Hunt vs. Johnson: Diametrically opposed views of UK Prime Minister candidates

(Patria) – Tory rivals Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt contrasted their views on the economy and Brexit in their first face-to-face TV debate on Tuesday evening.

Johnson and Hunt are the only contenders for the position of Prime Minister and leader of the British Conservative Party.

At the very beginning of the debate on the show 'Watch the Future Prime Minister', Johnson stated that it is vital for Great Britain to leave the EU on October 31st this year, which is the current deadline for Brexit.

Hunt responded that he is more likely to lead Britain out of the EU 'because he has a plan'.

Reporting on parts of the debate, the Euronews portal writes that Johnson refused to answer his rival's question as to whether he would resign if Britain did not leave the EU by the deadline. Instead of answering, he commented that he does not want to give the EU the opportunity to provoke his resignation by refusing to agree to the proposed deal.

When asked about general elections, Hunt replied that he does not want elections before the realization of Brexit, while Johnson commented that a failed Brexit by October 31st means losing the election.

According to the results of an informal Twitter poll, Jeremy Hunt won the debate with a 64% lead.

British journalist and political editor Robert Peston commented that Hunt's question about Johnson's resignation caused visible discomfort for Johnson, but added that Johnson's pro-Brexit rhetoric is his strongest card with most Tories.

The day before, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn stated that the next prime minister should test the Brexit plan with a second referendum on EU membership.

In a letter to Labour members, Corbyn said that their party would campaign to remain in the EU to stop the idea of a no-deal Brexit, which would be detrimental to the economy and employment.