Channel 4 becomes latest broadcaster threatening to ’empty chair’ Theresa May during TV election debates
CHANNEL 4 yesterday became the latest national broadcaster to say it could hold TV leaders’ debates without Theresa May if she refuses to take part.
The PM is so far only prepared to take part in a Question Time special with no head-to-heads with other leaders.
ITV has already called her bluff by pledging to hold a debate with the other leaders.
The PM’s aides met with BBC executives yesterday to plan a compromise where she would take part in a “long-form interview” followed by a Q&A with a selected audience.
Yesterday Channel 4 said: “As a public service broadcaster we believe televised debates help contribute to the democratic process.
“We think it is important to allow party leaders to debate both with one another and interact directly with voters during the campaign period.”
Meanwhile the BBC announced that David Dimbleby will host his 10th election night results programme.
The veteran broadcaster first presented the flagship elections night show when Britain’s first female prime minister margaret Thatcher was elected in 1979.
He will be joined by Mishal Husain, Emily Maitlis and Jeremy Vine.
Huw Edwards will take over presenting the show in the morning.
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