ITV to air Conservative leadership debate

Michael Jermey, ITV’s Director of News and Current Affairs:

“Television debates at important elections help voters engage with politics. ITV has been the home of some of the biggest political debates over the past decade. Sunday’s debate will be an important event as the country’s next Prime Minister is chosen.”

ITV will hold a live television debate with the Conservative leadership candidates next Sunday at 7 pm. The debate will take place at ITV’s White City studios. In 2019, ITV’s Conservative leadership debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt was watched by 4.4 million viewers.

Earlier today Sky News announced they would hold the ‘first TV battle‘ between MPs who are hoping to convince Tory members to make them Britain’s next PM. Sky News will host the television debate with those vying to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country’s next Prime Minister on Monday 18th July, however ITV have pipped them to the post by airing their offering on  July 17th.

Update: Channel 4 have now also taken the lead to hold the first debate with a programme airing on Friday 15th.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News:

“There has never been a more important time to reinvigorate the trust of voters in the office of the Prime Minister. This live TV debate on Sky News gives the candidates a chance to reconnect with millions by debating the major issues facing Britain. It presents a unique opportunity to re-engage a disillusioned electorate.”