BBC Tory leadership debate: What time is it on TV tonight and will Boris Johnson take part?

Tom Herbert18 June 2019
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Boris Johnson is set to take part in his first televised debate this evening along with the other Tory leadership contenders.

The former Foreign Secretary will go head-to-head on the BBC with the other hopefuls vying to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister.

Mr Johnson was absent from Sunday night's debate on Channel 4 after refusing to take part and was instead represented by an empty chair.

Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove, Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid and Rory Stewart clashed over Brexit during the fiery live TV debate, but candidates also discussed their weaknesses and what their priority would be as leader.

Two more debates will be held later on in the election race between the final two candidates on both the BBC and Sky News.

Here's all you need to know about the Tory leadership debates which will be on TV over the next few days.

When are the debates happening?

The BBC said it plans to host two debates during the leadership race, the first of which will take place at 8pm on Tuesday, June 18.

Called "Our Next Prime Minister", the live debate will be hosted by Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis.

It will feature the remaining candidates, who have made it through the second ballot, which also takes place on Tuesday.

They will be invited to appear on the show and will be asked questions from viewers live on air.

The final two candidates will also later be invited to take part in a special edition of Question Time with Fiona Bruce, where they will be asked questions by an audience.

Meanwhile Sky News said it has plans to organise its own head-to-head debate with the final two candidates.

The live debate will be in front of a studio audience and hosted by Kay Burley.

Who will take part in the debates?

All of the remaining candidates, including Mr Johnson, have committed to appear on Tuesday's BBC debate.

By the time the BBC debate takes place this evening, the field will have narrowed further following the second leadership contest ballot.

The remaining candidates will also be invited onto the final two BBC and Sky debates later in the month.

Mr Johnson did not appear on Sunday night's debate, suggesting it would be too "cacophonous" but described the BBC debate as the "best forum" for candidates.

A Channel 4 spokesman said it was "disappointed" that Mr Johnson did not take part.

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