Channel 4 to host first leadership battle of the Tories

Following the confirmation Sky News and ITV were to air a Tory leadership debate, Channel 4 announced they will air the first clash tomorrow.

Sky News said they would be first to host a debate on Monday 18th, then ITV pipped them with a debate to air on Sunday 17th and now Channel 4 has taken the lead with a special debate to air on Friday 15th.

Louisa Compton, Head of News Current Affairs, Specialist Factual and Sport;

“We’re thrilled that all five candidates have agreed to take part in Channel 4’s leadership debate and answer questions from voters around the UK. This debate will be essential viewing for those wanting to know more about our next prime minister and what she or he stand for.”

Channel 4 has confirmed, Kemi Badenoch, Penny Mordaunt Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and Tom Tugendhat will all be taking part in the debate. As the Conservatives prepare to elect a new leader, on Friday 15 July at 7:30pm Channel Four will host the first of the Conservative leadership debates.

This live debate will ask: who’s the right choice to be Britain’s next Prime Minister?

Hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, over 90 minutes, the candidates still in the running for the top job will face questions from a studio audience of floating voters.

Ian Rumsey, Managing Director of ITN Productions:

“We’re delighted that all the remaining candidates have now confirmed that they will be appearing for the first time together in a live TV debate. This gives an opportunity for our audience – both in the studio and at home – to hear what they really think on the issues that matter most.”