PM May’s absence at TV debate becomes talking point
LONDON: The primacy of television in political communication has long been established, but perhaps for the first time a prime minister had more impact by being absent during a live debate.
Prime Minister Theresa May had decided not to debate Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on television. She kept her word, but the latter won many brownie points by deciding to appear at the debate in Cambridge on Wednesday night.
There were leaders of seven parties at the debate, but by keeping away May became the most talked about leader, leaving only home secretary Amber Rudd – her replacement – to put up a weak defence to justify her absence.
In contrast, Corbyn — dogged by claims that he is not fit for politics in the age of television — won more supporters by reasoned arguments and passionate ripostes to Rudd.
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrats leader, had the most biting words in his opening statement: “Where do you think Theresa May is tonight...She wants five years as prime minister and she thinks you’ll give it to her, no questions asked – literally”.
Rudd’s appeal to the audience to judge her government on its record drew laughter.
Foreign secretary Boris Johnson insisted on Thursday that BBC had the “most leftwing audience” it had for any such event. BBC denied the allegation, saying the audience was equally divided among parties and those who had to remain and leave the European Union.