Campaign catchup: Debate looming, Farage soaking, Whitby

In today’s newsletter: Why you shouldn’t expect fireworks from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer tonight – and how Nigel Farage got covered in milkshake

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Good afternoon. If you’ve felt bereft of opportunities to watch Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer bothering members of the public over the last few days, that’s probably because they’ve been spending most of their time squirrelled away in preparation for tonight’s debate on ITV.

This is already being billed as Sunak’s last chance to save his campaign – which is both depressing for the Conservatives, and touchingly optimistic: as the joke goes, so you’re telling me there’s a chance?!

Migration | The Tories said they plan to cap the number of visas issued each year to reduce migration. Nigel Farage said he believed net migration should be zero. Experts cast doubt on the plausibility of these commitments.

Social care | The Liberal Democrats promised free social care for older or disabled people at home, and said they would raise care workers’ pay. More below.

Labour | Faiza Shaheen resigned from the Labour party after being blocked as a candidate in Chingford and Woodford Green. In Barking, Darren Rodwell was removed from the party’s approved list after being accused of sexual harassment last month. He has denied the allegations.