conservative party members leave first Tory leadership in Leeds said he was relieved that both candidates came across as potential prime ministers.
But some of the biggest rounds of applause at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavillion Elland Road ground were reserved for questions suggesting the current PM Boris Johnson should be on the ballot.
Neil Buckley, from Leeds, said: “I was very impressed with both candidates, but especially Liz Truss.
“She gives me, as a conservative, more of a vision of where it’s actually going – smaller state and lower taxes.
I was impressed with the hustings. I was impressed with the tone
“There are still a few weeks to go, but on tonight’s show I will vote for Liz Truss.”
Mr Buckley said: “For me, I found that Rish Sunak was just a little bit stable, but I think we’re in a pretty desperate situation right now and I think we need something more.”
Maria Broadhead, of Pickering in North Yorkshire, said: “I was impressed with the hustings. I was impressed with the tone.
“I think Liz Truss was the best I’ve seen her perform. I think she answered all the questions that needed to be answered.
“She gave me confidence that she would be a capable prime minister.”
Ms Broadhead said: “But I think we are in safe hands and either one of us would make a good Prime Minister.
“I think Rishi has a lot of integrity and I think Liz has a lot of common sense ideas.”
dr. Zahir Khan had traveled from London to make sure he was at the first of the scheduled hustings.
Dr Khan said: “I think both candidates are excellent and we are in safe hands.
“I think it’s about who can keep the country together. There are some big challenges.
“I think as a party we should become ‘we’ instead of ‘me’.”
Geoff Parsons, from Bradford, said: “I think there were a lot of people who loved Boris and are not happy that we are in this situation, but we are where we are.
“We have to pick one and I think Liz Truss will probably get it.”
The only question that was clawed louder by the public in Leeds than those in support of Mr Johnson was that of a woman who disapproved of what she claimed was bringing mixed toilets to schools.
The few booing during the night were mostly comedic – such as when Liz Truss declared her love for Norwich City football club.
But one young man provoked a few sharp breaths from the largely older audience when he suggested that retirees who “sit at home and watch TV during the day” should contribute more to the financial situation of the stressed youth.