PM may face Cameron in live election debate on TV

Published on Wednesday 29 July 2009 22:06

GORDON Brown is ready to face David Cameron in a presidential-style TV debate at the next general election, Lord Mandelson has said.

The Prime Minister's closest ally has suggested Mr Brown could become the first incumbent of No10 to agree to such an idea.

Tony Blair repeatedly refused calls from opposition leaders for a live debate, insisting weekly question sessions in the Commons were enough.

But asked about the prospect in a newspaper interview, the Business Secretary replied: "I don't think Gordon would have a problem with that. While Cameron is good with words, he doesn't have the ideas or policies to back them. I think people would see through the smile.

"The more the public sees of them, the more they'd realise that Gordon is the man with the substance.

"Cameron lacks substance and he might come across as someone who exudes effortless superiority in public, but loses his rag in private."

Mr Cameron said he would be "delighted" to have the chance to go head to head with Mr Brown. "This is great news," he added. "I have always supported television debates at election time between the party leaders.

"I have pressed Gordon about it in the House of Commons before and he was totally against it. If he has changed his mind, I will be delighted," he said.