Primetime BBC1 Conservative leadership debate draws over 5 million viewers

Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove, Rory Stewart and Sajid Javid were quizzed by the public and host Emily Maitlis

Published: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 at 12:58 pm

The BBC’s Conservative leadership debate, Our Next Prime Minister, drew in an impressive 5.28 million viewers yesterday evening (Tuesday 18th June), according to overnight figures.

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Audiences tuned in to see the remaining five candidates – Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove, Rory Stewart and Sajid Javid – battle it out over an hour-long show covering Brexit, the environment and public service cuts.

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Host Emily Maitlis worked hard to contain the candidates, who regularly spoke over each over as they answered questions asked by the public via a video link.

However, the highlight of the night for many was Rory Stewart, who removed his tie halfway through the debate – much to the delight of Twitter.

The BBC’s audience figures are a big step up from Channel 4’s, whose 16th June televised debate Live: Britain’s Next PM drew in 1.2 million viewers. Unlike the BBC debate, Boris Johnson – the contest’s frontrunner – did not appear on this show.

Viewers can expect one further Conservative TV showdown, with Sky News set to host a live head-to-head debate between the final two candidates in front of a studio audience made up of Conservative voters. The exact time and date of the show, that will be presented by Kay Burley, is yet to be finalised.

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You can watch the BBC debate, Our Next Prime Minister on BBC iPlayer now

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