The former Foreign Secretary has faced criticism from his rivals, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove and Dominic Raab. The three will join Sajid Javid, Matt Hancock and Rory Stewart in a live debate on Channel 4 and the BBC. Channel 4 has also threatened to leave an empty chair for Mr Johnson in the debates if he doesn’t attend, The Sun reported.
The rival Tory candidates have said it’s “critical” all candidates are tested before the public.
In an open letter seen by The Sun the rivals said: “The next Conservative leader, and Prime Minister, will have the crucial task of uniting Britain behind a new vision – not only to deliver Brexit, but to define what comes next.
“This leadership contest provides an important opportunity to debate, to shape and to define the ideas which will underpin those competing visions.
“That is why we are committed to taking part in the Channel 4 televised debates this Sunday and the BBC programme next Tuesday.”
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Mr Johnson’s team reportedly didn’t sign on to be part of the televised debates.
Supporters of his rivals are hoping Mr Johnson will make a mistake live on air closing the huge gap between him and fellow Tory hopefuls.
One support told The Sun: “He’s like a missile that could blow up at any time.
“We just have to hope.”
A spokesman added Mr Johnson’s team are still “in discussions” with Channel 4 and the BBC.
The attack on Mr Johnson comes after he received 114 votes in the first round of votes of the Conservative leadership race.
Jeremy Hunt got 43 votes and Michael Gove, 37.
Esther McVey, Andrew Leadsom and Mark Harper were blasted out of the race with the fewest votes.
