BBC announces live TV debates between Tory leadership contenders

THE BBC today announced a string of debates between the Tory leadership candidates.

All the would-be PMs are set to go head to head on live TV to compare their plans for the country, the Beeb said.

Boris Johnson is the frontrunner for the Tory leadership

But the ten-plus contenders haven’t yet confirmed whether they will actually turn up to the four planned programmes scheduled for next month.

Dominic Raab and Matt Hancock have led calls for live debates between those running to replace Theresa May.

Today the BBC confirmed they’re planning a debate with all the candidates in mid-June, presented by Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis.

Then once the shortlist of two contenders to be voted on by Tory activists is announced, the remaining duo will go head to head in a Question Time special.

Star interviewer Andrew Neil is also set to quiz the two finalists in a pair of special programmes.

BBC News boss Fran Unsworth said: “The decision being made by Conservative Party members will profoundly affect us all, so it feels right that BBC audiences get a chance to see the candidates’ debate with each other, and that we scrutinise the various policy proposals they will be standing on.”

ITV is also planning to host its own head-to-head debate between the final two challenges for No10.

But the TV debate plans haven’t been signed off by Tory bosses or the individual candidates.

Mr Hancock, Mr Raab, Andrea Leadsom and Rory Stewart have all welcomed the prospect of debates involving all the contenders.

The Health Secretary said tonight: “Great news! I’m delighted that the BBC are going to have TV debates in this leadership contest. It’s incredibly important that we engage as many people as possible.”

Frontrunner Boris Johnson may be wary of taking part and helping to boost his rivals’ profiles. But a source insisted he was happy to debate and had engaged in talks with broadcasters on the format.

Michael Gove is also running for the leadership

Dominic Raab has already agreed to debates

Sajid Javid confirms he is running to be the next Prime Minister

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