Tory leadership debate BBC LIVE: Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss go head to head for Conservative leadership and No 10
We bring you the latest from the debate and all the fallout as the battle for the Conservative leadership, and the battle to become the next PM continues.
Sophie Raworth will host the debate in Stoke, with the BBC’s political editor Chris Mason and economics editor Faisal Islam offering analysis and some follow-up questions.
The studio audience is made up entirely of people who voted Conservative at the last general election.
Tory leadership debate LIVE: Truss and Sunak set for TV showdown in race for No 10
With postal ballots set to arrive on Tory members’ doorsteps by August 5, Mr Sunak faces pressure to use the BBC debate – and another hosted by TalkTV and the Sun on Tuesday – to make an early breakthrough.
Although he comfortably won the leadership race among Tory MPs, bookmakers have made Ms Truss favourite after a series of opinion polls and surveys put her firmly ahead with Conservative members.
Downing Street has insisted Boris Johnson will step down once a new Conservative Party leader is in place.
A Number 10 spokeswoman, responding to comments from Lord Cruddas, said: “The Prime Minister has resigned as party leader and set out his intention to stand down as PM when the new leader is in place.”
Rishi Sunak arrives for the BBC Tory leadership debate live. Our Next Prime Minister - which will be on the BBC at 9pm.
Rishi Sunak quote tweeted the Channel 4 announcement about his interview with Andrew Neil and, taking aim at Liz Truss who has declined a similar grilling, wrote: “Just me then?”
If you are just joining us - some key points for the debate tonight
Sophie Raworth will host the debate in Stoke, with the BBC’s political editor Chris Mason and economics editor Faisal Islam offering analysis and some follow-up questions.
The studio audience will be made up entirely of people who voted Conservative at the last general election.