Rishi's still firm favourite among loyal constituents

IF the polls are to be believed, numerous Tory big beasts are tipped for a Michael Portillo-style defeat - including possibly Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

- Mieka Smiles

The former Chancellor was first elected to the Richmond constituency in 2015.

But is all hope truly lost for the Conservatives? I ventured to two market towns within his area to see what people there are thinking.

Stokesley first. A gorgeous market town surrounded by farms and green belt land.

My first observation was that there were more Labour posters and placards than I'd ever seen in the area previously. And it seems people are pretty split over whether they will cast their vote for the PM.

Graham Clarke, 71, is retired having worked for the NHS as a consultant. He has no children. He said: "I hope they [the Conservatives] get their arses kicked.

"They are a bunch of...you can add anything you want in there."

Graham is undecided about who to vote for- but it clearly won't be Mr Sunak, adding: "I don't know anyone who has a good word to say about him or the Government in general."

However Carol Baker, 71, a retired secretary and widow with no children who also lives in the town, is very much Team Rishi and has already cast her vote. She said: "I voted for Rishi.

"He has done a lot for Stokesley. Rishi is the man."