Fresh pictures have revealed how Rishi Sunak's new private swimming pool is coming along as he faces criticism for not doing enough to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Progress on an indoor pool and tennis court at his multi-million-pound mansion in North Yorkshire is well underway with the main building nearing completion.

It comes as the Prime Minister hopeful has been slammed over the project and the reported £13,000 per year bill it will cost to heat the new pool.

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Meanwhile, families in the North East have hit out at soaring costs amid the cost of living crisis, with some saying they cannot afford to pay their bills.

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Mr Sunak first lodged the planning application for the L-shaped pool back in June last year at the North Yorkshire residence.

And in latest pictures, Mr Sunak's pool can been seen next to a large tennis court - while masses of land next to his home can also be seen. 

Earlier this week, on Tuesday (August 10), the former Chancellor appeared in Darlington for a hustings event at Darlington Hippodrome that saw him come up against Liz Truss. 

At the event, there was minimal mention of the cost of living crisis or the rising energy bills - which was noted by certain quarters on social media.

Despite making a pledge previously to try and tackle the cost of living crisis, the hustings was dominated by Mr Sunak suggesting that he wouldn't offer further benefits to every UK household, and would instead focus on the most vulnerable in society.

In the tense event in Darlington, the two Conservative MPs spoke about immigration, Levelling Up, while the pair were also joined by political allies in the North East.

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Mr Sunak was backed by Darlington MP Peter Gibson at the event, while Liz Truss was supported by Bishop Auckland representative Dehenna Davison.

The Tory-leadership hopeful is a keep fit enthusiast and has lived near Northallerton since he became an MP in the region in 2015.

Richmond Swimming Pool, as part of Richmond Leisure Centre, which is based near his home is also facing closure after a recent report found it continued to “struggle financially.”

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The report states the trust, like most leisure facilities, is facing significantly increased costs due to the cost-of-living crisis and the increase in the national minimum wage to the national living wage level.

Earlier this year, Mr Sunak was included on The Sunday Times Rich List with his wife Akshata Murthy - which stated that the couple had a net worth of around £730m.

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