Further debates will be hosted over the coming days, with ITV and Sky News broadcasting these events. There are five remaining candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister in September. Rishi Sunak, Penny Mordaunt, Liz Truss, Tom Tugendhat and Kemi Badenoch. The first round of voting took place on Wednesday 13 July, in which Jeremy Hunt and Nadhim Zahawi were disqualified. The second round took place on Thursday and Suella Braverman was voted out. The remaining candidates will face each other in three televised debates, and it is suspected that Mr Sunak and Ms Mordaud will go head-to-head first, as both are currently leading the race.
When are the televised Tory leadership debates?
The first of three debates will take place tonight. A second debate will be broadcast on Sunday 17 July and the third will follow on Tuesday 19 July.
What time will the televised debates be shown?
The first debate will be broadcast tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 4. It will last around 90 minutes and will be hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Sunday evening’s debate will be broadcast at 7pm on ITV and will last around an hour. Although originally scheduled for Monday, the final hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19 at 8 p.m. The hour-long live debate will be hosted by Kay Burley, with participating candidates taking questions from a virtual studio audience. The change of date follows consultation with candidates and the 1922 Conservative Party Committee and is to allow the timetable for the vote to continue.
What did the networks say about the debates?
Louisa Compton, Channel 4’s head of news and current affairs, said: “We are delighted that all five candidates have agreed to take part in Channel 4’s leadership debate and answer questions from voters across the UK. “This talk will be essential for those who want to know more about our next prime minister and what he stands for.” Michael Jermey, ITV’s director of news and current affairs, said: “Televised debates in important elections help voters engage with politics. “ITV has been home to some of the biggest political debates of the last decade. Sunday’s debate will be a major event as the country’s next Prime Minister is chosen.” Meanwhile, John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “There has never been a more important time to reinvigorate voters’ confidence in the Prime Minister’s office. “This live televised debate on Sky News gives the candidates the chance to reconnect with millions by discussing the important issues facing Britain. It presents a unique opportunity to re-engage a disillusioned electorate.” This article is updated with the latest information.
