Heated TV debate with consequences: When Johnson succeeds, scraps fly – shortly after the survey surprise

Created: 07/18/2022, 17:57

By: Felix Durach

A TV debate between candidates to succeed Boris Johnson became heated.

Two favorites then canceled another TV debate.

LONDON - The search for a new prime minister in Britain continues.

After the resignation of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, the Conservative Party is desperately looking for a successor.

Five candidates are still in the running of the multi-stage selection process on Monday.

The field is led by a favorite trio of former Treasury Secretary Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State Liz Truss and former Secretary of Defense Penny Mordaunt.

Johnson successor: hard exchange of blows in TV debate – favorite Sunak comes under pressure

On Sunday evening, all candidates faced each other in a TV debate.

There was a heated exchange of blows, especially among the favorites for the post of prime minister.

Liz Truss, in particular, repeatedly attacked her competitors in front of the cameras on Sunday.

Among other things, Sunak accused the Foreign Secretary of having led Great Britain into recession during his term of office by raising taxes.

Touted as favorites to succeed Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister: Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss in Sunday's TV debate.

© Victoria Jones/dpa

Sunak, who is currently leading the field, has also come under criticism from Penny Mordaunt for his decisions as Treasury Secretary.

He also had to justify himself because of his wealth and his family's alleged tax tricks.

Mordaunt has also come under increasing criticism in recent days.

UK: Concerns in party - Sunak and Truss cancel second TV debate

The sharpness with which the candidates criticized each other caused concern within the party.

This is probably one of the reasons why Sunak and Truss announced on Monday that they would not take part in another TV debate planned for Tuesday.

This is reported by the TV station Sky News.

Because of the cancellations, the TV debate was completely canceled.

The decision can also be explained by the fact that both candidates are considered almost seeded for the round of the last three candidates.

The TV debate on Sunday was preceded by a survey with a surprising outcome.

In a non-representative poll of Tory members, former Equality Minister Kemi Badenoch, who is considered an outsider, came out on top.

A possible pointer also because the final decision on the new party leader and prime minister will be made by the party base in a ballot.

Johnson successor: These candidates are still in the running

• Rishi Sunak (Ex-Finance Minister)

• Liz Truss (Secretary of State)

• Penny Mordaunt (Ex Secretary of Defense)

• Kemi Badenoch (Ex-Equal Opportunities Minister)

• Tom Tugendhat (MP)

also read

Ukraine counter-offensive: Putin's henchman Medvedev draws a red line and threatens "Last Judgment"

Ex-Merkel adviser will soon see an irrevocable advantage for Putin - "Then we no longer need to negotiate"

Johnson successor: Candidates for the runoff election should be known on Wednesday

Until then, however, the field of applicants will have to thin out noticeably.

Tory MPs are due to hold a third round of voting on Monday evening.

The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated.

MP Tom Tugendhat is credited with the worst chances of progressing.

On Wednesday evening it should be clear which two candidates will move into the runoff election to succeed Boris Johnson.

On September 5, the new party leader and prime minister should be determined.

Regardless of the procedure, the government announced a vote of confidence in the government on Monday evening.

She was responding to criticism that she had blocked a motion of no confidence in Johnson by the opposition Labor Party.

It is considered certain that the government will win the vote.