know, there have only been two people on TV with the surname Rigsby. One was a lecherous landlord in a 1970s comedy: 'Rising Damp' played by Leonard Rossiter. The character hosted two male students and a mature lady in a run-down bedsit. The Landlord, Rigsby, was always trying to flatter and seduce Miss Jones (the mature woman) played by Frances De La Tour. Rigsby was often scathing of His two younger student tenants played by Richard Beckinsale (father of the actress Kate Beckinsale) and Don Warrington. Often, Rigsby would try to outsmart them as an older man against two younger men. However, Rigsby often came unstuck as the two younger men often got the better of him.

I said in the above paragraph that two personalities on television were/are called 'Rigsby'. The other personality is not called 'Rigsby' but 'Rigby' so apologies for that. I am talking of Sky News' Political Editor, Beth Rigby. For all those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, many say Beth resembles TV personality Magenta Devine. If you are unfamiliar with what I am talking about then feel free to browse the internet.

Sky's Beth Rigby hosted an evening with the two political rivals Messrs. Starmer and Sunak. Both candidates are vying to be Prime Minister. Sunak has been Prime Minister for 18 months. Starmer has been the leader of the opposition for 9 years. Both men want your votes and by all accounts, Sir Keir Starmer came out on top in the debate.

Beth interviewed both politicians on a stage seated. Starmer first and then Sunak. Taking them through various questions. Beth didn't make it easy for either man. However, whenever she asked a question she did not give either man a chance to answer properly. Beth kept saying "Okay", "Alright", etc, when Keir and Rishi were attempting to answer questions put to them. Beth's interruptions became irritating as she tried to reduce their detailed answers to a summary! However, one can forgive her as time was short and she had to ask them questions. Then allow audience members to ask both men questions.

The programme was broadcast live from Grimsby in the North of England. Audience members were from all over the country and were representative of the whole country. Including the token ethnic minorities as is the usual standard for these kinds of programmes.

In a snap 'YouGov' poll commissioned by Sky News Sir Keir came out more favourably. Whereas Sunak was found wanting on the issues discussed. For example, the poll found that 64% found Sir Keir better while only 36% thought Rishi's performance was any good. 58% found Sir Keir more trustworthy, conversely, only 28% thought Rishi was trustworthy. 56% found Sir Keir likeable whereas only 29% could say the same for Rishi. 71% of questionees found Sir Keir understood ordinary people. Again, Rishi came up short on this too. Just 29% thought Rishi understood the lives of ordinary people.

Whenever Sir Keir or Rishi mentioned their pasts the audience laughed or groaned. Sir Keir and Rishi mention their young lives with their parents like a mantra. Sunak always mentions His parents being a doctor and a pharmacist. How when they arrived in Southhampton they had next to nothing. However, being a doctor and a pharmacist are lucrative trades. This enabled Rishi to live a privileged life living in an exclusive part of town. Going to one of the best private schools in England and Rishi's story is out there should you wish to look into it.

Sir Keir talks about His parents a nurse and a toolsetter. Sir Keir said growing up he knew what it was like to go without. Sir Keir in contrast to Sunak did come from a working-class background.

As I said, both Starmer and Sunak were laughed at as they repeatedly mentioned their backgrounds. However, out of the two, Starmer though not working class any more did come from a such background.

Of course, one's background should not necessarily stop someone from being good at their job. However, because Sir Keir's background compared to Rishi's was working class, that does and may distinguish who is the more popular come election day.