ITV Tory leadership debate: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt clash in fiery head-to-head debate

Tory leadership hopefuls Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have clashed in a fiery head-to-head televised debate.

The pair were probed in an hour-long discussion, hosted by ITV, and were quizzed on a number of issues, including how they would deliver Brexit and what their plans are for the UK’s future.

Mr Johnson vowed to give the country “its mojo back” while Mr Hunt insisted he could win over non-Tories as the two contenders to become the next prime minister battled it out.

Opening the debate, campaign frontrunner Mr Johnson said he was the right person to “unleash on this project”, to deliver Brexit and “unite this country”.

But with an eye on the next general election, Foreign Secretary Mr Hunt said he would be able to reach beyond Tory voters and secure the support of the wider country.

The next prime minister will be chosen by Tory members, with the result announced on July 23.

Mr Johnson said: “This country faces a momentous choice – we can either continue with the same old, failed, can-kicking approach, destroying trust in politics, sapping business confidence.

“Or else we can change, get back our mojo, restore this country’s reputation around the world and put ourselves on the path to long-term success.”

He vowed to get Brexit done by October 31, pledged more money for schools and police, and promised full-fibre broadband for all.

Mr Johnson said he would be able to take on the “semi-Marxist, wealth and job-destroying lunacy of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party”.

Mr Hunt promised to “deliver Brexit but so much more” if he won the keys to Number 10.

Highlighting his experience as an entrepreneur, the former health secretary and current Foreign Secretary said: “In poll after poll I am the public’s preferred choice for prime minister because I appeal not just to those who already vote Conservative but those we need to win.

“And to those watching at home, I will be your prime minister, whoever you vote for, as I bring together our amazing United Kingdom.”

The pair were also quizzed on tax cuts “for the richest”.

Mr Hunt claimed the cuts he prioritised were corporation tax cuts and put forward he was doing so to “boost the growth of our economy”.

While Mr Johnson said his agenda would be to “focus on those who are hardest pressed”. 

Mr Johnson also asked Mr Hunt whether he thinks “people on middle incomes should be paying the higher rate of tax”

He then probed Mr Hunt to answer this, before hitting out and saying “these blue on blue debates are so embarrassing”, as he claimed Mr Hunt was not answering.

The pair were also asked what qualities they most admired in their opponent. Mr Johnson said he admired Mr Hunt’s ability to “change his mind” and to “campaign for Brexit now”.

And Mr Hunt said he admired Mr Johnson’s ability to answer questions and said he “puts a smile on your face and you forget what the question was”.