Sunak Faces Criticism Over Levelling-Up Fund Allocation

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is accused of using levelling-up funds to gain votes, as over half of the towns promised regeneration funding are in areas won by Tory MPs. Critics argue this is vote-buying, while the latest poll shows Labour with a 20-point lead. Sunak claims over £15 billion has been allocated to underdeveloped areas since 2019.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing accusations of using levelling-up funds to gain votes as the Conservative Party's general election campaign encounters further challenges.

On Saturday, it was revealed that over half of the 30 towns promised £20 million in regeneration funding were in constituencies won by Tory MPs in the last election.

Critics, including Henri Murison of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, argue this is an attempt to win votes rather than genuinely improve prosperity.

Labour's poll lead has increased to 20 points, despite recent internal conflicts.

Sunak justified the funding decision, stating that more than £15 billion has been allocated to underdeveloped UK areas since 2019 using set criteria.