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Peter Davidson

Tory leadership candidates to face each other during live TV debates

Candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister are set to take part in a number of television debates in the lead up to the Tory party voting for a new leader.

So far 11 Tory MPs have put their name forward to succeed Johnson who announced his resignation last week following a revolt from his Cabinet and MPs.

By the time of the debates the number of candidates standing will be slimmed down with two MPs eventually put to the party to vote for the next PM.

READ MORE: Tory leadership candidates to refuse Scottish independence referendum for next 10 years

Cabinet members such as Liz Truss, Nadhim Zahawi and Grant Shapps have already put their names forward for the top job with big hitters Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak also in the running.

Nearly all candidates have pledged massive tax cuts as soon as they get into office.

During a speech in Gateshead Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Tory leadership hopefuls of plucking £200 billion of uncosted commitments from the "magic money tree".

He demanded that those vying to replace Johnson as Prime Minister set out the cuts or borrowing they would need as they take part in an "arms race of fantasy economics".

Starmer said there had been "more than £200 billion worth of unfunded spending commitments" from the candidates over the weekend.

"That's more than the annual budget of the NHS, splurged on to the pages of the Sunday papers, without a word on how it'll be paid for," he added.

Labour leader Keir Starmer criticised the Tory candidates over their pledges (Getty Images)

He challenged candidates to "tell us precisely where they're getting that money from", whether it is from cuts to public services or increases to borrowing.

"Or is it the magic money tree that they've suddenly discovered having arrived back down here from the moon where they've been for the last 12 years?" he said.

Here's what you need to know about the TV debates:

When are the Tory party TV debates?

Two live televised Conservative leadership debates have also been announced so far with more expected in the coming days.

The first one is due to take place on ITV/STV at 7pm on Sunday, July 17. ITV has not announced who will anchor the debate which will take place at the firm's White City studios.

Michael Jermey, ITV's Director of News and Current Affairs said: "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."

The second debate will be held on Sky News on Monday, July 18. A time and presenter of the show hasn't been set yet by the corporation.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: "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."

The BBC is expected to host a debate but details have not been announced yet.

Who is running to become Tory party leader?

  • Rishi Sunak
  • Grant Shapps
  • Jeremy Hunt
  • Sajid Javid
  • Liz Truss
  • Nadhim Zahawi
  • Tom Tugendhat
  • Kemi Badenoch
  • Rehman Chishti
  • Suella Braverman
  • Penny Mordaunt
  • Priti Patel

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