Cameron challenges Brown to TV showdown.
David Cameron last night challenged Gordon Brown to take part in a televised showdown once he becomes Prime Minister.The Tory leader insisted a head-to-head debate would "bring politics to life" after the Chancellor was declared Tony Blair's successor without a single vote being cast.
Such events had proved effective for airing "serious policy issues" during the Conservative leadership election in 2005, according to Mr Cameron.
"I said at the time that we should have these debates between the main party leaders before a General Election," Mr Cameron wrote on his web cameron blog.
"I hope in the next few days Gordon Brown will make clear that, once he's actually the Labour leader and Prime Minister, he'll take part in proper TV debates that could really help bring politics to life."
Mr Brown is due to be formally confirmed as Labour leader on June 24, before entering Number 10 on June 27.
Mr Blair refused to take part in televised debates with other party leaders during the past three General Election campaigns.
Meanwhile, Labour officials said a bid to use its leadership elections to attract new members was working despite Mr Brown facing no challenge.
The usual six-month wait for new members to get voting rights was dropped, in a bid to reverse a major membership slump over recent years.
As many people as possible were urged to take part, as the party was directly electing a Prime Minister for the first time. Previous Labour leadership contests have been while the party was in opposition.
Official figures will not be released until ballot papers are sent out on June 6 but the party insisted new members were being signed up.
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| Publication: | The Birmingham Post (England) |
|---|---|
| Date: | May 19, 2007 |
| Words: | 280 |
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