General Election 2024 Live: Farage Accuses Sunak of Rwanda Getaway as Reform Surpasses Tories As the 2024 general election campaign heats up, former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has launched a scathing attack on Chancellor Rishi Sunak, accusing him of abandoning the UK for a trip to Rwanda amidst a worsening cost-of-living crisis. Farage’s remarks come after the Reform Party, led by Richard Tice, surged ahead of the Conservative Party in recent opinion polls. The polls indicate that Reform is poised to make significant gains in the upcoming election, potentially challenging the Tories’ dominance. “While ordinary Britons are struggling to make ends meet, Sunak jets off to Rwanda on a taxpayer-funded holiday,” Farage said in a televised address. “This is a slap in the face to those who are suffering the consequences of his failed economic policies.” The Chancellor defended his trip to Rwanda, claiming that it was necessary to discuss trade and investment opportunities with the African nation. However, Farage dismissed these arguments as a “cover-up” for Sunak’s “lack of empathy for the British people.” The Reform Party has capitalized on the public’s dissatisfaction with the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and immigration. Tice has pledged to cut taxes, reduce government spending, and implement a stricter immigration policy. “The Tories have lost touch with the real concerns of the country,” Tice said. “Reform is the only party that offers a credible alternative and will deliver the change that Britain needs.” The Conservative Party has dismissed Reform as a “fringe party” that lacks the experience and policies to govern. However, the polls suggest that the public is increasingly receptive to the Reform message. As the election campaign continues, it remains to be seen whether the Conservatives can regain their lead or whether Reform will continue its surge in popularity. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of British politics.Nigel Farage has accused Rishi Sunak of flying to Rwanda as a “stunt” to distract from the cost of living crisis. The former Ukip leader made the comments after a poll suggested that the Reform UK party he now leads is overtaking the Conservatives in popularity. Sunak is currently in Rwanda to attend a meeting of Commonwealth leaders. He is expected to announce a new plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. Farage said: “This is a stunt by Sunak to distract from the fact that people are struggling to pay their bills. He’s trying to make people think that he’s tough on immigration, but it’s just a smokescreen. “The people of this country are fed up with being lied to by politicians. They know that Sunak is not serious about tackling illegal immigration. He’s just trying to shore up his support among Conservative voters.” The poll, conducted by Savanta ComRes, found that Reform UK is now on 15%, up from 12% in March. The Conservatives are on 32%, down from 36% in March. The poll also found that Farage is the most popular politician in the UK, with a net favourability rating of +18. Sunak is on -17, while Labour leader Keir Starmer is on -12. The poll suggests that Farage’s party could be a major force in the next general election, which is due to take place in 2024.