A train of events this lunchtime:
- Breaking - BBC wins broadcasters race to host Brexit deal debate on Sunday December 9, at 8pm.
- BUT hang on: This is still dependent on Labour agreeing. Corbyn said to prefer ITV's pitch - not least because of its 7pm start time, avoiding a clash with I'm A Celebrity. All still in play, I'm told.
- Labour party spokesman: "Negotiations about the debate are still ongoing". Fury in Team Corbyn, accusing No10 of trying to bounce them.
- Interesting. I'm told BBC are promising a far bigger audience because their debate would follow Strictly's result show. On same Sunday last year in 8pm slot, BBC had 11.9m viewers, vs ITV's 4m. I’m A Celeb's big audience bounce only kicks in at 9pm when it starts.
- I also hear that the BBC's debate will not be hosted by Andrew Neil. A shame, but unsurprising neither May nor Corbyn would agree to that type of box office savaging.
Also:
- BBC format for TV debate would also include panel of "names" involved in Brexit to quiz PM and Jeremy Corbyn.
- It's understood Labour do not believe BBC format for TV debate is a genuine head to head - as it would also involve a Brexit panel.
- Labour believe ITV also offer bigger, more diverse viewing audience for TV debate.
Hmm. Not liking the sound of the BBC's use of a panel of "names".
