Dear John,
The election campaign continues to intensify, with some significant developments over the past 24 hours.
Today, the Conservatives announced plans to amend the Equality Act to redefine sex and enable organisations to restrict transgender women from single-sex spaces. While the issue is a serious one, the announcement seems to be just the latest back-of-a-fag packet brainfart designed to stoke the culture wars.
Kemi Badenoch has been in the media attempting to defend it but has found herself drawn into a series of prickly exchanges about unrelated matters. She clashed with Sky News presenter Kay Burley over the use of the term "extremes". She had a heated exchange with Times Radio presenter Stig Abell about social care reforms (she later accused him of inviting her onto the show on false pretences). And, on Radio 4's Today programme, she defended Liz Truss's recent appearance on the "Lotus Eaters" podcast…where, as we set out in a previous update, she made some truly bonkers claims about Labour.
It is a shame that a subject of such fundamental importance to so many people is being abused in this way. A reminder - if any were needed - of just how dysfunctional our democratic system has become.
Elsewhere:
The BBC has confirmed it will host the final head-to-head general election debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer on June 26. This will be the last televised debate before the July 4 election.
In an interview, Labour's Yvette Cooper refused to commit to a specific target for reducing net migration if Labour wins the election. Cooper said Labour would take a "balanced" approach focused on addressing skills shortages.
Diane Abbott confirmed she intends to run as a Labour candidate in the election, denying claims she was offered a peerage to stand aside.
Former Conservative minister Rory Stewart revealed at the Hay Festival that he found being a Tory MP and minister "very unpleasant"…saying he felt like a "fraud all the time." Stewart, who briefly ran for Tory leader in 2019, was candid about his struggles balancing politics and family life.
