THE Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, has confirmed that he does not believe that gay sex is sinful, after days of questioning on the subject had overshadowed his party’s election campaigning.

Mr Farron, an Evangelical Christian, told the BBC on Tuesday: “I don’t believe that gay sex is a sin. I take the view that, as a political leader, my job is not to pontificate on theological matters.” He had decided to clarify his views in an effort to move the conversation on. “I am quite careful about how I talk about my faith. I do not bang on about it; I do not make a secret out of it.”

Amid speculation about what would make it into the Conservative manifesto, the Prime Minister has said that the legally binding commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of the national income on foreign aid would remain. “I’m very proud of the record we have, of the children around the world who are being educated as a result of what the British taxpayer is doing in terms of international aid,” Mrs May said during a visit to her Maidenhead constituency last week.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams said that the 0.7 per cent target was a “badge of honour” for the UK.

On Tuesday, the Labour Party set out its position on Brexit, stating that it would immediately guarantee the status of EU citizens, and seek to keep the benefits of the single market and customs union in negotiations.

Christians on the Left has backed Labour’s stance, urging voters to choose Labour to push for a “socially just Brexit”. Its political communications officer, Stephen Beer, said: “This election is an important contest between different visions for our society. The country needs a socially just Brexit which works for everyone, and not just the rich.”