ROW ERUPTS BETWEEN CONSERVATIVES AND CHANNEL 4
A row has erupted between the Conservatives and Channel 4 as an ice sculpture was used in Boris Johnson's place in the Channel 4 News debate on climate change.
The party has made a formal complaint to Ofcom's election committee.
The Prime Minister was again accused of "running scared" when he did not join the other party leaders, with Michael Gove instead turning up and asking if he could stand in for Mr Johnson, before being turned away because he is not a party leader.
A letter from the Conservatives, addressed to Ofcom election committee chairman Tim Suter, said it offered Channel 4 the former environment secretary Mr Gove to be the party's representative for the debate.
"Channel 4 News has refused to accept this representative, and stated that they intend to 'empty chair' the Conservative Party if the Prime Minister does not attend," the letter said.
"This effectively seeks to deprive the Conservative Party of any representation and attendance at the Channel 4 News debate."
It comes as Conservative sources were reported as saying that if the party wins the coming election, it will reassess Channel 4's public service broadcasting licence.
Published: by Radio NewsHub