Snap judgments: Telegraph experts cast their vote on the leaders

Leo Mckinstry

After a barrage of criticism of her robotic style, Theresa May came across as authoritative, and reasonable. On the most controversial policy in her manifesto, the funding of social care, she gave a powerful answer that mixed fairness with reassurance.

Jeremy Corbyn engaged easily with the audience, particularly on welfare and the NHS. But his responses to Jeremy Paxman’s questions about nuclear disarmament and the Falklands were alarmingly evasive.

Janet Daley

The Labour leader did passably well with the audience but was predictably hopeless at dealing with Jeremy Paxman’s interrogation, particularly on security and his association with terrorism. He looked dismayed and defensive.

Mrs May did surprisingly well

with the audience and her reply on the dangerous issue of the “dementia tax” was credible and consistent. Her duel with battering-ram Paxman was bruising but she looked far more persuasive than Mr Corbyn.

Tom Harris

Both contenders for No 10 have upped their games. Jeremy Corbyn still tries to deflect every difficult question with odd history lessons no one asked for. Theresa May tried to suggest that her manifesto is merely a consultation document. Corbyn went down far better

with the audience. May was dull, professional and on message. After six weeks of campaigning, viewers saw two leaders who have realised this election has, unexpectedly, become competitive.