Tory leadership hopefuls set to battle it out in TV debate for party crown

TORY leadership hopefuls could appear in televised debates in the fight to claim the party crown.

Broadcasters have contacted the six MPs vying to replace Rishi Sunak to ask them to take part in debates later in the year.

A number of the contenders are up for it.

But Tory Party bosses could kibosh it as they fear it will end up in blue-on-blue mud-slinging.

Broadcasting sources said they have approached rival leadership camps to try to sign them up for US presidential style debates after the summer holidays.

One said Robert Jenrick — one of the frontrunners — said he is happy to do TV debates “anytime anywhere”.

An MP ally of Mr Jenrick added: “I’m not surprised — he is an underrated media performer.”

Six MPs have so far officially entered the race.

They are Mr Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Mel Stride and Priti Patel.

But party bosses are terrified the battle will descend into open civil war.

They have introduced tough new rules to prevent nasty attacks between the rival contenders.

Leadership hopefuls will be given a yellow card and publicly called out if they flout the rules.

It is up to Tory chairman Richard Fuller whether or not the debates go ahead.

Sources said there had been talk in Tory HQ of televised leadership debates.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “Any request for TV debates will be considered after the summer.

“This leadership contest is about the Conservative Party membership and who they want to be the next leader of our Party.

“That is why candidates are spending the summer speaking to members across the country. All candidates have been asked to run a clean, policy-focused campaign.”

Leadership hopefuls are heading off on their summer road tours as they try to schmooze the Tory rank and file to vote for them.

Insiders have dubbed the six-week roadshow the “cappuccino charm offensive”.

Ms Badenoch launched a broadside at Britain’s failed integration policies as she vies for the top job.

She called for a “clearer strategy on integration” as riots sweep Britain.

None of the leadership hopefuls would comment on the prospect of TV debates.