Review Leaders debate

Itv's leadership debate slightly lost its appeal when the only two people who have a chance of leading the nation decided not to turn up. The debate style would of favored Corbyn, a tactical error not to come. A clear platform to get his message out without too much insult throwing from the other parties. There is a clear consensus from our 3rd Parties, the Tories aren't getting it right.

The clear stand out was Nicola Sturgeon, her class was indisputable in this debate. Her clear and concise points made her stand out from the ramblings of the other progressives, and Nuttall's complaining.

Biggest Loser: Paul Nuttall

Of those who turned up it has to be Paul Nuttall. Mid way into the debate he turned the scapegoating Xenophobia all the way to eleven, with his consecutive answers on the need to lower immigration. Predictable answers and he truly lacks the ability that Farage used to make the party an actual force in British politics. They will struggle in this election and he is a factor in that. He made no claims to why his party is necessary. A difficult sell for a party that has its policies stolen by May but nevertheless flat and dull. His constant blaming of migrants may strike a chord with the most Socially Conservative among us but it made him look basic and out of his depth, and he's still in the shallow end. Getting Leanne Wood and Natalie Bennett mixed up was a showing of his competence.

Winner: Nicola Sturgeon

A class above the rest. Her ability to stay out of petty squabbles between opponents made her look cool, calm and competent. The question is can she win over Labour votes to vote tactically against the Tories, I highly doubt it. The SNP have everything to lose at this election and you sense the tide has just turned on them. Never the less English left wingers look on enviously.

Tim Farron

Championed remain extremely well, but lacked substance everywhere else. His support for Remain was strong, if the Liberal Democrats hadn't stabbed all youngsters in the back, he would have won support from young people. Credited many issues back to leaving the EU and stated the economic problems clearly. Beyond the EU it was weak, despite hearing lots about his upbringing and family, he was weak on the NHS and how many working families will want the increase in tax he proposes?

Also needs to learn who his allies are and who is enemy is. Taking swings at Labour will not help his cause, the Liberal Democrats need tactical voting just as much as Labour, and the Liberal Democrats know that to have a good EU deal we need a Labour government.

The Rest

Leanne Wood and Caroline Lucas were both rather unmemorable, so much so Paul Nuttall got Leanne's name wrong twice. It was the standard progressive mantra that brought by parties that in all honesty are in the same ideological space as the Labour party, except Welsh nationalism. The Greens could do more harm than good in this election and they are a simple protest vote. Both had good points but both lack charisma and relevance in British politics.

DNS: Corbyn and May

May wise not to show up, her poor record and poor oratory skills would have had her take a battering. UKIP championed Brexit well enough to excuse her absence and hiding from criticism is the Tories best option with such a leader. Nevertheless undemocratic not to show up and the person on their twitter account got some grief.

Corbyn perhaps has played this wrong. It was more getting across party policy than a cat fight though I can see his reasoning behind not turning up after Ed Miliband's debates in 2015. A tactical error from him but clear problems with the Tories were brought up by the 3rd parties.

Overall a low class of debate, more suited to a campus bar than national television, UKIP look finished but the debate only shows the dire situation of progressive politics. Divided and conquered by the seemingly invisible Tory party.