London, July 18: The third and final TV debate of the Tory leadership contest has been cancelled, following reports that two of the leading candidates– Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss- did not want to take part.
In a statement on Monday, Sky News, which was to host the event, said the pair had confirmed their absence and added: “Conservative MPs are said to be concerned about the damage the debates are doing to the image of the Conservative Party, exposing disagreements and splits within the party. Both are very welcome to take part in future Sky News televised debates.”
The two contenders clashed repeatedly during an ITV debate on Sunday over each other’s economic plans and record in office, reports BBC.
The heated hour-long debate laid bare divisions between ex-chancellor Sunak and Foreign Secretary Truss over the future of the economy. The five remaining candidates face another round of voting among Tory MPs later to stay in the race.
According to the report, Sunak is in pole position to secure a place in the final two places after MPs finish their voting rounds this week, after which around 160,000 party members will pick the winner in a postal ballot.
Truss, who finished third last time, is locked in an increasingly bitter battle with second-placed Ms Mordaunt to secure a place in the run-off.
With UNI Inputs…
