ITV to hold televised election debate in spite of May refusal

ITV has confirmed it will host at least one television debate for the snap election despite Prime Minister Theresa May saying she will not take part.

The broadcaster said it will host a debate ahead of the election on 8 June to be chaired by Julie Etchingham, as it had done for the 2010 and 2015 general elections, and will release details in due course.

In the run-up to the 2010 election three televised debates were held by the BBC, ITV and Sky featuring the leaders of the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, SNP, Ukip and Green parties.

May's predecessor David Cameron initially refused before eventually appearing in one televised debate in 2015.

The Prime Minister on Wednesday ruled out a television debate but was criticised by Labour for “running scared” of a live debate.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said at Prime Minister's Questions: “If she's so proud of her record, why won't she debate it on TV?"

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron accused May of “attempting to dodge scrutiny”.

“I expect the broadcasters to do the right thing; don’t let the Conservatives call the shots. If the prime minister won’t attend, empty chair her. Corbyn can defend her position as they seem to vote the same on these matters. You have a moral duty to hold these debates,” he said.

This was echoed by SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood for the Prime Minister to be ‘empty chaired’ if she is not persuaded to take part.

May told the BBC that she preferred to “go out and knock on doors” for the campaign.