The Lib Dem leader has called to be included in the debates
Jo Swinson has described the decision to exclude from televised leadership debates as “sexist” and has urged ITV to include her alongside prime minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The Lib Democrats’ female MPs, MEPs and peers wrote an open letter to national broadcasters, calling for them to include Swinson on account of her being the only female candidate in the running, as well as being the leader of the only party promising to cancel Brexit should they be elected.
"Why are they so scared of taking on a girl swot?"@joswinson says it's sexist to exclude her from televised leadership debates. pic.twitter.com/NszRCgJ5d4
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) November 4, 2019
As well as Swinson herself, her Lib Dem colleagues Luciana Berger and Layla Moran also called on broadcasters to include her in the debates.
“To stop the Lib Dems, the biggest, strongest Remain party from having a voice, is a travesty,” said Moran.
"The Labour party are as much to blame for the Brexit mess as the Conservatives." @lucianaberger says a TV debate without @joswinson is a TV debate without Remain being represented. pic.twitter.com/OBQGvxrJYl
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) November 4, 2019
It is understood that Boris Johnson may send a cabinet minister in his stead if the leader of a smaller party is invited to a televised leadership debate.
"To stop the Lib Dems, the biggest, strongest Remain party from having a voice, is a travesty."@LaylaMoran calls for @joswinson to be included in ITV's debate. pic.twitter.com/pTelWNeiWl
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) November 4, 2019