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Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, has reported a notable increase in shopper confidence, reflected in “strong” sales growth over the past three months.
The supermarket giant saw a near 5% rise in UK sales, with shoppers purchasing more items and switching to Tesco from competitors.
The increase in sales was particularly evident in Tesco’s premium “Finest” food range, which saw a 12.5% rise. This suggests that consumers are opting to dine in more, potentially influenced by economic factors and changing consumer habits.
Tesco’s CEO Ken Murphy, who received a £10 million pay package last year, faced scrutiny over his compensation at the company’s annual general meeting. However, Tesco’s chairman Gerry Murphy defended the pay level, citing the need to remain competitive in the global market. Ken Murphy acknowledged his substantial pay, stating, “I absolutely accept that I’m well paid.”
According to ShareAction, a pressure group, the Tesco CEO’s salary is 430 times that of the average Tesco employee, highlighting the significant disparity in earnings within the company.
Tesco noted a “gentle” improvement in consumer sentiment, anticipating further boosts from upcoming events like the Euro 2024 football tournament. The retailer is preparing for increased demand on match days, buoyed by rising consumer confidence and positivity heading into summer.
“We’ve continued to build momentum in the business, with strong volume growth across the UK, Republic of Ireland and Central Europe supported by easing inflation,” said Ken Murphy. “Our market share reflects this, growing more than at any other time in the past two years, with customers switching to us from other retailers, shopping with us more often and with more in their baskets.”
Overall, Tesco’s recent performance indicates a positive shift in shopper behaviour, with increased spending and a preference for higher-quality products contributing to the retailer’s strong growth.
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Tesco Sees Surge in Sales as Shopper Confidence Rebounds

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is enticing British lawyers to Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects with luxurious benefits, including free housing and private school fees for their children.
These perks are part of a broader strategy to attract top talent to help realise the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
State-owned companies in Saudi Arabia, such as Saudi Aramco, are offering an array of attractive incentives to lure lawyers from elite law firms. Saudi Aramco, responsible for the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) — an industrial city linking the Kingdom’s seaport, airport, and highways — provides thousands of pounds in relocation allowances, private school fees for children studying abroad, and free MBA courses. Additionally, employees enjoy up to 48 days of paid leave and public holidays annually.
Lawyers working on Neom, the $1.5 trillion (£1.2 trillion) futuristic desert city owned by Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund, receive similar perks. Benefits include free accommodation, five-star catered meals, and monthly plane tickets, alongside six-figure salaries and substantial tax-free bonuses.
The allure of Saudi Arabia’s offerings is drawing many ambitious British lawyers seeking lucrative, career-defining projects, as opportunities in Dubai become more stagnant. “The types of opportunities that you will get in Saudi if you go there for the next five to 10 years will greatly exceed even being in Dubai,” noted one legal recruiter.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has intensified the recruitment of expat and local lawyers as part of Crown Prince bin Salman’s strategy to diversify the economy away from oil through extensive infrastructure and energy projects. This has prompted UK law firms to establish offices in the Kingdom following a series of legal reforms, although some firms now struggle to recruit due to the state’s hiring spree.
One senior partner in the Middle East remarked that the perks offered by Saudi companies pose a significant challenge to law firms, despite in-house lawyers typically earning less than their counterparts in private practice. UK’s Magic Circle law firms, including Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and A&O Shearman, are among those capitalising on Saudi’s rapidly expanding economy.
However, this recruitment drive has sparked criticism from the LGBT community due to Saudi Arabia’s stringent anti-gay laws. Despite these concerns, the Kingdom’s ambitious plans and generous packages continue to attract top legal talent from around the world.
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Saudi Arabia Attracts British Lawyers with Lavish Perks and High Salaries

Wells Fargo has recently terminated several employees following accusations that they used devices to fake keyboard activity, misleading the bank into believing they were working.
The disclosure was made in broker filings with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra).
The bank, America’s third-largest, did not provide details on how the issue was discovered or if it was linked to remote work arrangements. This action comes as new US regulations require offices used by brokers working from home to be inspected every three years.
“Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards and does not tolerate unethical behaviour,” stated spokeswoman Laurie Kight.
The rise of remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic has led many large companies to adopt sophisticated employee monitoring tools. These tools can track keystrokes, eye movements, take screenshots, and log website visits. In response, some employees have turned to technology to evade surveillance, such as “mouse jigglers,” which make computers appear to be in active use. These devices are readily available on platforms like Amazon, where thousands have been sold for under $10 in the past month.
Wells Fargo’s filings revealed that staff had resigned or been fired “after review of allegations involving simulation of keyboard activity creating impression of active work.” According to Bloomberg, which first reported the firings, over a dozen employees were affected. Business Matters confirmed six instances of dismissal and one voluntary resignation after confrontation with the allegations. Most of these employees had been with the firm for less than five years.
This crackdown on unethical behaviour coincides with a broader push within the financial industry to bring employees back to the office. While remote work remains popular, its prevalence has decreased since the height of the pandemic. Research by professors at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) Business School, Stanford, and the University of Chicago found that last month, under 27% of paid days were work-from-home days, down from over 60% in 2020. As of this spring, about 13% of full-time US employees were fully remote, with another 26% working in a hybrid arrangement.
In 2022, Wells Fargo announced it had adopted a hybrid flexible model for most of its employees, reflecting the ongoing evolution of workplace practices in the post-pandemic world.
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Wells Fargo Fires Employees Using Mouse Jigglers to Fake Productivity

WorkL, the organisation behind the World’s Happiest Workplace List and The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, has successfully raised £2 million in a Series A funding round, in partnership with Calculus Capital.
This funding aims to expedite WorkL’s international growth following five successful years of expansion.
Founded by Lord Mark Price, former Deputy Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, Managing Director of Waitrose, and Minister of State for Trade and Investment, WorkL has been instrumental in enhancing workplace happiness and engagement globally. Since its inception in 2017, WorkL has assisted over 1,000 businesses worldwide, with employees from over 70,000 organisations taking the WorkL Happy at Work Test to measure their job satisfaction.
The funding will bolster WorkL’s domestic and international operations, which already encompass the UK, Ireland, the UAE, Australia, and South Africa. The Series A raise, led by Calculus Capital, aims to further expand WorkL’s reach and impact.
The WorkL Happy at Work Test, comprising 24 questions, is rooted in Lord Price’s Six Steps to Workplace Happiness methodology. Developed by a team of behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics, and other independent experts, the test provides accurate insights into employee engagement and wellbeing, crucial for talent retention and recruitment.
WorkL’s growth has been significantly driven by strategic partnerships, including its collaboration with The Sunday Times to power the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards, which celebrate Britain’s top employers.
Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s future: “WorkL’s mission is to help people to have a happier time at work and drive commercial performance as a result. I’m looking forward to this new stage of WorkL’s growth and Calculus is a great partner to support us in helping even more organisations improve the happiness and engagement of their teams.”
Alexander Crawford, Co-head of Investments at Calculus, who led the investment round and will join WorkL’s board, highlighted the importance of data-driven employee feedback in today’s workplace: “In today’s workplace, data-driven employee feedback is crucial to creating a high-performing culture and improving employee happiness and performance. We were attracted to the strong management team, led by Mark Price, who has very considerable business experience. We were also impressed by the company’s current strategic partnerships and with the size and quality of WorkL’s database. We look forward to working with Mark and the WorkL team to grow and scale the company.”
Jonathan Hollis, Managing Partner at Mountside Ventures, which advised Lord Price and his team, commented: “We were delighted to advise Lord Price and his team on this latest round of funding as he looks to scale WorkL to improve workplace engagement for hundreds more happy customers. We are pleased he found a strategic partner in Calculus, who specialise in scaling B2B businesses.”
This strategic funding partnership is set to enhance WorkL’s ability to support organisations in creating happier and more engaged workplaces on a global scale.
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WorkL Secures £2M Series A Funding from Calculus Capital to Propel Global Expansion

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a £1 million investment to assist UK police in combating vehicle theft. This funding will bolster police operations in theft hotspots and support intelligence gathering efforts.
The initiative comes after JLR’s CEO, Adrian Mardell, firmly denied claims that Range Rovers are particularly vulnerable to theft. Despite these denials, Range Rover owners have reported significant increases in insurance premiums or complete refusal of coverage.
One such owner, Meryl Cabellos, a 41-year-old Frenchman residing in the UK, saw his insurance for a 2017 Range Rover Sport double from £2,000 to £4,000. When he couldn’t renew his insurance, the best alternative quote he received was £10,000, prompting him to sell his car. “We’ve been Range Rover customers for many years, and it really feels as though we’re being priced out now,” he said. “We loved the car, but because of the insurance, the experience of owning it went downhill so quick.”
Insurance premiums for high-end vehicles like Range Rovers can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as the driver’s history, vehicle storage location, and security features. These luxury cars are prime targets for thieves due to their high resale value abroad, leading to higher insurance costs.
JLR’s prestigious Range Rover models, starting at £104,000 with the Range Rover Sport from £75,000, have gained a reputation for being prone to theft. Earlier this year, Mardell criticised reports labeling the Range Rover as Britain’s “most stolen vehicle” and highlighted the company’s efforts to enhance vehicle security. He also criticised the insurance industry for not fully considering the security improvements when setting premiums.
The £1 million police funding is part of JLR’s strategy to reassure consumers and help reduce insurance costs. Previously, the company introduced its own insurance products to aid customers struggling to secure coverage, though some Range Rover owners still face difficulties obtaining quotes.
The new investment will support several police forces with additional resources to tackle vehicle thefts nationwide. It will also fund a new national policing unit dedicated to gathering intelligence on vehicle thefts and increasing police activity at ports used by criminals to export stolen cars.
JLR is already collaborating with police by sharing information to aid in vehicle recovery and has trained 650 officers. The company claims its efforts to enhance vehicle security are paying off, citing data from the Police National Computer that shows only 0.2% of new Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports have been stolen since January 2022.
This strategic move aims to curb vehicle thefts and restore confidence among Range Rover owners, ensuring they continue to enjoy their premium vehicles without the added burden of escalating insurance costs.
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JLR Invests £1M to Aid Police in Combating Car Thefts

Accurate meat thermometers are vital for achieving perfectly cooked meals.
Today, we’re reviewing the Typhur Sync Quad smart wireless meat thermometer, a 4-probe wireless meat thermometer promising to elevate your cooking with its advanced features and user-friendly design.
This review aims to provide a thorough evaluation of the Typhur Sync Quad, covering everything from its design to real-world performance.
First Impressions
What’s in the Box
Opening the box felt like unwrapping a long-awaited gift. Here’s what you get:

Device Base
4 Probes
USB-C Cable
Product Manual

Right off the bat, the design impressed me. It’s sleek, modern, and feels quite sturdy. The materials have a premium feel, and the smooth finish adds a touch of elegance.
Setting it up was a breeze. The quick-start guide walked me through the process, and connecting to my smartphone via Bluetooth was seamless. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll find it pretty straightforward.
Features and Specifications
The Typhur Sync Quad is packed with features like wireless connectivity, four probes, and high accuracy within ±0.5℉. You’ll also love the customizable alerts, temperature tracking, and historical data.
Technical Specifications

Accuracy: ±0.5℉
Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Probes: Four stainless steel probes
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
App Compatibility: iOS and Android

What sets this thermometer apart is its multi-probe functionality and detailed temperature tracking via the app. Plus, it’s got a long-lasting battery that won’t leave you hanging in the middle of a cook.
Wireless Connectivity and Range
You can connect via Bluetooth 5.3 for short-range monitoring or Wi-Fi for extended range. This flexibility is great for different cooking environments.
In open spaces with light obstacles, the Bluetooth range is about 400 feet. In enclosed spaces, it’s around 65 feet. Wi-Fi connectivity extends much further, letting you monitor your cooking from anywhere in your home.
The connections are stable and reliable, with minimal dropouts. The app keeps you updated in real-time, so you’re always in the know about your cooking progress.
Multi-Probe Functionality
The four-probe system is a game-changer. You can monitor multiple pieces of meat at once, which is perfect for big meals or gatherings.
This feature lets you cook different types of meat to perfection at the same time. Imagine having a perfectly cooked chicken, steak, and pork roast all in one go!
Whether you’re grilling a variety of meats or managing several dishes in the oven, the multi-probe system simplifies the process and ensures everything is cooked just right.
Accuracy and Performance
The high accuracy of ±0.5℉ ensures your meat is cooked exactly how you want it. No more guessing games!
The internal sensors provide reliable readings across different types of meat, maintaining consistent accuracy with multiple detection points.
You can count on this thermometer to give you consistent readings every time. It’s reliable, so you can cook with confidence.
User Experience with the App
The app is easy to install and set up, with a user-friendly interface that’s simple to navigate. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll find it a breeze to use.
The app features a clean layout with intuitive navigation. Key features include real-time temperature monitoring, customizable alerts, and historical data tracking.
You can set specific temperature alerts, track cooking progress in real-time, and review historical data to refine your cooking techniques.
Versatility in Cooking Applications
On the grill, the Typhur Sync Quad excels, providing accurate readings even with fluctuating heat levels.
In the oven, it offers consistent performance, ensuring roasts and baked dishes are cooked perfectly.
The thermometer is versatile enough for stovetop cooking, slow cooking, and even sous-vide, adapting to various cooking methods seamlessly.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery lasts up to 20 hours, making it suitable for long cooking sessions. It charges quickly and retains power well.
Recharging is straightforward with the included cable, and the battery lifespan is designed to withstand frequent use without significant degradation.
To maintain battery life, ensure the device is fully charged before long sessions and avoid leaving it plugged in after it’s fully charged.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is simple with the probes being dishwasher-safe. The thermometer itself can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Regular cleaning and careful handling of the probes will ensure longevity. Avoid exposing the thermometer to excessive heat or moisture.
The Typhur Sync Quad is built to last, with minimal issues reported under regular use. Proper care will keep it functioning optimally.
Real-World Testing and Results
We tested the thermometer with chicken, beef, and pork, using various cooking methods like grilling, roasting, and stovetop cooking.
The results were consistently excellent, with the thermometer providing accurate and reliable readings across all tested meats and cooking methods.
Overall, the Typhur Sync Quad performed exceptionally well, proving to be a reliable tool in various cooking scenarios.
How to Use the Typhur Sync Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer
Step 1: Insert the Probes
Place the probes into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring they are properly inserted to get an accurate reading.
Step 2: Connect to the App
Sync the thermometer with the dedicated app on your smartphone. Follow the setup instructions to connect via Bluetooth.
Step 3: Set Your Preferences
Choose your desired meat type and doneness level within the app. You can also set custom temperatures if you prefer.
Step 4: Monitor and Cook
Keep an eye on the app for real-time updates. The app will alert you when your meat reaches the set temperature, so you can take it off the heat at the perfect moment.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Remove the probes and let the meat rest if necessary. Then, serve and enjoy perfectly cooked meat every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How accurate is the Typhur Sync Quad?
A: It provides accuracy within ±0.5℉, ensuring precise temperature readings.
Q: Can I use the Typhur Sync Quad on a grill?
A: Yes, it works excellently on grills, as well as in ovens and on stovetops.
Q: How many probes come with the Typhur Sync Quad?
A: It includes four stainless steel probes for monitoring multiple pieces of meat simultaneously.
Q: Is the app necessary for using the thermometer?
A: While the thermometer can function without the app, the app offers enhanced features like customizable alerts and remote monitoring.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The battery lasts up to 20 hours on a full charge, suitable for extended cooking sessions.
Conclusion
The Typhur Sync Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer is a game-changer for anyone who loves to cook meat. Its precision, convenience, and smart features make it an essential tool in any kitchen. With this thermometer, you can say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked meat and hello to perfectly cooked meals every time. Cook smarter, not harder, with the Typhur Sync.
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Typhur Sync Quad Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer Review

Of course, employees will often move onto pastures new, whether to broaden their experience, take another step up the ladder or move to a new location. All perfectly valid reasons for switching roles.
If, however, it feels like your organisation is in constant ‘recruit and train’ mode, always replacing and never growing, there are issues afoot and it’s time to take action.
High attrition rates will not only cause reputational and cultural damage but also cost you money, and a lot more money than you may think. According to research from HRZone, staff turnover costs British companies alone at least £4.13bn every year.
So, why do people commonly leave?
Research has shown that it’s not all about the money. Employees are looking for job satisfaction and meaningful work that aligns to their personal values, as well as having a clear sense of purpose and belonging within the team and organisation. A level of trust and autonomy, alongside opportunities to grow and develop, and a sense that staff wellbeing genuinely matters, are also key factors in enhancing motivation, enthusiasm and productivity levels.
That’s why it’s imperative to have a clearly defined purpose with the culture to support it permeating throughout your entire organisation on a day-to-day basis.
If your team don’t feel valued, trusted, respected and empowered, the floodgates can open. Not only will you have trouble attracting new talent, but you will struggle to hang onto those you’ve already invested in.
Picture this, while you’re recruiting a replacement for an unexpected leaver, your existing team will not only have to pick up the slack, but they will also have to help train the new person when they arrive, familiarising them with your systems and processes, or supporting their workload until they’re suitably proficient. New team members can take several months to get up to speed (an average of 28 weeks according to Oxford Economics). This can result in loss of productivity, reduced efficiency and increased workload all round, leading to stressed and overworked co-workers.
Of course, there’s also the drain on your personal time as a leader. Imagine, you’ve spent six months searching for a new senior employee, paid the recruitment fees for that search, spent considerable time onboarding and upskilling that employee to do the job you needed them to do in the way you wanted them to do it, only to have to do it all again when they leave.
The harsh reality is that the true cost of replacing a senior employee works out to be at least double their salary by the time you’ve factored everything in.
So, in light of the above, how does your organisation stack up? Is there a positive workplace culture that enables your team to thrive or do you have a sneaky suspicion that you could do better?
In order to assess employee satisfaction, and in turn, boost your culture and enhance retention, there are some things you can do:
Engage your current team
Garner anonymous feedback on their experience at your firm – the more honest the better.
If you do this, however, you must ensure you take action to improve your culture once the common issues have been identified – otherwise your team will lose even more faith in your leadership abilities.
Regularly measure attrition rates
This is a good way to get a benchmark of how well you are doing as an employer. 10% is seen as a healthy rate (according to industry experts), so anything above that is worth looking into.
Conduct exit interviews for your leavers
Or if this isn’t possible, have a look on other sources such as Glassdoor where people can give you their honest, anonymous opinion. It’s not nice to hear the hard truths from disgruntled employees, but by knowing the truth, you can improve things before it’s too late.
Communicate with your team regularly
Sell the sizzle – and believe it! If you’re not excited about the future of your company, how can anyone else be?
Empower your team with clarity
Clarity of career pathway is vital. Empower your people to thrive in their career while supporting your organisation to achieve its purpose and objectives.
Growing the team
Think carefully about your potential new hires and make sure you are clear on the role you think you need and what success looks like for a potential new candidate in that role. Managing expectations on both sides is imperative to making successful hires.
Enhance your recruitment process
It’s not just about a candidates ability to ‘do the tasks’ in the job description, it is equally important to hire candidates who are the right cultural fit for your organisation. This approach mitigates the risks to both business and employee and results in a more fulfilling, productive relationship for all parties.
In summary
It’s cheaper and easier to look after your current team – to engage them, enthuse them and make sure they have the tools, training and clarity to thrive in your organisation. But if you do need to make new hires, think carefully about your recruitment strategy to ensure you are hiring people with the fundamental skills to do the tasks in your (well thought out) job description, giving them clarity of what good looks like and ensuring they align with your culture.
This helps ensure a successful result for all and, most importantly, helps you step off the often-costly recruitment merry-go-round.
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Another day, another resignation. Sound familiar?

Radical changes to the UK welfare system implemented by the Conservatives over the past decade have disproportionately benefited pensioners and individuals on disability benefits, while working-age families face significant financial losses, according to a recent report by the Resolution Foundation.
The report highlights that the Conservative Party’s 14-year overhaul of social security has redirected spending from children and housing to supporting the elderly, breaking the link between entitlement and need for some of the nation’s poorest households.
Although the welfare state’s size has slightly increased from 10% of GDP in 2007-08 to 11.2% in 2024-25, this rise has been driven by the increasing costs of state pensions and disability and incapacity benefits, which now account for over 90p of every £1 spent on welfare.
The financial impacts of these welfare reforms have been uneven across different demographics. Pensioners have gained an average of £900 annually, while working-age families have lost an average of £1,500 per year. The hardest-hit groups since 2010 include out-of-work households receiving benefits, losing an average of £2,200 annually, and large families with three or more children, who are £4,600 worse off on average.
The Resolution Foundation found that, outside of pensions and disability benefits, welfare expenditure is set to decrease from 4.1% to 3.9% of GDP between 2024-25 and 2028-29. While this represents a modest real-term spending increase of £1.6 billion, it is unlikely to address the severe poverty and housing instability resulting from previous cuts. “There is substantial evidence that core levels of benefits are inadequate,” the report states.
The upcoming government will face the challenge of managing the two-child limit introduced in April 2017, which restricts parents from claiming child tax credit or universal credit for more than two children. This policy is projected to push 51% of families with three or more children into poverty by 2028-29. Despite pressure, Labour leader Keir Starmer has resisted calls to repeal the policy.
Additionally, freezes on local housing allowances, despite rising rents expected to increase by 13% by 2027, will heighten the risk of homelessness. The number of families in temporary accommodation has doubled since 2010.
Both the Labour and Conservative parties have committed to maintaining the pensions triple lock until the end of the next parliament, ensuring state pension increases every April. However, their approaches diverge regarding disability spending, with the Tories proposing £12 billion in annual cuts, a move the Resolution Foundation suggests is unfeasible without impacting current recipients. Labour has yet to comment on its plans for disability benefits.
“Welfare reform is currently focused on disability-related benefits, which is understandable given that spending is due to rise by £10 billion a year over the next parliament,” said Alex Clegg, an economist at the Resolution Foundation. “But whoever wins the next election will face wider welfare challenges, from homelessness to childhood poverty,” he added.
Read more:
Tory Welfare Reforms Cost Working-Age Families Thousands, Pensioners Benefit – Report

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has predicted that he could be within 1,500 votes of losing his seat in the upcoming election.
While campaigning in Chiddingfold, part of the newly formed Godalming & Ash constituency, Hunt emphasised the competitive nature of the race, noting that the seat could be won or lost by a narrow margin.
“This seat is probably going to be won or lost by the Conservatives by 1,500 votes or fewer,” Hunt told Bloomberg. The new constituency includes parts of the South West Surrey seat, which Hunt has represented since 2005. This area is now a key target for the Liberal Democrats.
In 2015, Hunt secured a substantial majority of 30,000 votes, making the current race a significant shift. A Liberal Democrat victory would make Hunt the first sitting chancellor to be ousted in an election. Other prominent Tory ministers, including Penny Mordaunt and Johnny Mercer, are also facing tough battles in their respective constituencies.
Hunt, (pictured with supporters) dismissed the notion of contemplating a loss, attributing it to bad “feng shui.” Nonetheless, the race for the Godalming & Ash seat remains a focal point as election night approaches.
Read more:
Jeremy Hunt Faces Tight Battle for Seat in Election Race