Sky News has announced plans to host the first live television debate with the candidates seeking to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the UK’s next Prime Minister.
The candidates to the Sky News studios in West London on Monday 18th July for a live debate hosted by Kay Burley.
The contenders will face questions from a virtual studio audience with the programme broadcast live on Sky News’ linear and digital channels, YouTube and through IRN (Independent Radio News) to commercial radio partners.
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.”
Although Britain elects the party rather than the person, leaders’ debates, the concept has been a part of the political landscape since Sky, BBC and ITV created the first debates in 2010.
The parliamentary Conservative party will hold a series of votes that whittles down the contenders to two. Conservative members will then choose between them.
