ITV Lands First UK General Election Debate Between Rishi Sunak & Keir Starmer

ITV has come out the blocks first with its head-to-head election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.

The debate will take place on Tuesday at 9 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. PT) and be hosted by Julie Etchingham, who moderated debates during the 2015, 2017 and 2019 campaigns.

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

ITV added that it plans to broadcast additional programing including an interview show with other party leaders and a multi-party debate. Details on these shows will be announced in due course, the broadcaster said.

The head-to-head will be one of only two between Sunak and Starmer. Incumbent Prime Minister Sunak had been keen for more but Starmer, whose opposition Labour Party is miles ahead in the polls, always drew the line at two. Deadline understands ITV was always keen to be before the BBC and has in the past refused to host debates if not given the first bite at the cherry.

The BBC said yesterday it has invited the leaders of seven parties including smaller ones to its debate. The BBC also unveiled its election night coverage for the July 4 poll, which will be led by Clive Myrie and Laura Kuenssberg.