TikTokers convinced Keir Starmer muttered ‘p***k’ at Rishi Sunak during debate

TikTokers have claimed that British Labour leader Keir Starmer called PM Rishi Sunak an offensive word in their first televised debate.

A row has erupted on TikTok with viewers insisting UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a “pr**k” under his breath, in their first heated televised debate.

When the Opposition leader took on the Tory leader on ITV ahead of the July 4 general election on Tuesday, they clashed over their respective professions with the former accusing the PM of taking advantage of betting against the UK when he was a partner at hedge fund TCI in 2008.

In this handout provided by ITV, Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak speaks during the first head-to-head debate of the General Election. Picture: Jonathan Hordle - ITV via Getty Images

The first televised debate of the 2024 General Election between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer. Picture: Jonathan Hordle - ITV via Getty Images

The hedge fund had launched an activist campaign against Dutch bank ABN Amro culminating in its takeover by RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) in 2007.

The deal was later deemed risky by the independent financial regulator which said it was a key factor leading to RBS’s failure.

In the debate Mr Sunak took aim at Sir Keir for representing radical Muslim cleric Abu Qatada, of Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, when he worked as a lawyer, saying: “I’d rather have my job than work for Abu Qatada”.

Sir Keir said, “What, the Crown Prosecution Service is an extremist organisation?”

Mr Sunak replied: “No, Abu Qatada and Hizb ut-Tahrir were who you worked for as well so people can Google that and have a look.”

“It’s desperate,” Sir Keir was thought to have said, looking down and talking under his breath as the PM continued to goad him.

Labour leader Keir Starmer and UK PM Rishi Sunak on ITV's televised live debate. Picture: Supplied

A TikTok clip of the exchange was later uploaded by a user on the platform.

The caption read “Starmer calling Sunak a pr**k,” The Sun reported.

While it is difficult to decipher what was actually said, social media users jumped on the bandwagon in agreement.

One wrote: “Totally agree, Keir,” while a second wrote, “I didn’t notice that! Brilliant!”

“100% correct,” another chimed.

The clip has solicited more than 3,000 likes and 500 comments, according to The Sun.

Abu Qatada, supposedly Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man, was legally represented by Sir Keir at a hearing in 2008 when the UK government tried to deport him, insisting he was a threat to national security. He faced terrorism charges in Jordan.

It was during a 2008 hearing that Sir Keir, at the time a leading human rights lawyer, represented him.

Labour told The Sun Sir Keir did not say “p***k” but said “desperate” instead. Lip reader Jacqui Press agreed: “He is not saying ‘pr**k’ because the ‘P ‘ is the first letter and the lips have to touch immediately and he says another letter before the ‘ P’.”

Originally published as TikTokers convinced Keir Starmer muttered ‘p***k’ at Rishi Sunak during debate