Tory Leadership Contest

So Boris has apparently turned down the Sky News debate but accepted the ITV debate.

I can understand why he'd prefer ITV as it's a main channel and more exposure. That said, it doesn't look good on his part.

Leaves Sky in a tricky position whether to go ahead with a "debate" with just one participant. If that one person was Boris it might be a different matter as I imagine he'd be quite willing to argue with himself.

I could understand turning down Channel 4, but Sky? Aren't they alleged to have a more right wing bias?

Arguably not since they changed hands (the use of the Trump balloon in that promo for instance).

However it's probably more likely he only wants to do one more because the last one was quite weak, and it makes sense to do ITV and reach a wider audience than Sky.

I think Mr. Johnson may have a few more things on his mind, aside from those TV debates. But that’s all we can say.

Or maybe he’s just not a fan of Kay Burley? That’s highly unlikely, though.

Hunt now complaining about the ITV debate, saying he didn't realise the date was after ballot papers would be sent out. Seems he wants to be PM, but hasn't yet mastered using a diary.

Whens the That's TV debate?

I'm no fan of the man, but FFS, if I had a pound for every occasion there's been 'a domestic' next door, or over the road in the six places I've lived over the last 55 years, I'd have been able to treat myself to quite a nice meal out.

Don't think I've ever been inclined to make a recording of one, but hey.....

Not wishing to derail or divert this thread, but I've just caught-up with some of the earlier posts.

Is it being suggested in the clip above that Nationwide was killed-off as a result of the Gould/Thatcher/Lawley "debacle", or was the programme's existence already on a shaky nail by that time?

Whatever the answer, it was nice to re-live that clip again. I recall seeing that LIVE on the day and was astounded that Mrs. Gould had managed to, not only trip-up Maggie, but positively push her face into the sand.

With the memory of that, it's no wonder Mr. Johnson is camera-shy and debate-shy.

*Edited for spelling correction.

Worthwhile indicating that whosoever wins this contest doesn't become PM by right. He'll be asked by HMQ to form a Government, if he fails to achieve this, all sorts of fireworks come into play. The end of July could be metaphorical fireworks of the Political kind, and the associated broadcasting ramifications thereof.

Nationwide's popularity was waning by that point. ITV regional news ruled the airwaves in most regions I think ? and it was ITN's glory period.

Roger Bolton was the editor in charge of that particular programme I think; he ended up at Thames as editor of This Week, then became head of factual. It was under his watch that 'Death on the Rock' was made and broadcast, and we all know the often cited (alleged) consequence of that programme !