Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer’s first TV debate on TUESDAY at 9pm

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer will go head-to-head in the first televised election debate next week. it was announced today.

The PM and Labour leader are due to face off at 9pm on Tuesday on ITV – with Tories hoping Mr Sunak can land some blows and start to narrow the gap in the polls.

The hour-long debate will be moderated by Julie Etchingham and take place in front of a studio audience. 

The parties have been wrangling with broadcasters over the formats for the clashes, with Downing Street pushing for as many set-pieces as possible before July 4.

Labour has been trying to limit the potential for slip-ups, with Sir Keir seen as having more to lose given his huge advantage in the polls.   

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer will go head-to-head in the first televised election debate next week. it was announced today

The PM and Labour leader are due to face off at 9pm on Tuesday on ITV – with Tories hoping Mr Sunak can land some blows and start to narrow the gap in the polls

The debate will be moderated by Julie Etchingham who took charge of the ITV debate in 2019

Michael Jermey, ITV’s Director of News and Current Affairs said: ‘Millions of viewers value the election debates. 

‘They provide a chance to see and hear the party leaders set out their pitch to the country, debate directly with each other and take questions from voters. 

‘ITV is pleased to be broadcasting the first debate in this year’s election campaign.’