Sky News has confirmed that it has decided to cancel its TV debate between the contenders for the Conservative Party leadership.
Just four candidates now remain in the battle to succeed Boris Johnson and become the next UK Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch - and by tomorrow afternoon the shortlist will be reduced to three.
Those remaining three had been due to take part in a Sky News debate, moderated by Kay Burley, on Tuesday night ahead of Wednesday's crucial vote to determine the final two.
However, following on from debates on Channel 4 last Friday and ITV on Sunday, both Sunak and Truss informed the broadcaster today that they would not be taking part.
The two clashed multiple times during the ITV debate, with former chancellor Sunak accusing Truss - the foreign secretary - of "something-for-nothing" economics, while she said that his tax plans had stifled growth.
A statement from Sky said: "Two of the three candidates currently leading in the MPs ballots, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, have confirmed to Sky News that they do not want to take part.
"Conservative MPs are said to be concerned about the damage the debates are doing to the image of the Conservative Party, exposing disagreements and splits within the party.
"Both are very welcome to taking part in future Sky News televised debates."
The final two candidates will tour the country in multiple hustings events over the summer in a bid to earn Conservative Party members' votes and are also likely to engage in extensive media appearances.
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