Brown faces pressure for TV debates
Wednesday, 2 September 2009 3:13 PM
By politics.co.uk staff
Both opposition leaders have now signed up to a TV debate ahead of the general election, leaving Gordon Brown deciding whether he will sign up.
The unity of the two parties on the issue was confirmed by a tweet from Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg yesterday, in which he wrote: "I relish the opportunity to take part in public debate."
The statement now means Mr Brown faces a united front. He may be more tempted to participate in a debate this year given Labour's low chance of success, giving any unscripted event the potential for a change in public opinion.
David Cameron remains the more telegenic leader however, and Tory HQ is excited at the prospect of seeing him face off against the prime minister.
When asked to confirm if the prime minister was considering attending a debate, a Labour spokesperson said the matter would only be considered closer to the general election.
"I have long supported the idea of holding television debates at election time," he wrote in a letter to Sky, which wishes to host a debate.
"I've pressed Gordon Brown about this in the House of Commons and I raised the issue with him again in a letter in July.
"The case for a televised debate is compelling: it would engage the public, help answer their questions, and bring a general election alive.
"I am delighted that Sky has taken the lead and is now organising a television debate, and I look forward to taking part."
The favoured host for a debate is Sir David Frost, whose infamous interview with disgraced former US president Richard Nixon made television history.
In July, business secretary Lord Mandelson suggested Mr Brown "would not have a problem" with a debate.
Bookmakers Paddy Power made Mr Cameron the favourite to win any TV contest, with odds of 5/6. mr Brown had odds of 9/4 to emerge victorious while Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is recieved odds of 5/2.
Meanwhile, William Hill are offering odds of 7/4 that one or more live televised debates will be conducted before the general election - and 2/5 that they will not.
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