ITV to air first head-to-head debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn on November 19

ITV has announced that it will air the first live TV head-to-head debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn.

The debate will take place on November 19, pitting the Conservative and Labour party leaders against each other in the run up to the December 12 general election.

Chaired by ITV News presenter Julie Etchingham, it will be followed by a live interview based programme where other parties will be able to comment on the evening’s talking points and set forward their own election agenda.

Mr Johnson tweeted: “Looking forward to making the positive case to the country that we should #GetBrexitDone & deliver on the people’s priorities – #OurNHS, schools, tackling crime & the cost of living.”

Mr Corbyn said: “This is a once in a generation election. So it’s welcome that Boris Johnson has accepted our challenge of a head to head TV debate.

“The choice could not be clearer: Boris Johnson’s Conservatives protecting the privileged few or a Labour government on the side of the many.”

Details for a further multi-party debate, including the Liberal Democrats, SNP, Brexit Party and others as well as representatives of Labour and the Conservatives, are to be announced at a later date.

STV also plans to hold its own debate with Scottish candidates, and Northern Ireland and Wales will also have their own debates.