PM ducks out of TV debates in favour of ‘traditional’ campaign and speaking directly to voters
THERESA MAY will try duck a telly showdown with fellow party leaders ahead of June’s snap election.
Probed on whether she would take part any TV debate the PM told The Sun last night: “I think that is highly unlikely”.
And a No 10 source added: “They won’t happen.”
“We want a traditional campaign where we can get out and speak to all the voters, so they see people personally.
“TV debates just kill campaigns, because they become all about them.”
But the PM was immediately accused of “bottling it” and broadcasters were urged to “empty chair” any leader that refused to debate.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron accused Mrs May of “dodging scrutiny”.
Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn said: “it’s rather strange that only a couple of hours after calling for a General Election, the Prime Minister is saying she’s not going to take part in TV debates.”
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The Labour boss added: “I say to Theresa May, who said this election was about leadership: Come on and show some.
“Let’s have the debates. It’s what democracy needs and what the British people deserve.”
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Mr Farron added that TV channels had a “moral duty” to go ahead with the televised leaders’ showdowns even if she fails to take part.
“The Prime Minister’s attempt to dodge scrutiny shows how she holds the public in contempt,” he added.
And the call was echoed by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who added: “If the PM doesn’t have the confidence to debate her plans on TV with other leaders, broadcasters should empty chair her and go ahead anyway.”
Asked why the PM wanted to swerve the on air battle, the Conservatives said: “The choice at this election is already clear - strong and stable leadership in the national interest with Theresa May and the Conservatives or weak and unstable coalition government led by Jeremy Corbyn.”
A BBC spokesman said that it was too early to say whether the broadcaster would seek to stage a debate.
But ITV were understood to be considering to hosting a live battle.