A deal has been done between news broadcasters and the main political parties, the Telegraph has learned. It will be the first time that British party leaders have gone head-to-head in a live television battle similar to those in American presidential elections. …
It comes after fierce negotiating between Number 10, David Cameron’s office and the BBC, ITV News and Sky News. For both Gordon Brown and David Cameron it represents a gamble. …
Final details on when the debates will be held and the precise format are still to be thrashed out. Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, will also be delighted with the opportunity for prolonged media coverage.
Nick Clegg has already tweeted his happiness at the news:
I’m delighted that the general election leaders’ debates will finally go ahead.
4 Comments
Needless to say this is great news.
It’s good news, but I’d like to see everyone hold out for a debate about the economy; rather than the three leaders, imagine the boost to the party if it were Uncle Vince up against Darling and Osborne live on tv!
Perhaps one of the other channels will do just that – a Vince, Darling and Georgeous Show would be good to see.
If people tune in this will be a massive boost for us, as substance will actually take hold… Something that is ample in our case, and lacking in the Conservatives. Could be a large boost to our normal election bounce. Will be interested to see how well Brown presents himself as that has for much of his reign been his problem, again I think there is some substance to Gordon and his party. Will the real losers be the Tories?