17:56The BBC has announced plans to hold high-profile debates involving Tory leadership candidates without consulting with some of the candidates. The BBC’s decision to unilaterally announce its own broadcasting plans – including a hustings in mid-June and a head-to-head debate between the two final candidates – puts the pressure on individual Tory candidates to take part. Given the potentially make-or-break nature of the Tory leadership debate – and the fact that the winner of the contest will almost certainly become prime minister – the broadcasts could shape the future of British politics, and of the Brexit debate. It could also be damaging for Boris Johnson, whose status as frontrunner means he is likely to come under attack from all sides. Other broadcasters, including ITV and Sky, are also planning their own leadership debates.

Source: The Guardian May 28, 2019 06:50 UTC