There was a burst of excitement in the BBC debate broadcast room as we realized it was almost over.

A week is a long time in politics, and since The independentIt is trip to Manchester for the first face-to-face of the general elections, that makes two.

The first time around, the hackers gathered in the backstage “spin room” were eagerly awaiting a potentially game-changing clash between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in what seemed from the start a done and dusted contest.

This time Mr Sunak arrived with the baggage of a disastrous D-Day gaffe, a Tory election betting scandal and with Nigel Farage hot on his heels in the polls.

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With little chance of the debate enlightening voters or changing the game, the assembled journalists seemed more concerned about the unbearable heat of the broadcast room than whether sparks would fly on the debate stage.

In the spin room, where Rishi Sunak's top team sought to convince journalists that he was the best man on the debate stage (Archie Mitchell) — In the spin room, where Rishi Sunak’s top team sought to convince journalists that he was the best man on the debate stage (Archie Mitchell)

But even though the weather was worse, the treat offering was significantly better: the generous license fee payers had provided guests with unlimited Coca Cola, crisps, vegan KitKats and a range of classic sandwiches.

As camera crews entered the room at Nottingham Trent University’s Newton & Arkwright Building, hungry journalists took advantage of the provisions and prepared for the challenge ahead.

In the blue corner, Rishi Sunak, who told assembled journalists, was the man at the top: Conservative David Davis, Home Secretary James Cleverly, Treasury Chief Secretary Laura Trott and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins.

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer faced off in a fight that at times devolved into an inaudible shouting match (AP)

In the red corner, lined up to convince viewers Sir Keir Starmer won the day: Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Attack Dog General Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones, Secretary Education shadow Bridget Phillipson and national campaign coordinator Pat McFadden.

As a bonus for attendees, Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper walked around the press room in an electric blue two-piece, telling the assembled press that both were as bad as each other .

The Prime Minister and the man who wants to replace him were expecting a rap-fueled pro-Gaza protest, with demonstrators chanting that Sir Keir and Mr Sunak had blood on their hands from the conflict.

And when the debate began, both men were drowned out by the inaudible shouts of protesters, prompting host Mishal Husain to step in and remind viewers that Britain is a democracy and “people are exercising their freedom of speech.”

An admittedly unscientific method, but the discussions between hackers seemed more focused on demonstration than debate, with some even coming out to cover the colorful scenes.

The debate itself was not new, with Mr Sunak accusing the Labor leader of a plan to raise taxes and let immigration run amok. Sir Keir countered that both of these things have already happened under the Prime Minister’s reign.

Rishi Sunak, whose upper lip glistened with sweat throughout the debate, reached for a much-needed glass of water (Getty Images)

There was nothing to get excited about, but a few moments helped liven up the spin room. There were laughs when Robert, an audience member, stepped in to describe the Prime Minister as “pretty mediocre”, and an “oof” when he concluded with “are you really the best we have?” »

Journalists seemed even more baffled when Mr Sunak said his commitment to women’s issues came from his two young daughters, rather than just… caring about women. But the audience loved it and applauded generously.

The biggest change in mood occurred around 9:10 p.m., with only 20 minutes of debate remaining.

The temperature dropped slightly and the spin room was lit by purple tinted lights.

Labour's Pat McFadden said — Labour’s Pat McFadden said “there was only one prime minister in the room tonight” (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

He seemed to be saying to journalists, ministers, shadow ministers and everyone else present: “Don’t worry, just another 20 minutes now.” »

For an election that seems to be over, the electoral debate has turned into a real controversy. Familiar faces in the room seemed ready to hit the road, with just one last push left to make.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for: the spin. Mr Ashworth stood up to tell the pirates that Mr Sunak looked grumpy and desperate, while Mr McFadden said ‘there was only one prime minister in the room tonight’ .

Mr Cleverly came to the defense of his boss, whose broken promise to “stop the boats” was once again in the spotlight.

In a telling sign, the Home Secretary was asked if he was considering replacing Mr Sunak as Conservative leader. And, in a sign that it was truly time to go home, he insisted that the elections were still here.

There’s spin, and then there’s outright fantasy.