But the performance is also a concern going into the next one(s).
I don't think many people who watched this will tune in for the second debate. The viewing figures were down 3 million on 2019 too. Labour will need to be more aggressive to set the agenda after the next debate though.
Interesting polling from The Sun though:
A JLP survey for The Sun newspaper found 53% of respondents thought the Labour leader performed better in the televised clash, compared with 33% who preferred the Conservative Prime Minister and 13% who did not know.
Among those who voted Tory at the 2019 General Election, 60% said Mr Sunak performed better, compared with 33% who opted for Sir Keir.
A different pollster, Savanta, found Sir Keir beat Mr Sunak by 44% to 39%.
Fair enough - and that even the S*n is quoting that is encouraging. The press, as ever, will pick and choose their polls.
FWIW, I thought Sunak came across as a sneery cunt. But I thought Starmer was too easily put off his stride, at the start at least. It was a terrible piece of TV though.
I don't think many people who watched this will tune in for the second debate. The viewing figures were down 3 million on 2019 too. Labour will need to be more aggressive to set the agenda after the next debate though.
Interesting polling from The Sun though: