Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Inverness, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Inverness, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Inverness, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Inverness, Scotland. Getty Images

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UK

Rishi Sunak faces exodus of MPs as more Conservatives resign from Parliament

Prime Minister heads to Scotland to campaign after calling election on July 4

Neil Murphy
Neil Murphy

May 23, 2024

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing an exodus of MPs, with at least 72 of his Conservative colleagues saying they will not stand at the next general election.

Transport Minister Huw Merriman and Work and Pensions Minister Jo Churchill were the latest to announce their resignations on Thursday.

Mr Sunak’s decision to call a summer election surprised many in Westminster, who had been expecting an autumn poll.

The news has reportedly caused disquiet among some Tory MPs fearful of losing their jobs, and newspaper reports have suggested cabinet ministers have voiced concerns about the decision.

In 1997, a record 75 Tory MPs stood down at an election, but concerns are growing in the party that this year, that figure could be surpassed.

Other senior Tories have already said they will not seek re-election, including Ben Wallace, Sajid Javid, Dominic Raab and Nadhim Zahawi.

Another stepping down is former health secretary Matt Hancock, who said he was proud to leave Parliament as a Conservative MP.

Meanwhile, Mr Sunak's flagship lifetime ban on smoking for everyone under 14 in the UK looked set for the scrap heap as parliamentary managers wrapped up business at the launch of the general election campaign that the Prime Minister triggered for July 4.

The bill that would aim to keep young people from ever being able to use tobacco was put in doubt after it was not mentioned among legislation that could be rushed through by MPs ahead of Parliament being prorogued on Friday.

UK general election campaigning – in pictures

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP

The early election call by Mr Sunak killed off Nigel Farage's plans to stand for the emerging challenger on the right, Reform UK.

The Brexit campaigner could have taken charge of a party registering in the double digits in the polls but instead pledged to continue his TV career.

In an election that the government could be dominated by migration, Mr Sunak was confronted by more high figures, with the difference between the number of people legally arriving in the UK and leaving put at 685,000, a marginal drop of 10 per cent on the record-breaking 764,000 in 2022.

It was also revealed that a record 68,564 people were granted refugee status in the year to March.

Opposition leader Keir Starmer made his first pit stop on a football pitch in Kent as he accused the Conservatives of never believing the Rwanda deportation plan would work after Mr Sunak conceded flights would not take off before the election.

The Prime Minister kicked off his campaign on Thursday with Mr Sunak urging voters to back him at the polls, saying that only by re-electing him would the Rwanda scheme work.

Mr Sunak arrived in the Scottish Highlands for a final stop on the first day of campaigning, with a trip to Northern Ireland scheduled for Friday.

He then spoke with port workers, discussing apprenticeships and the transition from old industries such as oil and gas to new ones such as renewable energy.

The Labour Party has a 17-percentage-point lead over the Conservative Party in the first opinion poll conducted since the election was announced.

The poll was conducted by More in Common, a member of the British Polling Council, which sets professional standards for polls conducted in the UK.

The poll of a little more than 2,000 people showed 44 per cent support for Labour and 27 per cent for the Conservatives, with the right-wing Reform UK party polling at 10 per cent and the centrist Liberal Democrats at 9 per cent.

The Green Party was at 5 per cent.

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Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin

4/5 stars 

While you're here
Infobox

Western Region Asia Cup Qualifier, Al Amerat, Oman

The two finalists advance to the next stage of qualifying, in Malaysia in August

Results

UAE beat Iran by 10 wickets

Kuwait beat Saudi Arabia by eight wickets

Oman beat Bahrain by nine wickets

Qatar beat Maldives by 106 runs

Monday fixtures

UAE v Kuwait, Iran v Saudi Arabia, Oman v Qatar, Maldives v Bahrain

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

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Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

While you're here
Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m, Winner: Zalman, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Hisham Al Khalediah II, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash.

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Qader, Adrie de Vries, Jean de Roualle

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Mujeeb, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly

8pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 1,400m, Winner: Nayslayer, Bernardo Pinheiro, Jaber Ramadhan

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Updated: May 23, 2024, 11:09 PM`