Tory leadership rivals pile pressure on Boris Johnson to take part in TV debates
2 min read
Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure to agree to take part in upcoming TV debates involving the candidates to become Tory leader.
The runaway favourite is the only contender to have so far refused to sign up to the shows, which are due to be broadcast by Channel Four on Sunday and the BBC next Tuesday.
His team - who are eager to limit the opportunities for Mr Johnson to squander his commanding leader by blundering - would only say they were "in discussions" with the broadcasters.
But the other six remaining candidates issued a joint-statement on Thursday night confirming they had signed up to the format.
They said: "We are at a critical moment for our country and our party. 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."
Michael Gove, who came third in the first ballot of Tory MPs, said he wanted "to make sure that we have a proper debate about ideas".
The Environment Secretary tweeted: "It’s all to play for. Very much looking forward to the Channel 4 and BBC debates - hope to see all other candidates there!"
Dominic Raab, who is vying with Mr Johnson for the Brexiteer vote, said: “I’m looking forward to the first televised debates on Sunday and I hope that everyone gets involved – we should have a proper debate on the vision for the country."
Channel Four has suggested it will represent Mr Johnson with an empty podium if he refuses to take part.
Justice Secretary David Gauke, who is backing Rory Stewart, said it would be cowardly for Mr Johnson not to take part.
He said: "What would it say about any candidate that they are frightened of that kind of scrutiny. If they have something to hide they should not be running."
Meanwhile, speculation was mounting that Matt Hancock, who came sixth in the first ballot with 20 votes, could pull out of the race as early as Friday and throw his lot in with either Mr Gove or Jeremy Hunt.
His campaign team were refusing to comment, but one Tory insider told PoliticsHome:; "The rumour itself that he is even thinking it will drive his people away."
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