Rishi Sunak denied claims he is "buying votes" with a promise of cash for towns as campaigning entered its second weekend.The Prime Minister batted off criticism that his pledge to give 30 towns £20 million was targeted mainly at Tory constituencies.As part of the "levelling-up" scheme, the Conservatives pledged that local people, not those in Westminster, will decide how the money will be spent.

Rishi Sunak denied claims he is "buying votes" with a promise of cash for towns as campaigning entered its second weekend.The Prime Minister batted off criticism that his pledge to give 30 towns £20 million was targeted mainly at Tory constituencies.As part of the "levelling-up" scheme, the Conservatives pledged that local people, not those in Westminster, will decide how the money will be spent.