Sky News has cancelled its planned Tory leadership debate after Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss declined to take part.
The Tuesday evening event was cancelled with a day's notice after sources on Mr Sunak's side suggested he will only do further TV debates if he manages to make it to the final two candidates. Meanwhile, sources from Ms Truss' camp claimed they will be focused on behind-closed-door hustings to garner support from Conservative MPs.
A statement from Sky News read: “Tuesday evening’s live television debate on Sky News between the Conservative Party leadership candidates has been cancelled. Two of the three candidates currently leading in the MPs’ ballots – Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss – have confirmed to Sky News that they do not want to take part.
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“Conservative MPs are said to be concerned about the damage the debates are doing to the image of the Conservative Party, exposing disagreements and splits within the party. Both are very welcome to take part in future Sky News televised debates.”
It comes after a televised debate held by ITV on Sunday saw Mr Sunak become involved in a heated exchange with both Ms Truss and trade minister Penny Mordaunt. The former chancellor accused Ms Truss of peddling "something-for-nothing" economics in response to her claim that he was choking off growth by raising taxes to their highest level in 70 years.
One source on Mr Sunak’s team said: “We are very happy to do more debates if we are lucky enough to get to the next stage, including Sky News.” They added that the former chancellor never confirmed with Sky that he would be taking part in the scheduled debate.
However, Ms Truss' team said she will participate in any televised debate that will include all the other candidates. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: “This Conservative ‘leadership’ contest is so scarily embarrassing they’ve pulled out of the debate – so you can’t see them fighting like rats in a sack.”
A source on Ms Mordaunt’s campaign said: “Media scrutiny is important in this contest. Penny has done broadcast and allowed time for journalists to ask questions at her launch.
“MPs aren’t just picking a new leader, but picking the nation’s new PM. Penny hopes there will be ample opportunity for such scrutiny later in the contest in a format that allows detailed questions and insights.”
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